Robotics automation

This program could be a good fit if you:

• Are an M.S. or Ph.D. student in robotics, engineering or computer science seeking deep technical knowledge for research or development
• Have interest in integrating control systems, PLCs and embedded hardware with robotics
• Focused on AI, machine learning and cognitive systems applied to robotics
• Aim to work with PLCs, real-time systems and industrial robotics
• Want to apply advanced techniques in physical robotic systems

Students pursuing a graduate certificate as a standalone program are not eligible for financial aid. However, students enrolled in a separate U of I graduate degree program may apply their financial aid or graduate funding toward a graduate certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.

For more information or to explore funding options, visit Financial Aid.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Clubs and organizations

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Clubs related to your major include:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Robotics Club
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Vandal Atmospheric Science Team (VAST) 

Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate level certificate as a standalone program are encouraged to submit a graduate application. A bachelor’s degree earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a similar or generally related field or a master’s degree is required for admission. Applicants who do not immediately meet the criteria above may still be admitted upon review by the academic program. The graduate application requires transcripts from post-secondary education (bachelor’s and master’s if applicable), a resume and a $30 application fee.

International graduate certificate applicants must meet the graduate admission English language proficiency requirement.  International students admitted to a graduate certificate program as a standalone program are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 visa status.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

Graduate certificate application process for current U of I undergraduate students

Current undergraduate students who wish to earn a graduate academic certificate must be eligible to participate in graduate level courses (minimum requirements — senior standing and an overall GPA of at least 3.0). If the course is not being used for the undergraduate degree, the student should file a Course Level Adjustment form to reserve the course for the graduate transcript (maximum of 12 credits may be reserved for the graduate transcript). Once the student earns their bachelor’s degree they may apply as a graduate certificate seeking student and complete the certificate program.

Contact your academic advisor for additional information and support.

Graduate certificate application process for current U of I graduate students

Current graduate degree seeking U of I students will be required to fill out a Change of Curriculum form adding the graduate certificate as an additional curriculum. Students should obtain the proper signatures from the department and return this form to the College of Graduate Studies for processing.

U of I students who earned a master’s or a doctoral degree and wish to apply for a graduate certificate must submit a graduate Readmission application.

It is recommended that you consult with your major professor prior to selecting a graduate certificate to go concurrent with your graduate program.