University Interdisciplinary Programs
Robotics
A program that explores three connected angles: mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms, sensors, control systems, and mechanisms used in robotics to help them stand out in the field and make a transformative impact on society.
Overview
The Master of Science in Robotics program at Northeastern looks at this fundamentally interdisciplinary field from three connected angles: mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science. Students select a concentration and gain a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms, sensors, control systems, and mechanisms used in robotics to help them stand out in the field and make a transformative impact on society. They can further specialize their degree with flexible electives in a variety of areas, such as mechatronic systems, robot mechanics, control systems, robotic manipulation, artificial intelligence, sensing and navigation, mobile and field robots, medical robotics, and machine learning.
Students with academic or career backgrounds in computer science or mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering are well suited for this program, and will take advanced core courses in all these areas.
Concentrations
Choose from three concentrations, each with unique program objectives.
Mechanical Engineering Concentration
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering/scientific/quantitative problems.
- Explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives.
- Produce solutions that meet specified end-user needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Recognize the tools and principles needed for understanding robotic and control systems by merging electrical and mechanical engineering and computer science.
Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration
- Recognize the tools and principles needed for understanding robotic and control systems with a multidisciplinary approach that combines electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
- Understand system-level design of complex software and hardware that is used to build robotic systems that include a variety of asynchronous sensors and actuators.
- Understand the theoretical principles underlying localization, mapping, and planning to build, design, and deploy a variety of robotic systems ranging from fully autonomous to remotely operated systems.
Computer Science Concentration
- Use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts.
- Understand the planning, perception, and learning algorithms common in robotics and be able to apply these algorithms in the context of mobility and manipulation systems.
- Understand the kinematics and dynamics of robotic systems and be able to design controllers for these systems.
- Understand the sensor, actuator, embedded, mapping, localization, and navigation systems commonly used in robotics and be able to build/integrate end-to-end systems.
Unique Features
- Interdisciplinary program giving students a skill set that can evolve over time to suit changing research and career interests in this rapidly evolving industry
- Flexibility to further specialize with electives in areas such as mechatronic systems, robot mechanics, control systems, robotic manipulation, artificial intelligence, sensing and navigation, mobile and field robots, medical robotics, and machine learning
- Direct classroom interaction with quality robotics systems supported by state-of-the art equipment and advanced laboratories
- Comprehensive research with accomplished faculty, facilities, and multidisciplinary research centers, including the Institute for Experiential Robotics
- Top-ranked co-op program enabling students to gain up to eight months of professional experience as part of the academic curriculum
- Location is a robotics hub with Northeastern playing a large role educating tomorrow’s leaders
- Opportunity to pursue industry careers or progress into a doctoral degree program in robotics or related multidisciplinary areas
- Choose the MS thesis option or the coursework only option
Tuition
$52,278
This tuition estimate is inclusive of a 15% scholarship for all students beginning their graduate studies in Spring 2027. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of the Seattle campus.
Additional scholarships may be available based on academic merit and other qualifying factors. Select scholarships may be stacked up to 50%.
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2026-2027 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
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