Robotics Bachelor’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Robotics is a vast field with applications in every industry, including healthcare, education, finance, and even hospitality. With these many applications comes a demand for experts who can create innovative technologies and mechanical systems to solve real-world problems.

This article is for anyone who wants to

launch a career in robotics

. It will introduce you to the top schools for in-person or online robotics bachelor’s degrees, as well as the best career options available in this field.

What Is Robotics?

Robotics is an interdisciplinary field of mechatronics engineering that combines science and engineering to develop machines that can replicate human behavior. These machines are called robots and they have advanced significantly since the 21st century. Some robotic experts hope that robots will eventually replace the human workforce across various industries.

What Is a Robotics Bachelor’s Degree?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics is a four-year undergraduate degree that is awarded by a university. This degree prepares students for entry-level and mid-level positions in the robotics industry. While the gold standard is a bachelor’s degree in robotics, any other degree with a concentration in mechatronics engineering will do.

The sub-branches of robotics include Android science, artificial intelligence, nano-robotics, and robot surgery. As soon as you’ve decided which area of robotics you want to focus on, you can pick a university with a strong mechatronics engineering curriculum.

Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

The requirements for a robotics program vary across schools but a high diploma, GED, or an equivalent is compulsory. People with associate degrees may also apply for a bachelor’s program. If you are using a high school diploma or GED, you must have excellent grades in STEM subjects like advanced mathematics, physics, and computer science.

The best schools for robotics bachelor degrees set high bars for admissions. Students may need at least a 3.5 GPA to qualify for admission. Some schools also demand that all prospective students take a few post-secondary advanced mathematics courses. The requirements tend to be similar to those for a mechanical engineering degree.

How Much Does a Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics

costs about $19,081 per year on average

. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools cost around $9,425 while private schools cost between $19,085 and $36,689 annually.

Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Robotics Degree

You can pay for robotics undergraduate programs out of pocket if you have a college fund. Otherwise, there are several scholarships and grants for students who excel academically and for those from low-income households. There is also the option of federal aid such as FAFSA and loans from private or federal lenders.

Best Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Robotics: Top Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Programs

There are several colleges that offer robotics engineering programs. However, not all programs are created equal. The list below includes some of the best schools for a robotics bachelor’s degree in the United States so you can pick the program that suits your needs.

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Additional Major in Robotics | Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a Pennsylvania-based university that was founded in 1900. It allows students in any degree program to pick an additional major or minor in robotics. Robotics students in this program have access to a state-of-the-art robotics lab and they spend most of their time working on hands-on capstone projects in the lab.

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence | Ferris State University

Ferris State University was founded in 1884 and it is currently the only university in Michigan that offers a bachelor’s degree solely in artificial intelligence. Students study machine learning, cyber security, natural language processing, and the Internet of Things. At least 120-credits must be completed and students have complete freedom over their electives.

Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Robotics Engineering | Gannon University

This Pennsylvania-based school has been around for over 96 years. The school offers a combined industrial and robotics engineering degree, so you will have to take several courses in both fields. Engineering majors get to work on real-world projects for a hands-on learning experience.

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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Automation and Robotic Systems | Georgia Institute of Technology

This public university was established in 1885 and is currently one of the best schools for science, engineering, and technology. The bachelor’s program on automation covers courses like mechanical engineering design, machine design, artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer applications.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT has a reputation as one of the best schools for computer science and engineering. While the full-scale robotics program is available on the graduate level, you can start with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and focus on the robotics and artificial intelligence courses that are part of the program.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Stanford University

Established in 1885, Stanford is one of the biggest private universities in the United States. There is an artificial intelligence track as part of the program, which takes four years. It covers things like cognition, speech, natural language processing, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, and computational biology.

Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering | Trine University

This private university was established in Indiana in 1884. It offers a 130-credit degree in mechatronics and robotics engineering, 77 of which come from direct program courses. These include engineering, circuit analysis, digital systems, and robotics kinetics.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

This public research university was established in 1946 and is one of the top universities in the University of North Carolina System. The 120-credit BS program has concentrations in artificial intelligence, robotics, and gaming.

Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering | University of Hartford

This is one of the best private schools in Connecticut for science and engineering degrees. The robotics program has an interdisciplinary focus, combining computer science, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences | University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley is a public research institute that was founded in 1868. It has several labs and programs for robotics and artificial intelligence but most of these programs are part of the department of electrical engineering and computer science. Getting a combination of robotics and artificial intelligence is ideal for anyone interested in robotics engineering technology.

Best Online Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Robotics: Top Online Robotics Bachelor Degree Programs

There aren’t many schools that offer an online robotics engineering degree because of the technical and mechanical nature of the robotics field. However, online education will be a good option for anyone who wants to specialize in robotics software. Below are the top 10 online degrees you can explore for a career in robotics.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | American Public University

This school offers an online electrical engineering program that is perfect for people who want to expand their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Courses include

mechatronics engineering, microcontroller-based systems, introduction to engineering, engineering economics, and computing.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management | Arizona State University

This is a public research school that has been around for more than 136 years. Under the school of computing and automation, there is an engineering management degree that you can complete online. Courses cover topics such as system design dynamics, engineering administration, probability statistics, engineering systems, and sigma methodology.

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology | DeVry University

This school was established in 1931 and it has evolved to become one of the best destinations for online education. During this 126-credit engineering technology degree program, you will learn things like machine learning, artificial intelligence, programming, operating systems, electronic devices, and systems foundations.

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology

,

Mechatronics Concentration | East Coast Polytechnic Institute

The East Coast Polytechnic Institute was established in 1966 in Virginia. This degree includes a year-round schedule option, which means you can complete the program in as little as two and a half years. The courses cover a variety of topics, including applied engineering programming, machine tools, applied thermodynamics, and advanced 3D modeling.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Florida International University

This four-year public institution was established in 1965 as part of the State University System of Florida. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program covers signals and systems, applied software techniques in engineering, circuits analysis, and engineering economy.

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology | Grantham University

This school was established in 1951 in Lenexa, Kansas and it is currently one of the best places to get an online degree. This electronics engineering program covers programming, circuit analysis, calculus, and several other aspects of engineering that will come in handy in a robotics career.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Liberty University

This is a private evangelical university that was established in 1971. This degree in mechanical engineering is perfect for those who intend to dive into a master’s degree in robotics as well as those who want to start working straight away. Core courses include computer-aided design, thermodynamics, mechatronics engineering, and the design of machine components.

Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics | IU International University of Applied Sciences

With over 75,000 students from across the globe, IU International University of Applied Sciences has become a popular choice for internationally recognized online degrees. The robotics program is part of the department of engineering and it runs for 36 months. Courses include technical drawing, industrial robotics, automation, human-robot interaction, and electrical engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Operations Management | Oregon Institute of Technology

This public institute has been around since 1947 and offers a comprehensive bachelor’s degree for people who want to pursue a career in robotics or related fields. Courses include globalization, statistical methods, finite mathematics, and calculus. It is a great stepping stone for future managers in the manufacturing industry.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

This school was established in 1869 and currently offers a rich combination of online and in-person programs. The credit requirement for the electrical engineering technology bachelor’s degree is 120. It covers engineering draining, digital systems fundamentals, technology design, and industrial robotics.

What’s the Average Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?

The salary for professionals in robotics can vary considerably depending on the company, location, and level of work experience. The most common jobs can pay as little as $32,071 or as high as $121,555 on average. Those with more experience tend to earn more than those in entry-level positions.

Top Robotics Bachelor Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Robotics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Explained

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers specialize in the research, design, and development of self-running artificial intelligence (AI) systems for predictive models. This could be used for many projects, from a supercomputer to AI humanoid robots.

Algorithm Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $121,555
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  33,000*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, Washington*

Algorithm engineers design, implement, analyze, and evaluate computer algorithms. In the robotics industry, these experts oversee the practical application of algorithms in robotics software.

Robotics Software Engineer

Robotics software engineers are software developers who specialize in creating software for robots. They may not handle the mechanical part of developing the robots but they provide the software that is used for their automation.

Robotics Developer

Robotics developers are engineers who work on both the hardware and software of robots. This means that they can design, launch, and test robot prototypes on their own without seeking the services of a robot software developer.

Hardware Engineer

Hardware engineers are responsible for creating and maintaining computer components. They come up with improved ways to maximize system efficiency and make sure that all the components of a computer are in sync.

Robotics Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $91,531
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  7%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  299,200***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, District of Columbia, Maryland***
  
  

Robotics engineers design and develop robots and robotics devices or machines across a variety of industries. Regardless of the industry, these experts create robots and systems to maximize efficiency and improve human safety.

Design Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $73,298
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  7%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  299,200***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, District of Columbia, Maryland***
  
  

Design engineers are experts who combine complex mathematical and scientific theories to design and develop systems. Apart from designing new products and systems for the robotics industry, they also work on existing systems and come up with innovative ways to improve them.

Robotic Technician

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $56,875
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  7%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  299,200***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, District of Columbia, Maryland***
  
  

Robotics technicians are the people who install and repair robots. They may also build and test robotic components along with members of a team. Robotics technicians also perform routine maintenance to help prolong the lifespan of robotics.

Sales Engineer

Sales engineers in this field focus primarily on the sales of robotics and robotic components. They pitch robotics to businesses to help them improve efficiency and maximize productivity. The best part about being a sales engineer is that you can work in any other field of technology.

Robot Operator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $32,071
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  7%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  299,200***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, District of Columbia, Maryland***
  
  

Robot operators are responsible for the installation and operation of robots and other robotic systems. They may not have a vast knowledge of mechanical engineering but they understand the manufacturer’s specifications on how these machines should be used.

*From the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Computer and Information Research Scientists

**From the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

***From the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Mechanical Engineers

Robotics Bootcamp vs Robotics Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?

For most fields in robotics, a bachelor’s degree is better than a bootcamp. However, each one has its unique advantages so the one you choose will depend on your circumstances.

Coding bootcamps

offer intensive and short-term programs on specific tech subjects.

Benefits of a Robotics Bachelor’s Degree

• 
  College experience
  
  . Attending college is an important milestone for many. If you’ve always wanted to enjoy the full college experience, getting a bachelor’s degree will be an ideal option. You will also benefit from experiential learning and networking opportunities.
• 
  Professional recognition.
  
  With a bachelor’s degree, you will have professional recognition from your peers and prospective employers. This is especially true when you graduate from top institutions for robotics.
• 
  Advancement opportunities.
  
  It’s easier for you to advance to a higher degree or career position when you have a bachelor’s degree. You can get a master’s degree while you are already working in the robotics industry.
• 
  High salary potential.
  
  Bachelor degree holders tend to earn more than associate degree holders and people without any formal degree or equivalent experience. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for robotics engineers is $91,531 and it could go as high as $136,000.
• 
  Well-rounded education.
  
  Bachelor programs allow students to explore several paths before choosing a major. There are also other non-robotics courses you need to take to make up your credit requirements. This will help you get a well-rounded education.

Benefits of a Robotics Bootcamp

• 
  Accelerated learning.
  
  Robotics bootcamps are traditionally fast-paced. Students can get foundational knowledge in their chosen field within a few months instead of years.
• 
  Relatively affordable tuition
  
  . Compared to getting a four-year degree, bootcamps are typically more affordable. It is also possible to find a bootcamp that offers free education to qualified candidates.
• 
  One-on-one mentorship.
  
  The best bootcamps assign candidates to mentors who support them personally throughout the program. The students get a direct line to these mentors who are always willing to assist.
• 
  Job-specific training.
  
  Bootcamps offer job-specific training, allowing students to learn only the most important aspects of the field of robotics they hope to pursue. They are not pressured into learning irrelevant topics. They also get experiential learning opportunities.
• 
  Flexible payment.
  
  Bootcamps offer a wide range of payment methods including deferred tuition, income share agreements, and need-based scholarships. Several organizations offer scholarships and grants to bootcamp students.

Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics?

Yes, you should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics Engineering if you love to build machines that mimic human actions. Getting a bachelor’s degree will show employers that you are qualified and ready to start your professional career. It is also a stepping stone for a more advanced degree in robotics. Robotics experts are among the highest earners in the US.

Robotics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ