University of California, San Diego

How this program compares

University of California, San Diego's PhD in Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Control lists about $107.4K total tuition — about 23% above the $87.2K AI doctoral average (75th percentile in our data). It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A master's degree in a related field such as electrical engineering, computer science, or mechanical engineering is preferred, along with a strong GPA (3.5+), research experience, and relevant technical background in programming, linear algebra, and control theory.

About This Program

This doctoral program focuses on the study of intelligent information systems that learn from and interact with complex, uncertain environments. Coursework concentrates on Computer Vision and Robotics & Autonomous Systems. Most students complete it in about 5 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Research Scientist, with reported salaries around $130,000.

Design and implement control algorithms for autonomous robots.

At roughly $107.4K total, University of California, San Diego's PhD in Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Control sits above the $87.2K average among AI doctoral programs we track — the 75th 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 88% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

Career Outcomes

The PhD in Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Control at University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, California) is oriented toward AI Research Scientist hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $130,000. Its focus on Computer Vision and Robotics & Autonomous Systems maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 15% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Robotics Research Scientist
• 2. Autonomous Systems Engineer
• 3. Control Systems Professor
• 4. AI Robotics Lead

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement control algorithms for autonomous robots
• Develop perception systems using sensors and machine learning
• Optimize motion planning for single and multi-robot environments
• Apply reinforcement learning to intelligent agent decision-making

Curriculum Highlights

Requirements include core coursework in linear systems and statistical learning, a breadth requirement across multiple CS areas, and an original research dissertation.

Top Employers

Top employers include NASA, Boston Dynamics, Google DeepMind, and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman.

Admissions

Admission to University of California, San Diego's PhD in Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Control generally expects a master's degree preferred. 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