University of Maryland Creates Master's in Robotics Targeted at High-Tech Professionals

Designed to advance robotics systems and applications through an interdisciplinary program of study.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  July 29, 2013

CONTACT:
Paul Easterling
301 405 3017
peaster@umd.edu

To meet the demand for highly trained technologists in the field of Robotics, the Clark School of Engineering has developed a new graduate level program for working professionals that will provide in-depth knowledge, skills, and abilities to advance robotics in defense, health care, manufacturing, and exploration (i.e. space, extreme environments). “We’ve seen the increasing need for highly trained technical professionals in robotics,” says George Syrmos, Executive Director of the Office of Advanced Engineering Education that oversees the program, “but we didn’t see another degree program focused solely on the science and engineering expertise required to lead in this rapidly developing area. To close this gap, our new Master’s and Graduate Certificate in Robotics have been developed by faculty from Maryland Robotics Center as well as university practitioners, governmental scientists, and industrial researchers.”

The curriculum is designed to cover fundamental and applied topics in robotics modeling, control of robotic systems, planning and perception for autonomous robots. Students will tailor their programs in a variety of areas including optimization and algorithms, performance analysis and design methods, or modeling, systems and control. Additional elective courses through the Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, and Reliability Engineering programs are also available to round out a student’s academic program.

The advent of this program comes at a time when practicing scientists and engineers are needed in the rapidly developing robotics field. The program allows working professionals the opportunity to develop their current knowledge through a highly focused/technical curriculum without leaving their current full-time positions. Students within the program will receive instruction from the University’s foremost scientists in developing fields within robotics, as well as from experts from the public and private sectors. Learn more at www.advancedengineering.umd.edu/programs/robotics.