The rankings
- 1
Arizona State University · Tempe, AZ
MS in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
ASU's MS in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (Systems Engineering option) at the Tempe campus targets working engineers across the Phoenix-metro semiconductor, aerospace, and defense employers. Strong ties to TSMC Arizona, Intel Chandler, Boeing Mesa, Raytheon Tucson, and Honeywell Aerospace Tempe.
Visit program pageTuition: $13,720/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: HLC
Overall
63
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 7015% 6015% 6515% 7015% 5010% 555% 65
What jobs you can get with a master's in mechatronics
The BLS does not maintain a "mechatronics engineer" SOC code, so graduates of master's mechatronics programs distribute across four BLS classifications depending on work emphasis: Mechanical Engineers (17-2141, median $$102,320), Electrical Engineers (17-2071, median $$111,910), Electronics Engineers (17-2072, median $$127,590), and Engineers All Other (17-2199, includes controls and robotics engineers, median $$116,030).
SOC 17-2199 · $116,030 median
Robotics Engineer
MS opens frontier-niche robotics work — autonomous vehicles (Waymo, Tesla, Zoox), surgical robotics (Intuitive Surgical, Stryker Mako), humanoid robotics (Boston Dynamics, Figure, 1X). Total compensation at senior levels regularly $300K-$500K.
Full career profile →
SOC 17-2199 · $116,030 median
Controls Engineer
MS at senior level adds 10-15% pay premium over BS-only equivalents per ASME / IEEE surveys. Strongest at semiconductor fabs (Intel, TSMC, Samsung) and EV battery plants.
Full career profile →
SOC 17-2199 · $116,030 median
Automation Engineer
MS supports automation-systems-architecture and senior-engineer track roles at large manufacturers.
Full career profile →
SOC 17-2141 · $102,320 median
Mechanical Engineer
MS in Mechanical with mechatronics specialization supports research roles at corporate R&D centers (Bosch Research, Toyota Research Institute), national labs, and academic positions.
Full career profile →
Salary outlook for master's graduates
MS adds 10-15% pay premium over BS-only equivalents per ASME and IEEE engineering salary surveys. For frontier robotics roles (autonomous vehicles, surgical robotics, humanoid robotics), MS or PhD is typical and senior-level total compensation routinely clears $300K-$500K. For industrial automation roles, work experience and specialization matter more than MS itself.
Per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data for SOC 17-2199 (Engineers, All Other (incl. Robotics and Controls Engineers)), May 2024 OEWS:
| Percentile | Annual wage | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 50th (median) | $116,030 | 5-10 years experience |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Engineers, All Other (incl. Robotics and Controls Engineers)
Pay rises significantly with experience and credential stacking. See the full Robotics Engineer career profile for the complete pay progression across career stages and the named employers paying at each level.
Certifications to pair with this master's
The master's mechatronics credential's career impact is strongest when paired with industry-recognized certifications. The highest-leverage credentials to add:
NCEES / State licensing boards · $375
PE Licensure
Some states allow a reduced experience window for MS holders (typically 3 years instead of 4). Most useful for consulting-track careers.
Full credential guide →
NCEES · $175
FE Exam
If not already passed during bachelor's, MS-track engineers often take FE early in graduate study while content is fresh.
Full credential guide →
Compare all 7 mechatronics credentials →
How to evaluate a master's program
Beyond the ranked list above, use these criteria when comparing specific programs side-by-side. Each criterion is one of the data inputs we use in our 7-factor scoring methodology.
- Faculty research alignment. For thesis-track and PhD-bound candidates, faculty research interests in your target specialty area matter more than program ranking. Reach out to potential advisors before applying.
- TA / RA funding availability. Most US engineering MS programs offer TAs covering full tuition plus stipend. Verify availability and competitive context before applying — programs with strong research funding typically have more funded positions.
- Industry partnerships. Programs with active industry partnerships (Bosch Research with Detroit-metro programs, Toyota Research Institute with US universities, Boston Dynamics with WPI) produce stronger career outcomes via internships and direct hiring pipelines.
- Online and part-time delivery options. For working engineers pursuing MS for career specialization, online/hybrid/part-time delivery matters. Verify the program accommodates working students.
- Specialization track options. Verify the program offers the specialty tracks (robotics, automotive mechatronics, autonomous systems) most relevant to your direction. Generic "mechatronics" without depth in your target specialty produces weaker outcomes.
- Reputation in target sub-niche. Carnegie Mellon Robotics has different recognition than Stanford ME with controls electives. Match the program reputation to where you want to work — frontier robotics employers (Boston Dynamics, Figure) recognize different programs than industrial-automation employers.
Cost & funding sources
In-state public university tuition typically runs $14,000-$26,000 per year. Out-of-state and private university tuition runs $30,000-$60,000 per year. Total MS cost ranges $25,000-$120,000. Many MS candidates pay nothing out of pocket via TA/RA funding (covers tuition plus $20K-$35K stipend) or employer tuition reimbursement.
The most common funding sources for master's mechatronics candidates:
- Teaching Assistantships (TAs) — typically cover full tuition plus $20K-$35K stipend
- Research Assistantships (RAs) — funded by faculty research grants, full tuition plus stipend
- Industry-sponsored fellowships (defense primes, automotive OEMs, big-tech)
- Employer tuition reimbursement (most large engineering employers offer $5K-$15K/yr for graduate degrees)
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500/year for graduate students)
- GI Bill and military education benefits
- Department-specific fellowships and merit scholarships
Time to credential & starting pay
How long it takes
One and a half to two years full-time (typically 30-36 credit hours over 4-5 semesters). Part-time programs (Oakland University evening/Saturday format, Penn State World Campus, Georgia Tech online) extend to 3-4 years while allowing full-time employment.
What you'll earn coming out
MS adds 10-15% pay premium over BS-only equivalents per ASME and IEEE engineering salary surveys. For frontier robotics roles (autonomous vehicles, surgical robotics, humanoid robotics), MS or PhD is typical and senior-level total compensation routinely clears $300K-$500K. For industrial automation roles, work experience and specialization matter more than MS itself.
Adjacent credentials to compare
The master's mechatronics credential is one of several closely-related credential paths. The right choice depends on your career direction, timeline, and financial situation.
| Credential | Tradeoff |
|---|---|
| MS in Robotics Engineering (dedicated) | WPI, Carnegie Mellon, Michigan, GRASP at UPenn, Georgia Tech. Better for frontier-robotics employers; narrower industrial-automation recognition. |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering with controls specialization | Broader employer recognition (largest engineering discipline). Less integrated mechatronics depth than dedicated MS. |
| MEng (Master of Engineering) | 1-year condensed coursework-only professional degree. Faster credential without research investment. |
| MBA | Business and management instead of technical depth. Best for engineers transitioning to management, product, or consulting. |
| PhD | Additional 3-5 years beyond MS. Required for industrial research roles, national-lab positions, and academic faculty. Most candidates do not need PhD for industry engineering work. |
How we ranked these programs
Each program in this list is scored 0-100 across seven weighted factors. The scoring is deterministic — same methodology applied to every program with no editorial thumb on the scale. Per-factor scores are computed from data points we maintain in our program directory: accreditation status, named industry partners, tuition, format, partnership history.
- Accreditation (25%): Active accreditation from the recognized body in this field, plus continuous accreditation history.
- Program leadership (15%): Program director credentials, tenure, and ongoing professional involvement.
- Pathways & laddering (15%): Stackable credentials, articulation agreements, and graduate-pathway support.
- Delivery format (15%): Online/hybrid/in-person flexibility, residency requirements, and start dates.
- Employer signal (15%): Documented hiring partnerships, internship placements, and graduate placement.
- Cost & affordability (10%): In-state and online tuition, transparent fees, and aid availability.
- Reputation (5%): Institutional reputation, regional accreditation, and student satisfaction signals.
The methodology is constant across every ranking we publish — national, state, city, and modifier-prefixed pages all use the same factor weights. Full methodology details and per-factor scoring logic.
Pitfalls & things to know
- Don't pursue MS as substitute for ABET-EAC bachelor's. If you are a mechatronics technician with an AAS targeting engineer roles, the MS path requires prerequisite coursework approximating a full ABET BS. The cleaner ladder is AAS → ABET-EAC BS → optional MS later.
- Don't take significant debt for coursework-only MS without funding. If you are not funded via TA/RA, employer reimbursement, or fellowship, and the program is non-thesis without strong industry placement record, the 10-15% pay premium may not justify the cost.
- Online MS reputation varies widely. Verify the specific program's reputation in your target employer set. Georgia Tech online MS has strong reputation; some other online MS programs less so.
- Degree title matters less than research portfolio. Hiring managers value coursework, research portfolio, and faculty connections more than the specific degree-title text. An MS in Mechanical Engineering with strong mechatronics electives often outperforms a dedicated MS in Mechatronics at a less-respected program.
- For frontier robotics, choose dedicated robotics MS. Programs like CMU Robotics Institute, WPI Robotics, Michigan Robotics produce stronger placement at frontier-niche employers than general MS in Mechatronics.
Frequently asked questions
How are these programs ranked?
Is this the complete list of US programs?
How current is this data?
Is a master's in mechatronics worth it?
What certifications should I pair with this credential?
Sources & methodology
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Engineers, All Other (incl. Robotics and Controls Engineers) (SOC 17-2199). May 2024 OEWS release.
- BLS OEWS Industry Tables. Employment by industry.
- ABET Accredited Programs Directory. EAC and ETAC accreditation status.
- NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying). FE and PE exam administration.
- Our 7-factor ranking methodology. Per-factor scoring logic and weights.
Program details verified as of 2026-05-19. BLS wage data is from May 2024 OEWS release. Tuition figures from state community-college system tuition tables and individual institutional pages. Pay-percentile values between published 10/50/90 BLS anchors are interpolated.