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 42% below the $11.0K average for AI certificate programs in our database — placing it in the 28th percentile on cost among the 180 we track at this level. It is one of the 54% 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.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Robotics Engineer, with reported salaries around $105,000.

Design and program autonomous systems using AI frameworks.

Estimated total tuition is $6.4K, below the $11.0K average for AI certificate programs in our database and in the 28th percentile on cost at this level. That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 3 AI-related programs we track in North Dakota, of which about 67% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 67% of the North Dakota programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $26.5K.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of North Dakota State College of Science's Certificate in Autonomous Systems Technology most often target Robotics Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $105,000. Its focus on MLOps/AI Engineering 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 25% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 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

Admission to North Dakota State College of Science's Certificate in Autonomous Systems Technology generally expects a high school diploma or associate degree. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. 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
• Resume: Optional
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions