Robotics & Autonomy Graduate Certificate

Master Different Aspects of Robotics

The demand for robotics and automation courses is soaring, especially here at Duke University, where graduates have been yearning for the opportunity to dive into the deep end of learning about intelligent machines.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum blends mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and computer science — propelling you into the world of robotics and autonomy.

Discover how robots adapt to real-world stimuli, revolutionizing hazardous tasks and enhancing human capabilities.

Gain expertise in autonomous vehicles, space exploration, manufacturing, collaborative robots, and surgical robotics.

With a focus on ethics and research opportunities, our program prepares you for industrial positions and future doctoral programs, highlighting Duke as a leading institution in robotics and automation.

Make the move and help shape the future of this exciting field.

How to apply
A graphic drawing of many types of drones traveling together, such as air drones, cars and semi-trucks

We have incredibly passionate and motivated students at Duke who want to make positive change in the world. I hope to help them learn how to make these impacts through robotics and autonomous technologies.

 Siobhan Oca, PhD Assistant Director of Master’s Studies for Robotics & Autonomy

Explore Advances in Robotics and Autonomy

Industry opportunities are growing in arenas like automated manufacturing, rehabilitation robotics and many more. Utilize this certificate to bolster your professional profile and make an impact where you can excel.

Recognize Ethical Hurdles in the Field

For automation through robotics to be successful, engineers must understand the many ethical implications of their decisions, and this certificate will offer the chance to grapple with just that.

Tackle Complex Challenges in Autonomous Robotics

The interdisciplinary course offerings of this certificate will position you ahead of the curve in solving the challenges of robotics and autonomy.

Certificate Requirements

  • Two core robotics courses
  • One course from the Controls & Dynamics Track
  • One elective from any track
  • E-Portfolio featuring practical experience
    • ME 555/ECE 590 Advanced Robotics
    • ME 555 Robot Learning
    • ME 541 Intermediate Dynamics
    • ME 627 Linear System Theory
    • ME 555 Model Predictive Control

  • From the Machine Learning track:

    • ME 555 Data Driven Dynamical Systems and Control
    • ECE 580 Introduction to Machine Learning
    • ECE 685D Introduction to Deep Learning
    • ECE 590-05 Advanced Topics in Deep Learning
    • COMPSCI 570 Artificial Intelligence
    • COMPSCI 590 Neurosymbolic ML
    • COMPSCI 572 Natural Language Processing
    • COMPSCI 671D Theory and Alg Machine Learning
    • ECE 682D Probabilistic Machine Learning
    • CEE 690/ ME 555 Advanced Topics in CEE Data Sci & ML Appl Sci & Eng

    Other available electives:

    • ME 555 Robot Studio
    • COMPSCI 527 Computer Vision
    • ME 555 Ethics of Case Studies in Robotics and Automation
    • ECE 590/ BIOETHIC 676S Ethical Technology Practicum
    • ME 555/ECE 590 Introduction to Robotics
    • ME 555 Medical Robotics and Surgical Technologies
    • ECE 461/ME 555 Ocean Engineering
    • ECE 588 Image and Video Processing: from Mars to Hollywood with a Stop at the Hospital

  • Students are expected to use work from [internship, research project and/or class project] to develop an e-portfolio that will be evaluated to demonstrate practical experience in robotics.

How to Apply

All Master of Science, Master of Engineering and PhD students in Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering and Department of Computer Science are eligible to apply.

There will be no universal course prerequisite for enrollment to the program. The course instructors will set the prerequisites for enrollment in each course.

Apply to Duke

Contact Us

Siobhan Rigby Oca Profile Photo
Siobhan Rigby Oca Profile Photo

Siobhan Rigby Oca

Assistant Director of Master’s Studies for Robotics and Autonomy, Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Thomas Lord Department of MEMS