Online Robotics Engineering Degree Programs
With a robotics engineering degree, you'll be on your way to creating robots and artificial intelligence that have applications in factories, medicine, daily life, and even on the battlefield. Learn about the field, available programs, coursework, and online degree options.
What Is Robotics Engineering?
Robotics engineering is just one focus of engineering. Besides degree programs, robotics is also often found as a minor or a concentration of computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. With a degree in robotics you'll be able to create robots and master artificial intelligence.
You'll learn how to use sensors, hydraulics, computer vision, fighting software, circuits, and mechatronics to build your own machines. You'll control your robots with remote controls and implement software so they know how to move, where to go, what to do, and how to process information to continue their actions.
| Program Fields | Computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics |
| Degree Availability | Associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in robotics engineering are available |
| Common Courses | Courses might include introduction to microprocessors, industrial robots, control systems, and artificial intelligence |
| Distance Learning Opportunities | Online robotics engineering are rare, but similar degrees are more widely available |
| Median Salary (2020) | $59,800 (for electro-mechanical technicians) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 3% growth (for electro-mechanical technicians) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Programs are Available?
Currently all degree levels are available for robotics engineering. Associate's degrees focus on the fundamentals of robotics and automation. With an associate's degree, you'll be prepared to work with factory machinery, keeping the hydraulics and parts working smoothly for uninterrupted production. You'll also become familiar with troubleshooting robotic parts and software.
A bachelor's degree program in robotics engineering is rare. Courses in automation and robotics are common within electrical and mechanical engineering degrees, however. Mechatronics engineering, which is somewhat similar, is the more commonly available bachelor's degree; the difference is that robotics engineers build robots, while mechatronics engineers focus on non-robotic mechanical machines like microwaves and DVD players.
Master's and Ph.D. degree programs focus on the creation, control, perception, and artificial intelligence of robots. The purpose of these programs is to allow students to build moving robots and create artificial intelligence using perception and visual sensors.
What Courses Will I Take?
Different levels focus on more specific areas of robotics engineering. Below are a few course examples from each degree level:
Associate's
- Intro to microprocessors
- Digital electronics
- Computer vision
- Intro to circuits
Bachelor's
- Mechatronic systems
- Industrial robotics
Master's
- Motion planning
- Machine learning
- Control systems
Ph.D.
- Artificial intelligence
- Pattern recognition
- Adaptive control
- Continuous systems
- Perception
- Autonomous robotics
Can I Earn the Degree Online?
Many courses can be taken online; however a fully online robotics engineering degree is rarely offered. You do have the option of taking electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering degree programs online. These online programs offer some robotics and human-to-computer interaction courses. Make sure the college you choose is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
What Is the Job Outlook and Pay?
In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for aerospace engineering and operations technicians was $68,570 with a projected 7% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029. On the other hand, the BLS is expecting 3% rise in job opportunities for electro-mechanical technicians between 2019 and 2029, as fast as the average. The median annual salary for electro-mechanical technicians was $59,800 in May 2020.