The University of Washington (UW) is set to launch a new Master of Science in Robotics this autumn, addressing the rising demand in the technology sector, particularly as global robot deployment increases. The program will require 38 credits to complete and includes three core courses, elective credits across five concentrations, and a capstone project.
Planning for the program began in 2023, with Xu Chen, an associate professor, elected as the chair. The curriculum emphasizes three pillars: foundational robotics knowledge, immersive learning experiences, and application-focused projects. Students will have opportunities to work on real-world projects, including collaborations with major companies like Boeing and Amazon.
Additionally, UW will offer a Graduate Certificate in Applied Robotics, which allows working professionals to complete the same core curriculum as the master’s program. This pathway supports career development by enabling credit transfer for those who may later decide to pursue the full master’s degree.
Overall, the initiative highlights UW’s strengths within its engineering departments and the surrounding tech ecosystem, which is a rich environment for innovation and learning in robotics.