PhD Robotics at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Programme overview

Michigan Robotics offers MS and PhD programs with deep technical training in autonomous systems across hardware and software. The curriculum is organised around three core areas: sensing, reasoning and acting. PhD students may earn a robotics master's degree along the way, and all PhD admits receive guaranteed funding.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Department: Robotics Department | Intake: Fall only; PhD application deadline December 1 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ann Arbor, MI, United States

What you will study

PhD coursework mirrors the 30-credit master's requirements (including a depth requirement across the sensing, acting and reasoning areas and directed study) plus at least 6 further credits to satisfy PhD course requirements. Rackham requires 36 course credits for the PhD, at least 18 of which must be earned at Michigan for students entering with a master's degree from elsewhere.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Apply through the Rackham Graduate School by December 1 for fall entry. Required: application and fee, letters of recommendation, transcripts, academic and personal statements, resume or CV, and English proficiency scores. GRE scores are not accepted with PhD applications. An engineering background is recommended but not required. Admission requires a research match with faculty, so applicants are encouraged to contact faculty of interest. The committee weighs academic performance, research experience, letters (especially from faculty in relevant fields) and the statement of purpose. Incoming PhD students for Fall 2025 averaged a 3.75 GPA. PhD admission includes guaranteed funding covering tuition, stipend and health insurance, subject to meeting program deadlines.

Intake: Fall only; PhD application deadline December 1

Apply through the official page: https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/

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