Depending on a school's approach, robotics can be its own degree program or can be incorporated into computer science or engineering programs. While many degree and diploma programs in computer science and engineering that have robotics courses are offered through distance learning, a full robotics program that includes practical lab experience is challenging to teach online.
Online Degree or Diploma in Robotics
Many schools offer Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science and diploma programs in robotics, robotics engineering technology or robotics systems. These programs often require students to complete hands-on laboratory components, which necessitate that students attend on-campus courses. Some schools, however, offer robotics programs partly online, and other schools offer computer science and engineering programs with robotics courses online. Some of these schools are listed below.
<h3 id="section---EssentialInformationAboutRoboticsPrograms">Essential Information About Robotics Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Common Courses </td><td>Digital fundamentals, Programming fundamentals, Solid state devices</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree Levels </td><td>Certificates, Associate's and Master's degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td>Blended, most programs require lab attendance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td>Electro-Mechanical Technician, Computer and Information Research Scientist</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td>$60,360 <i>(Electro-mechanical Technicians)</i> // $131,490 <i>(Computer and Information Research Scientists)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)*</td><td>4% decline <i>(Electro-mechanical Technicians)</i> // 21% <i>(Computer and Information Research Scientists)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source. *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---LakeAreaTechnicalInstitute">Lake Area Technical Institute</h3><p>Lake Area Technical Institute in South Dakota offers an Associate of Applied Science in Robotics over the Internet, but students are required to complete associated lab courses on campus. Students are trained using the latest technologies in the field. Courses for the program include:
</p><ul><li>Computer Control Systems
</li><li>DC Electronics
</li><li>AC Electronics
</li><li>Electronic Systems
</li><li>Digital Systems
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AustinCommunityCollege">Austin Community College</h3><p>The Distance Learning (DL) Department at Austin Community College offers two programs, an Associate of Applied Science and a Certificate in Automation, Robotics and Controls Technology Specialization, partly via distance learning. The programs prepare graduates to work for manufacturing industries, such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutics, traditional and renewable energy, specialized manufacturing, and aeronautics.</p>
