University of Colorado Boulder

How this program compares

University of Colorado Boulder's PhD in Robotics & Systems Design lists about $31.0K total tuition — roughly 64% below the $87.2K AI doctoral average (17th percentile in our data). It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A master's degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field is typically required, along with a strong research background, relevant coursework, and GRE scores (optional at many programs). International applicants need TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency.

About This Program

This doctoral program focuses on advanced robotics topics like autonomy, AI, and human-robot interaction. It prepares students for high-level research careers in industry, government, and academia. Coursework concentrates on Robotics & Autonomous Systems and AI in Marketing / Design. Most students complete it in about 2.5 years.

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 59% of the Colorado programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $36.0K.

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

Design and optimize robotic systems for complex environments.

At roughly $31.0K total, University of Colorado Boulder's PhD in Robotics & Systems Design sits below the $87.2K average among AI doctoral programs we track — the 17th percentile on price. That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

Career Outcomes

The PhD in Robotics & Systems Design at University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, Colorado) is oriented toward AI Research Scientist hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $130,000. Its focus on Robotics & Autonomous Systems and AI in Marketing / Design maps directly to how employers 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 Research Scientist
• 2. Systems Design Engineer
• 3. Autonomous Systems Lead
• 4. Robotics Professor

What You'll Learn

• Design and optimize robotic systems for complex environments
• Develop advanced control algorithms for autonomous robots
• Integrate perception, cognition, and manipulation in robotic platforms
• Conduct original research in human-robot interaction and AI-driven robotics

Curriculum Highlights

The program requires 30 hours of graduate coursework and 30 hours of dissertation credit. It features preliminary and comprehensive exams covering breadth areas like cognition, controls, and mechatronics.

Top Employers

Top employers include Boston Dynamics, Google DeepMind, NASA, and iRobot.

Admissions

Admission to University of Colorado Boulder's PhD in Robotics & Systems Design 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