Robotic Systems Development

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotic Systems Development (MRSD) is an advanced graduate degree with a focus on technical and business skills. The program is designed for recent college graduates or practicing professionals who wish to enter the robotics and automation field as practitioners in the commercial sector. MRSD aims to teach the multidisciplinary skills needed to succeed in industry.

The MRSD curriculum provides a broad education in the sciences and technologies of robotics, reinforces theory through hands-on laboratory projects and exposes students to practical business principles and skills. The unique curriculum allows students to work as a team towards practical system-level robotics development and integration projects. Key business concepts and practices in the curriculum include technology planning, product conceptualization and development, team management, project management, prototyping, production, marketing, and sales.

The MRSD program distinguishes itself from other degree programs by combining state-of-the-art instruction in the science and technology of robotics, hands-on implementation experience, exposure to key business concepts and practices essential to high-technology product development company operations, and the opportunity to complete an internship with a recognized robotics company. The program curriculum consists of 162 units and is designed to be completed full-time in 16 consecutive months. It includes three semesters of full-time courses at Carnegie Mellon and an optional 3-month summer practicum / internship with an affiliated industrial partner in the field of robotics. In addition to learning about the latest robot technologies, students will also be challenged to apply and refine innovative thinking 

MRSD strives to teach the critical skills that technology companies value in their employees. Upon completing the program, students should have an understanding of innovative product development, team management, production-readiness, marketing, sales & support as well as strategic technology planning, budgeting and overall leadership. Graduates of MRSD are expected to have high-level technical and managerial competence, making them extremely desirable candidates for employment. Graduates will have the skills to operate at a higher technical / managerial level within a company from the start, drastically reducing the on-the-job training duration companies typically invest into an employee.

Undergraduate (B.Sc. or equivalent) in engineering, computer science, physical science or applied mathematics – REQUIRED
1 to 3 years of practical experience in industry, government or research laboratory – PREFERRED
Standardized Test Completion

General GRE – REQUIRED
TOEFL / IELTS (Foreign Students only) – REQUIRED
Application Materials

Résumé – REQUIRED
Statement of Purpose (1 to 2 pages) – REQUIRED
Undergraduate/Graduate (as applicable) Transcripts – REQUIRED
Letters of Recommendation (3 – REQUIRED)
The application period is Mid-September through December 15 (early application deadline December 3)