Cornell University

Graduate SchoolGraduate School

Graduate SchoolFields of Study

Robotics Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Mechanical Engineering

Program Description

Robotics is interdisciplinary in nature – it combines expertise across science and engineering, including mechanism design, modeling, dynamics, control, hardware, actuators, sensing, data science, machine learning, computing, and social science. Furthermore, with the recent surge in robotics applications, industry investment, and public discourse regarding autonomous systems, robotics is moving beyond an academic specialty to having a large societal impact. The purpose of the Robotics Ph.D. is to train world-class researchers and leaders in the interdisciplinary area of robotics.  

The curriculum for the program is based on several required courses, complemented by one minor in the student’s field and another minor that can be chosen from any of the minors at Cornell. The required courses consist of courses in the foundation of robotics, community-engaged research, and ethics. The rest of the curriculum is shaped by the interests of each Ph.D. student. Each student will be required to complete a sufficient number of courses to satisfy two minors.  

The Ph.D. program provides advanced levels of training suitable for students pursuing careers in research and development, education, or government service. The field does not admit students into an M.S.-only degree program; applicants may apply for the Ph.D. program with a bachelor's degree. Ph.D. students must take a qualifying examination in addition to the examinations required by the Graduate School. Typically, the qualifying exam is taken at the end of the first semester for students entering with a Master's degree and at the end of the second semester for those entering with a Bachelor's degree. Teaching experience for two semesters is required of Ph.D. students.

Faculty and Ph.D. students are located both in Ithaca and in New York City at the Cornell Tech campus.

Contact Information

Website: https://robotics.cornell.edu/
Email: robotics-phd@cornell.edu

Concentrations by Subject

  • robotics

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall, Dec. 1; no spring admissions.

Requirements Summary:

Learning Outcomes