A yellow and black robot sitting on top of a lush green field.

Robotics (Non-Thesis)

Master of Science

Delivery Options

Campus

Fall 2026 Deadline

Domestic: August 1st
International: March 1st

Apply Now Contact Admissions Team

Department

Robotics

Program Overview

If you’re ready to design, build and deploy intelligent machines that operate where humans can’t, the Master of Science in Robotics (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines helps you take that next step. This interdisciplinary program equips you with advanced technical depth in autonomous systems, perception, AI and machine learning, putting you at the forefront of next-generation robotics innovation.

At Mines, you’ll help shape the systems that enable robots to see, think and act in complex and often extreme environments. Whether you’re designing technology to help navigate deep mine environments, withstand the interiors of nuclear reactors, explore terrain on the Moon or better interact with humans, you’ll gain the expertise to tackle increasingly sophisticated challenges across industries such as aerospace, energy, manufacturing, defense and beyond.

Built on Mines’ strengths in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and engineering design, the Master of Science in Robotics (Non-Thesis) gives you the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are advancing AI-driven perception, resilient autonomous platforms and intelligent systems integration, bringing cutting-edge research and industry directly into your coursework. Through in-depth classes and hands-on research opportunities, you’ll develop the technical fluency to integrate hardware and software, translate algorithms into physical systems and deliver solutions that perform reliably in the real world. You’ll graduate prepared to lead in high-impact engineering environments with the skills and perspective to define what robotics can do next.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Robotics (Non-Thesis) is built for those who want to work in industry, designing, building and deploying the next robotics technologies and systems. Requiring 30 credit hours of coursework, you will study across four key focus areas: perception (sensing, estimating, computer vision, mapping, localization), action (kinematics, dynamics, control), cognition (artificial intelligence, planning, machine learning) and interaction (human-robot interaction, robot ethics).

The non-thesis option is ideal for engineers seeking to deepen their technical mastery through focused, high-impact coursework. It’s a strategic way to sharpen your expertise, elevate your professional profile and position yourself for advanced technical or leadership opportunities.

Thesis & PhD Options

Faculty Expertise

Meet three faculty leaders with expertise in human-robot cooperation, knowledge-based robotics, intelligent control, mining and manufacturing robotics and AI and perception systems prepares students to design and implement advanced robotic systems for real world applications.

Andrew Petruska

Associate Professor

Xiaoli Zhang

Associate Professor

Micah Corah

Asst Professor

Application Requirements

Bachelor's degree
GRE: Not Required
Letters of Recommendations: Not Required
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose
Transcripts
International students please review the English proficiency requirements

Program Curriculum

View Academic Catalog

World-Class Labs, Centers & Facilities

A woman standing next to a yellow and black robot.

ARIA Lab

The Autonomy, Robotics, & Intelligent Algorithms (ARIA) Lab develops algorithms for robotic perception and autonomy. Led by Assistant Professor Kaveh Fathian, the research group focuses on four main areas: robust perception, robust spatial AI, resilient Internet of Robots, and field robotics.

A machine that is sitting on top of a table.

M3 Robotics

M3 Robotics turns applied and fundamental research into complex system design to support both medical and field applications. Led by Associate Professor Andrew Petruska, the lab’s projects range from continuum robotic manipulation for neurosurgery to fundamental magnetic manipulation research to autonomous navigation in harsh environments.

A man standing next to a small robot in the desert.

Robotic Space Exploration Lab

The Robotic Space Exploration (ROSE) Lab advances methods for mobile autonomous robots in diverse space environments, from satellites in orbit to underwater vehicles in extraplanetary oceans to planetary rovers on lunar or Martian soil. Led by Assistant Professor Frankie Zhu, the lab aims to create robotic explorers capable of replacing or complementing human missions, digitizing the roles of both scientists and explorers in high-risk environments.

Career Outlook

Median salary for recent program graduates $85,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

Explore Mines Career Center

Employers who seek Mines graduates include

Aerospace and Space Robotics

Companies hiring for autonomous rovers, orbital robotics, and mission systems.

Ball Aerospace (now BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems)
Blue Origin
Boeing
Honeybee Robotics (Major partner for space mining/drilling robotics)
Lockheed Martin (Top employer for Mines robotics graduates)
Lunar Outpost (Commercial space robotics firm founded by Mines alumni)
Maxar Technologies
NASA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Johnson Space Center)
Sierra Space
United Launch Alliance (ULA)

Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Automation

Firms hiring for robotic workcells, mechatronics, and process automation.

3D Systems
Agilent Technologies
Arrow Electronics
Eaton
Fanuc America
Markforged
Milwaukee Tool
Seagate Technology
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Wolf Robotics (Industrial welding/cutting robotics; distinct hiring partner)
Woodward

Defense and National Security

Agencies hiring for unmanned systems (UAVs/UGVs) and field robotics.

General Atomics
L3Harris Technologies
Northrop Grumman
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)
U.S. Army (DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory)
U.S. Navy

Logistics, Warehouse and Consumer Robotics

Companies hiring for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and fulfillment automation.

Amazon Robotics
Canvas Technology (acquired by Amazon)
Outrider (Autonomous yard operations; based in Golden/Brighton)
Symbotic
Walmart (Supply Chain/Automation division)

Mining and Heavy Industry Autonomy

Companies hiring for autonomous haulage systems (AHS) and underground drone mapping.

Caterpillar
Epiroc
Freeport-McMoRan
Hexagon Mining
Komatsu
Rio Tinto (Mine of the Future program)

Research and Government Labs

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (Intelligent Systems Division)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

A rendering of Earth from space, showing the planet's blue atmosphere against the darkness of space

Frequently Asked Questions

What is robotics?

Robotics involves designing and building physical machines (robots) capable of performing tasks that can be hazardous, repetitive, complex or require precision. It consists in creating mechanical structures, control algorithms, sensors and software that enable robots to interact safely and effectively with their environment and humans. Robotics encompasses a wide range of robots, including industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), humanoids, collaborative robots (cobots) and specialized robots for healthcare and exploration.

What are the most interesting advances and technologies?

Key technologies shaping robotics include:

Advanced artificial intelligence integration allowing robots to understand natural language, learn and adapt in real time
Collaborative robots (cobots) designed to safely work alongside humans with intuitive interfaces and learning capabilities
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance widely used in logistics and warehousing
Soft robotics employing flexible materials to handle delicate objects in manufacturing and food industries
Surgical robotics offering minimally invasive procedures with high precision and improved patient outcomes
Robotic exoskeletons, swarm robotics and increasingly AI-driven control systems enhancing robot versatility and application breadth.

What are some career options with a robotics degree?

Career paths include:

Robotics engineer designing and building robotic systems
Software developer programming robot behaviors and autonomy
Robotics technician maintaining and repairing robots
AI and machine learning engineer creating adaptive algorithms
Mechatronics engineer integrating mechanical, electrical and software components
Research scientist developing new robotics technologies
Control systems engineer optimizing robot movements and tasks
Robotics sales engineer bridging technical knowledge with customer needs.

What are the industries hiring robotics graduates?

Graduates find roles in:

Manufacturing and automotive industries with automation and assembly robots
Healthcare for surgical robots and rehabilitation devices
Logistics and warehousing using mobile autonomous robots
Aerospace and defense for exploration drones and unmanned systems
Agriculture with robotic harvesters and monitoring systems
Research institutions and technology startups focused on innovation in robotics and AI.

What are the current research directions in robotics?

Robotics research covers:

Human-robot interaction including assistive and rehabilitation robotics
Field and service robots operating autonomously in dynamic environments
Manipulation and locomotion focusing on precise control, mobility and gripper design
Wearable and biomedical robotics enhancing healthcare delivery
Algorithmic foundations such as simulation, control, optimization and probabilistic reasoning for robust robot operation
Multi-environment capable robots and specialized designs for diverse applications.

Robotics continues to be a dynamic field driven by advances in artificial intelligence, materials science and system integration, promising transformative impacts across society and industry.

Featured Alumni

Meet Alex Gall ’22, MS ’23

Alex Gall works in the field of robotics, focusing on mechanical design and the development of complex engineered systems. His hands-on education at Mines prepared him to translate theory into practical solutions in an industry setting. “I was predisposed to wanting to be an environmental steward coming into Mines, but the university definitely gave me the tools to be a good engineer so that I can be the best steward I can be."

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Robotics (Non-Thesis)

Master of Science

Delivery Options

Fall 2026 Deadline

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