Robotics PhD Degree

The Robotics PhD degree is the first of it's kind in the Intermountain West and allows students to build upon qualified bachelor's or master’s degrees. The Robotic PhD degree will provide knowledge for integrating hardware and software with algorithms to create the next generation of intelligent machines.

Robotics researchers are employed in a wide range of occupations that are creating the next generation of technological devices. Roboticists create assistive robots (prosthetics, wearable robots), autonomous vehicles (cars, mining equipment, underwater, and aerial), automated warehouses, manufacturing systems, medical devices, and consumer products (vacuums, 3D printers, craft machines). Interdisciplinary skills, namely hardware (electrical, mechanical, and computational), programming, and algorithms, obtained by our Robotics degrees and certificates are important for a wide range of products that a company may wish to develop.

The application for Fall 2024 is now available! If you already applied to another program at the University of Utah and want to switch into Robotics, email the Robotics Graduate Coordinator, Kelly Pearson.

Students should apply via the University of Utah Graduate School application and indicate "Robotics PhD" as their intended program. Students must be admitted to the Graduate School of the University of Utah as well as the Robotics graduate program.

Application Deadlines

Due to visa processing timelines, we are only able to admit new international students for Fall semesters. Current international graduate students at the University of Utah who wish to switch into the Robotics program can discuss this option with the Graduate Coordinator.

Admissions requirements are as follows:

• Students pursuing a Robotics PhD degree typically have a bachelor's or master's degree in a STEM related area. Applicants with degrees from other areas will be considered, but students may need to complete additional work (e.g., math, physics, programming, etc.) to be prepared to take robotics courses.
• Graduate degree applications will be considered holistically; therefore, specific GRE scores and GPAs are not required for admission. Admitted students typically have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 and the university requires a 3.0, but students with lower GPA's are encouraged to apply and explain their individual circumstances in their personal statement.
• GRE scores are currently not required but may be considered if it will strengthen the student's application and are strongly recommended as another way to demonstrate English proficiency and academic preparation.
• International students must also meet University of Utah English proficiency requirement for admission

Applicants should also provide:

• Names and emails of 3 people that will provide recommendation letters
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• 1-2 page personal statement
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• One page writing sample of recent research or publication (optional but recommended for PhD applicants)
• Application fee ($0 for Domestic PhD applicants with fee waiver code; $65 International PhD applicants). Domestic PhD applicants with a faculty advisor should email Kelly Pearson for the fee waiver code.

These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission. The graduate admissions committee reviews all aspects of the application package before determining acceptance into the Robotics graduate program. Any student wishing to pursue a PhD must identify and be selected by a faculty advisor that will advise their dissertation research. Students that have completed the Robotics Master of Science or University’s Robotics Graduate Certificate program can be considered for admissions to the PhD program without providing all of the above information, but must complete a university admission application to formalize the process and may find it beneficial to provide the above information to help potential faculty advisors consider their application.

Post-B.S. PhD

Complete all of the Following:

(Minimum requirements for each category)

• 30 course credits; AND
• 3 seminar credits; AND
• 14 PhD dissertation credits

Minimum total of 47 credits for students with only a bachelor of science degree

Post-MS PhD

Students with a qualified MS (master's) degree or other completed graduate credits should consult with the Director of Robotics Studies or  Robotics Graduate Student Coordinator regarding a potential requirement waiver (on a course-by-course basis).

Students stacking upon a University of Utah MS degree can waive up to 21 approved credits, resulting in 26 credits required post MS. Students stacking upon an MS degree from a university besides the University of Utah can waive up to 18 approved credits. All coursework is subject to faculty committee approval and all remaining requirements are the same as above.

Click on each section below for more details.

Kelly Pearson

Robotics Graduate Student Coordinator
kelly.pearson@utah.edu

Interested students may also contact the Director of Robotics Studies, Dr. Stephen Mascaro

Robotics Faculty