Duke University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $34.3K puts this master's program at the 52nd percentile on cost — roughly 20% below the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time, co-op schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required. Strong background in mathematics, physics, and programming preferred. GRE scores recommended for international applicants and domestic students with GPA below 3.0.

About This Program

This degree provides deep technical training in the disciplines defining modern robotics, including mechanical design, machine learning, and controls, integrated with leadership and ethics training. Coursework concentrates on Computer Vision and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

It is one of 31 AI-related programs we track in North Carolina, of which about 45% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 58% of the North Carolina programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $69.0K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Robotics Engineer, with reported salaries around $92,000.

Design and implement autonomous systems with real-world applications in robotics and control.

Budget planners should note $34.3K estimated total tuition (52nd percentile among AI master's programs, below the $42.9K average). That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

Career Outcomes

Duke University positions this master track for Robotics Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $92,000. Its focus on Computer Vision and Machine Learning maps directly to how employers in autonomous vehicles screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 8% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Autonomous Systems Engineer
• 2. Robotics Software Engineer
• 3. Control Systems Designer
• 4. AI Research Scientist

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement autonomous systems with real-world applications in robotics and control
• Apply machine learning and AI techniques to enable intelligent decision-making in autonomous machines
• Integrate sensor systems and develop perception algorithms for autonomous navigation
• Analyze safety and reliability in safety-critical autonomous systems

Curriculum Highlights

The program includes a robotics core, departmental requirements in machine learning and controls, business preparatory courses, and a hands-on capstone project involving real-world robotics problems.

Top Employers

Common employers include Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Waymo, NASA, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, and major tech companies like Google and Amazon Robotics.

Admissions

Admission to Duke University's Master of Engineering in Autonomous, Intelligent Systems and Machines generally expects a master of engineering (meng). Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as recommended (may be required depending on academic profile). Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions