PhD Robotics and Autonomous Systems (Mechatronics and Automation) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The mechatronics and automation concentration of the Doctor of Philosophy program in robotics and autonomous systems provides you with the opportunity for in-depth independent research in a highly focused problem domain approved by your advisory committee.

What you will study

84 credit hours, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (12 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) RAS 546 Robotic Systems II (3) RAS 550 Mechatronic Systems (3) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) MFG 602 Principles of Independent Research (3) RAS 545 Robotic Systems I (3) Electives or Additional Research (36 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) RAS 799 Dissertation Additional Curriculum Information For elective courses, up to six credits of MAE, EEE, MFG, EGR, CSE, AME or RAS 590 Reading and Conference are allowed.

Career pathways

Graduates with a doctorate in robotics and autonomous systems typically seek research-oriented academic appointments or industrial research and development positions. As trained researchers and scientists, graduates perform analysis, evaluation and synthesis for a wide variety of problems related to the design, implementation and efficient operation of robotics and autonomous systems.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree in robotics and autonomous systems or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants are required to submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts personal statement professional resume two letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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