Why Get a Master’s in Robotics Engineering?
Robotics Engineering is one of today’s fastest-growing tech fields, with applications spanning healthcare, security, manufacturing, entertainment, and beyond. If you already have a solid foundation in engineering, a master’s in Robotics Engineering could be the key to advancing your career and standing out in this dynamic industry.
A graduate degree can expand your skillset and increase your value in a competitive job market. It offers the chance to specialize in a specific area of robotics while deepening your overall expertise—an ideal path for those looking to advance or shift their career.
Not to mention, earning a graduate degree comes with a wide range of benefits, like forming meaningful professional connections, gaining access to valuable mentorships, and completing hands-on projects and research that stand out on a resume. Today’s programs are also more flexible than ever. Take WPI’s Robotics Engineering master’s, for example — it’s the first of its kind in the nation. Whether you’re working full-time in the industry, balancing family life, or managing other responsibilities, advancing your education has never been more achievable.
Who Can Get a Master’s in Robotics Engineering?
For those with technical backgrounds in engineering or computer science, a master’s degree in this field can provide a valuable opportunity to deepen expertise, gain specialized skills, and advance into more complex or leadership-oriented roles. Since the curriculum is heavily rooted in advanced technical concepts, most master’s programs are designed for individuals with a strong foundation in related disciplines. Typical academic backgrounds include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
Applicants from other engineering or science-based disciplines may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their academic preparation and professional experience.
The Blueprint of a Robotics Master’s Degree
A master’s in robotics engineering builds on the foundation of an undergraduate engineering degree, with added opportunities to specialize and deepen your expertise. At WPI, your coursework may include:
- Foundational Courses – These cover the core principles of robotics, such as robot dynamics, controls, and system fundamentals.
- Engineering Context Courses – These courses place your technical knowledge in real-world settings, with topics like project management, entrepreneurship, and engineering ethics.
- Robotics Engineering Electives – This is where you can tailor your degree to your interests. Electives may include areas like legged locomotion, soft robotics, medical robotics, or human-robot interaction.
- Capstone or Thesis – Depending on your program track, you’ll complete either a hands-on capstone project or a research-driven thesis to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a focused area of robotics.
Want to learn more about WPI’s state-of-the-art robotics engineering program? Click below to visit our program page.
Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master’s degree earn, on average, 16% more than those with a bachelor’s—an encouraging sign of the long-term value of graduate education.
Job growth in robotics-related fields is also on the rise. Mechanical engineering roles are projected to grow by 11% through 2033, while software development is expected to grow by 18%. With the rapid expansion of AI and automation, demand for advanced expertise in robotics is only accelerating.
Earning a master’s in Robotics Engineering can be a smart investment—positioning you for greater career opportunities, higher earning potential, and a competitive edge in a fast-evolving field.
Gearing Up for Success: Top Jobs in Robotics Engineering
Robotic engineering degrees are often a highly sought after skillset. Here are some jobs and their average salaries that may be available to those with the degree, according to Indeed.com and Glassdoor:
- Mechanical Engineer, $98,444
- Mechatronics Engineer, $100,358
- Robotics Automation Engineer, $109,770
- Robotics Engineer, $122,177
- Software Engineer, $123,420
- Computer Hardware Engineer, $120,459
- Automation Engineer, $102,539
Want to explore even more job titles, salary data, and career outcomes? Check out WPI’s career outlook tool to see where WPI grads are working, who’s hiring, and what kind of roles are in demand across the robotics industry.
If you’re looking to deepen your expertise, switch careers, or position yourself for leadership opportunities in one of the most exciting fields, a master’s degree in Robotics Engineering can open doors. Discover more about WPI’s state-of-the-art robotics graduate program, offered on campus and online.