University of California, San Diego

How this program compares

At an estimated $61.3K in total tuition, the MS in ECE - Intelligent Systems, Robotics, and Control sits about 43% above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database — placing it in the 77th percentile on cost among the 394 we track at this level. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with foundational coursework in linear algebra, programming, and control systems.

About This Program

This graduate specialization emphasizes the mathematical and computational foundations of modern systems science, focusing on the control of complex dynamical systems in uncertain environments. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Robotics & Autonomous Systems. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Robotics Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Design and implement robot perception systems using sensors and computer vision.

At roughly $61.3K total, University of California, San Diego's MS in ECE - Intelligent Systems, Robotics, and Control sits above the $42.9K average among AI master's programs we track — the 77th percentile on price. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 65 AI-related programs we track in California, of which about 37% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 66% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

Career Outcomes

University of California, San Diego positions this master track for Robotics Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Robotics & Autonomous Systems maps directly to how employers in engineering ai screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 7% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Robotics Engineer
• 2. Control Systems Engineer
• 3. Autonomous Systems Developer
• 4. AI Robotics Researcher

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement robot perception systems using sensors and computer vision.
• Develop motion planning and control algorithms for autonomous robots.
• Apply intelligent systems techniques like machine learning to robotic decision-making.
• Optimize embedded systems for real-time control in robotic applications.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum features core coursework in linear algebra and sensing and estimation, with advanced topics in robot reinforcement learning, convex optimization, and computer vision.

Top Employers

Top employers include robotics firms like Boston Dynamics, tech companies such as Google and NVIDIA, aerospace leaders like Boeing and SpaceX, and research labs at NASA and DARPA.

Admissions

Admission to University of California, San Diego's MS in ECE - Intelligent Systems, Robotics, and Control generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional 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: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions