North Dakota State College of Science

How this program compares

At an estimated $6.4K in total tuition, the Certificate in Autonomous Systems Technology sits roughly 44% below the $11.4K average for AI certificate programs in our database — placing it in the 27th percentile on cost among the 236 we track at this level. It is one of the 57% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: High school diploma or equivalent required, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5; prior coursework in math, programming, or engineering technology preferred but not mandatory.

About This Program

This certificate program introduces students to the fundamentals of ground-based autonomous technologies and their industrial applications. Coursework concentrates on MLOps/AI Engineering and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

Estimated total tuition is $6.4K, below the $11.4K average for AI certificate programs in our database and in the 27th percentile on cost at this level. That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

Gain data science skills to advance as Robotics Engineer in Autonomous Vehicles Graduates frequently move into roles such as Robotics Engineer, with reported salaries around $105,000.

Career Outcomes

Gain data science skills to advance as Robotics Engineer in Autonomous Vehicles

• 1. Autonomous Systems Technician
• 2. Robotics Integration Specialist
• 3. Machine Learning Engineer (Autonomous Tech)
• 4. Unmanned Systems Operator

What You'll Learn

• Design and program autonomous systems using AI frameworks.
• Implement machine learning algorithms for system adaptation and learning.
• Integrate sensors and perception technologies for environmental navigation.
• Apply reinforcement learning to optimize robotic behaviors.

Curriculum Highlights

The structure includes courses on ground systems, introduction to data science, and an autonomous systems capstone project.

Top Employers

Top employers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and NASA contractors specializing in aerospace and robotics.

Admissions

High school diploma or equivalent required, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5; prior coursework in math, programming, or engineering technology preferred but not mandatory.

Application Materials

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

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: High School Diploma or Associate Degree
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)