PhD Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The PhD program in robotics and autonomous systems provides an opportunity for in-depth independent research in a highly focused problem domain approved by the student's advisory committee.

Faculty: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering | Department: Dean, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring | Location: Tempe, AZ, United States

What you will study

Required Core (12 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) MFG 602 Principles of Independent Research (3) RAS 545 Robotic Systems I (3) Research (42 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For elective courses (depending upon concentration), up to six credits of MAE/EEE/MFG/EGR/CSE/AME/RAS 590 Reading and Conference are allowed.

Career pathways

Professionals with a doctorate in robotics and autonomous systems have substantial opportunities at all levels in engineering in research and development at companies, research institutes, and national laboratories (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration), though they typically seek research-oriented academic appointments or industrial research and development positions.

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 bachelor's or 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 applicants must have 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 admissions application and application fee official transcripts personal statement professional resume two letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information The applicant must have a master's degree in a relevant field with a GPA of 3.00 or higher.

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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