Frequently asked questions

Who should apply to the robotics and autonomous systems, or RAS, MS program?

The ASU master’s degree program in robotics and autonomous systems brings together students from various engineering backgrounds. Students learn from a broad variety of available courses and faculty in the field of robotics and autonomous systems.

Is there a minimum GPA required to be admitted to the RAS program?

An applicant must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a related field such as engineering, physics, or mathematics. A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.0 = “A”) in the last 60 credit hours of an applicant’s first bachelor’s degree program is required.

What is the deadline for applying to the RAS program?

Students can apply for and be admitted in either the spring or fall semesters. The priority deadline for fall semester admission is December 31, and the priority deadline for spring semester admission is August 15. To receive full consideration, submit all required documents by the deadline. International students must apply by April 15 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester to ensure visa documents may be processed on time.

Can I apply after the deadline date?

Students who meet the specified deadline date will be given top priority in our highly competitive programs. Students who submit applications and required materials after the deadline date risk their applications not being reviewed, or the application may be deferred to the next semester. The RAS program does not accept applications for the summer term.

What are the requirements to be admitted to the RAS program?

Applicants are required to submit:

• Graduate admission application and pay the application fee
• Official transcripts
• Letter of intent/written statement
• Professional resumé or curriculum vitae
• GRE scores are not required
• Proof of English proficiency
  • The University requires all international applicants from a country whose native language is not English to provide the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson scores.
  • This program requires a minimum score of 575 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based) on the TOEFL, 7 on the IELTS or 65 on the Pearson test as expectations for admission.
  • Applications are not processed until the university receives official scores, which are valid two years from the start date of the degree program.
  • Please address all TOEFL questions to graduate admissions. The ASU institution code is 4007. If a department code is required, use 0000.
  • If a student has completed coursework in the U.S., they can contact graduate admissions to see if they qualify for a waiver.

Is there a required background for applying to the RAS program?

Robotics and autonomous systems graduate students should have knowledge in the following topics prior to applying for the program at Arizona State University: calculus, elementary linear algebra, mechanics and control systems. ASU classes in these areas include:

• MAT 267: Calculus for Engineers III
• MAT 242: Elementary Linear Algebra
• PHY 121: University Physics I: Mechanics
• MAE 318: System Dynamics and Control I
• MAE 417: System Dynamics and Control II

Please note that the applicant will need to indicate classes already taken in previous years and cover topics related to the above ASU classes. For information on all ASU classes, visit the course catalog.

Can I switch to RAS from a different degree program in ASU?

Yes. Students who want to transfer to RAS from another degree program in ASU must submit a new application with graduate admissions. If admitted, the Graduate College’s pre-admission policy states that a student is allowed to transfer only 12 credits with grades of “B” or better from the original program to the new program. Petitions to the pre-admission policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can I be accepted into the RAS program if I don’t have an engineering background?

The RAS program admits students from a variety of backgrounds including statistics, mathematics and physics. Students may gain admissions with undergraduate deficiencies, but they are also encouraged to apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student to complete any needed deficiencies before applying to the degree program. Students are required to complete deficiency courses by the end of their first year in the program.

What are the differences between the RAS program and traditional discipline-specific programs such as mechanical or electrical engineering?

Robotics and autonomous systems are interdisciplinary technologies poised to leave their mark on manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, defense, health care and many other critical fields. Rising expenditures on robotics will result in an increased need for skilled interdisciplinary engineers to design, build and program robots in the future.

This field requires knowledge and training that cross the boundaries of traditional engineering disciplines. ASU’s RAS MS degree provides a unique opportunity to students who want a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary background in robotics and autonomous systems. In contrast to discipline-specific programs, the RAS program gives students a unique advantage in the field of robotics and autonomous systems in both industry and academia.

What are the program concentrations?

The RAS program has five concentrations:

• artificial intelligence
• biomedical engineering
• electrical engineering
• systems engineering
• mechanical and aerospace engineering

Can I pursue two (or more) concurrent degrees?

Yes. A student may pursue concurrent master’s degrees with prior written approval from the head of the academic unit for each degree program and the Graduate College office. A separate online application is required for each degree program. A maximum of 20% of the minimum total semester hours for the completion of both degrees may be shared between programs’ plans of study. The total number of hours common to both degree programs may vary from this maximum value only when the Graduate College has formally approved coordinated degree programs.

What is the minimum number of credit hours required for the RAS program?

A minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree and deficiency courses are required to complete the RAS MS degree. All master’s degree students are required to develop and submit an Interactive Plan of Study (iPOS) through MyASU during your first semester as a graduate student. The iPOS should be developed with the aid of the student’s faculty advisor. A graduate academic advisor, acting on behalf of the graduate program chair, will initially advise the student. Students pursuing the non-thesis option will list the program chair as their faculty advisor. A student pursuing the thesis option should seek out a faculty member in their area of study to serve as advisor and committee chair.

How long will it take me to graduate?

The master’s degree programs typically take two years to complete.

Is there an RAS PhD program?

No. A doctoral degree program in robotics and autonomous systems is among the future goals of the robotics faculty at ASU, but such a program does not currently exist.

Is there an Accelerated Master’s degree option to the RAS program?

Not yet. An Accelerated Master’s degree option is planned as a future offering.

Where can I find more information about the RAS program?

For additional information, please see the RAS graduate program handbook.

What classes can I take as technical electives?

The technical electives for the RAS program are all classes listed on the courses page, regardless of concentration. Additional technical electives outside of the aforementioned list can be taken. However, those electives must be graduate courses in science, engineering, mathematics or others approved by the graduate program committee. Check with your academic advisor to see if a desired technical elective is approved by the RAS program.

What are the program concentrations?

The RAS program has five concentrations:

• artificial intelligence
• biomedical engineering
• electrical engineering
• systems engineering
• mechanical and aerospace engineering

When should I choose my concentration?

Students must select one of the four concentrations when applying for the program. Each concentration is shown as a different program on the application page.

What are the main differences across concentrations?

Mechanical and aerospace engineering is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career emphasizing applications in mechanical or aerospace engineering. The program provides students with the necessary background and skills for a broad range of robotics and autonomous systems applications. Students will get a solid theoretical and practical background in a variety of topics that include theory, design and implementation of control systems, kinematics and dynamics of rigid and non-rigid (flexible and soft) robotic systems, design and bioinspiration in controller design and hardware, swarm robotics and embedded systems programming.

Systems engineering is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career emphasizing applications in systems engineering. The systems engineering concentration will prepare students to identify, model, analyze, interpret, optimize and manage the multidimensional interactions of increasingly complex modern mechatronic and robotic problems.

Electrical engineering is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career emphasizing applications in electrical engineering. Students will receive a solid theoretical and practical background in a variety of topics, including theory, design and implementation of control systems, signal processing, real-time and embedded systems, computer vision and machine learning.

Biomedical engineering is appropriate for students who want to pursue a career emphasizing applications in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineers work at the interface of technology and medicine on challenges critical to the advancement of health and scientific discovery.

Artificial intelligence is appropriate for students who wish to have a career in robotics and autonomous systems emphasizing applications in artificial intelligence and computer science. Students will receive a solid theoretical and practical background in a variety of topics that facilitate the study of “intelligent agents,” which are any robotic systems that perceive an environment and take actions that maximize the chance of successfully achieving the systems’ goals.

Visit our academics page for more information on the five concentrations offered.

Is there a required background for each concentration?

Although an engineering student with any background can apply to any concentration, here are some suggestions for previous background for each concentration.

Mechanical and aerospace engineering: Students applying to the mechanical and aerospace concentration are expected to possess basic knowledge in key relevant areas, e.g. kinematics, dynamics, programming in MATLAB and system dynamics and control or similar topics. ASU courses in these fields include MAE 201, MAE 202, MAE 215, MAE 318 and MAE 417.

Systems engineering: Students applying to the systems engineering concentration are expected to possess basic knowledge in key relevant areas, e.g. feedback and controls, embedded systems, programming (preferably C or similar language, MATLAB-Simulink-toolboxes) and dynamics or similar topics. ASU courses in these fields include EGR 219, EGR 455, EGR 456, EGR 433 and PHY 321.

Electrical engineering: Students applying to the electrical engineering concentration are expected to possess basic knowledge in key relevant areas, e.g. signals and systems, feedback and controls, computer architecture and organization, embedded systems, random signal analysis and programming (preferably C or similar language, MATLAB-Simulink-toolboxes) or similar topics. ASU courses in these fields include EEE 203, EEE 230, EEE 350, CSE 220, EEE 480 and EEE 481.

Artificial intelligence: Students applying to the artificial intelligence concentration are expected to possess basic knowledge in key relevant areas, e.g. programming languages, discrete mathematics and data structures and algorithms or similar topics. ASU courses in these fields include CSE 220 or 240, MAT 243 or 300 and CSE 310.

For information on all ASU classes, visit the course catalog.

Can I switch to a different concentration after starting the program?

Yes. Students who want to change between concentrations or change to another degree program must submit a new application to graduate admissions. If admitted, the Graduate College’s pre-admission policy states that a student is allowed to transfer only 12 credits with grades of “B” or better from the original program to the new program. Petitions for exceptions to the pre-admission policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can I pursue two concurrent RAS degrees in two different concentrations?

No. Pursuing two concurrent RAS degrees is not allowed in any concentrations.

Are there different class requirements for each concentration?

Students in all concentrations are required to take the two RAS core courses:

• MAE 501: Linear Algebra in Engineering (3 credit hours)
• MAE 547: Modeling and Control of Robots (3 credit hours)

The requirements for the remaining credits vary by concentration. The requirements for each concentration can be found on the courses page. Note that all concentrations require a student to take at least two technical electives outside their concentration.

Can I do a master’s degree thesis as my program’s culminating event?

Yes, all concentrations allow a student to do a thesis (6 credit hours) as the RAS degree’s culminating event. The thesis option includes research. A member of the corresponding graduate faculty (with co-chair or chair status as specified on the website) must agree to serve as the program committee chair, or faculty advisor, for a student to be transferred to the RAS thesis degree program. The graduate academic advising office will need to have confirmation in writing (email is acceptable) from the faculty member agreeing to serve as the thesis chair prior to a study plan change to move to the RAS thesis degree. The program committee chair, in consultation with the student, will establish a program committee. The committee shall be composed of a minimum of three members from ASU faculty, including at least two from the RAS faculty. If the committee chair has co-chair status in the graduate program faculty, the program committee must include a RAS faculty member with chair or co-chair status serving as the second co-chair. Participation of individuals from institutions external to ASU is encouraged but must be approved by the graduate program chair and the Graduate College.

How do I find a faculty advisor for my thesis?

The list of graduate faculty in the RAS program can be found on the faculty page.

If you want to work with a faculty member not currently listed, please have the faculty member submit an application to join the RAS graduate faculty.

Can I do an applied/supervised project as my culminating event?

Yes; however, only the following concentrations offer the applied/supervised project option:

• mechanical and aerospace engineering
• systems engineering

Can I do portfolio (non-thesis) as my program’s culminating event?

Yes; however, only the following concentrations offer the portfolio option:

• mechanical and aerospace engineering
• systems engineering
• artificial intelligence

Can I get an assistantship?

The RAS program and its participating schools evaluate each applicant and determine the awards for teaching assistantships (TA). TA positions are awarded primarily to doctoral students. As such, a very limited number of TA positions may be available to students in the RAS program. Research assistant (RA) positions are offered to the highest caliber of students. RA offers are made to admitted students by interested faculty members. Some faculty members do not offer RA positions to newly admitted students. Students can contact a specific faculty member or members in their research area of interest regarding open positions. A student will be contacted by a faculty member if they are interested in hiring the student as an RA, as there is no formal application for an RA position. Students are encouraged to submit a curriculum vitae or résumé with their applications for review by faculty members in the student’s research area of interest.

Where can I learn about research opportunities and labs in the RAS program?

With more than 25 state-of-the-art research labs for robotics and autonomous systems, ASU drives positive change in society by collaboratively pursuing advancements in robotics technologies, systems and education. Learn more about robotics faculty and research