University of Colorado Boulder

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $27.9K puts this master's program at the 39th percentile on cost — roughly 35% below the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with coursework in linear algebra, calculus, and programming. Relevant research or project experience in robotics is often preferred.

About This Program

This interdisciplinary master's program offers advanced training in autonomy, AI, and control systems. It provides a flexible framework for research and industry advances in robotics and smart materials. Coursework concentrates on Robotics & Autonomous Systems and Tech. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

Budget planners should note $27.9K estimated total tuition (39th percentile among AI master's programs, below the $42.9K average). That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

It is one of 17 AI-related programs we track in Colorado, of which about 65% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 65% of the Colorado programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $36.0K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Robotics Engineer, with reported salaries around $110,000.

Design and analyze kinematic and dynamic models for robotic manipulators and mobile robots.

Career Outcomes

The MS in Robotics and Control at University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, Colorado) is oriented toward Robotics Engineer hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $110,000. Its focus on Robotics & Autonomous Systems and Tech 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 9% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Robotics Controls Engineer
• 2. Autonomous Systems Developer
• 3. Motion Planning Specialist
• 4. Robotics Research Scientist

What You'll Learn

• Design and analyze kinematic and dynamic models for robotic manipulators and mobile robots.
• Develop advanced control strategies for nonlinear and uncertain robotic systems.
• Implement motion planning and pathfinding algorithms for autonomous navigation.
• Apply machine learning techniques to enable adaptive robotic behaviors and decision-making.

Curriculum Highlights

The 30-credit curriculum features core introductory robotics plus breadth requirements in mechatronics, cognition, and interaction. Elective themes include neural networks, deep learning, and sampled data control.

Top Employers

Top employers include aerospace firms like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, tech companies such as Boston Dynamics and Google, automotive manufacturers like Tesla, and research institutions like NASA.

Admissions

Admission to University of Colorado Boulder's MS in 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