University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

This master's combines core engineering fundamentals with specialised topics in sensing, actuation, controls and computation. Typical subject areas include:

• Dynamics, kinematics and modelling: rigid‑body dynamics, robotic manipulators, mobile robot motion and system identification.
• Control systems and optimisation: classical and modern control, state estimation, optimal control and robust control design for real‑world systems.
• Embedded systems and electronics: microcontrollers, real‑time operating systems, sensor interfacing and power electronics for mechatronic devices.
• Perception and machine intelligence: computer vision, sensor fusion, SLAM, machine learning techniques applied to perception and decision making.
• Industrial automation and manufacturing systems: PLCs, industrial networks, process automation, and integration of robots into production lines.
• Human‑robot interaction and safety: collaborative robotics, ergonomics, safety standards and verification.

Programme structure is typically a mix of advanced coursework, laboratory classes and a substantial culminating experience — either a capstone design project or a thesis — that emphasises system integration and experimental validation. Students can usually choose electives from related departments such as computer science, electrical engineering and aerospace engineering to tailor the degree to interests in autonomy, perception, controls or embedded design.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, computer, aerospace), applied physics or a closely related technical discipline. Typical preparations include undergraduate coursework in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra), basic dynamics and controls, circuits or electronics, and programming. The admissions process evaluates academic performance, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose describing relevant experience and research or career goals.

Applicants with substantial industry or project experience in robotics, automation or embedded systems are competitive even if their prior degree is in a different, but related, field. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Specific documentation and any test‑score policies are published by the university and should be checked on the department admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles in industry and research. Common career paths include:

• Robotics engineer or systems integrator in manufacturing, logistics and autonomous material handling.
• Controls and automation engineer developing control strategies for vehicles, drones, industrial machines and process plants.
• Perception and software engineer working on computer vision, sensor fusion and autonomy stacks for mobile robots and self‑driving systems.
• Embedded systems engineer designing microcontroller or FPGA‑based control platforms for real‑time applications.
• R&D engineer or continuing on to doctoral research in robotics, machine learning for systems, or advanced mechatronics.

Graduates find roles with robotics and automation suppliers, aerospace and defense companies, automotive and autonomous vehicle firms, industrial automation integrators, and technology start‑ups. The programme’s hands‑on projects and research connections also support entrepreneurship and product development careers.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder provides a research‑intensive environment with strong cross‑departmental collaboration among mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, enabling an integrated mechatronics and robotics education. Students benefit from access to modern labs, prototyping facilities and testbeds for mobile and aerial robots, as well as faculty research groups working on control theory, perception, human‑robot interaction and autonomous systems.

The university’s location supports industry engagement and internships with an active regional technology ecosystem that includes aerospace, autonomous systems companies and national research laboratories. The programme emphasises experiential learning through laboratory courses, capstone projects and opportunities to contribute to sponsored research, preparing graduates to transition quickly into engineering roles or advanced study.