Robotics automation

The robotics automation graduate certificate is a 12-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes 
Graduates of this robotics automation certificate will develop the skills to design, analyze and implement robotic systems across industrial applications. You will understand the complete robotics stack, from motors, controllers and embedded systems to PLCs, software architectures, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The program develops your ability to apply engineering principles, evaluate safety and ethical considerations and contribute to advanced robotics research and innovation in manufacturing environments.

Program format

This graduate certificate program provides a comprehensive understanding of the robotics stack, from motors, controllers and embedded systems to PLCs, advanced software and AI-driven cognitive processes. You’ll complete required courses in Robotic Systems Engineering and select electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, machine vision, real-time systems and automation. All coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better, supporting advanced study and robotics research.

Faculty expertise
Work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• Robotics engineering and intelligent industrial automation
• Robotic systems design, integration and control
• Autonomous systems and AI-enabled robotics
• Machine learning and deep learning for robotic applications
• Computer vision, perception and pattern recognition
• Embedded systems, real-time computing and robotic controllers
• PLC programming and industrial control systems
• Robotic simulation, dynamics and optimization
• Evolutionary computation and intelligent optimization methods
• High-performance computing for advanced robotics applications
• Safe, secure and ethical design of robotic systems

Connect with program faculty

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

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Computer Science contact:
Hasan Jamil
jamil@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions: 

Graduate Admissions: 
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001 

Program availability

• Semester intake: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Not eligible for international applicants who require F-1 status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates 

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)

• Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted.

  View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.

• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose may be required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or whose undergraduate degree is in a significantly different field from the graduate program to which they are applying
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Application fee: $30 

Application and Admission Process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.  

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, and their intended program and start term. 

• For new international graduate certificate applicants:
  • International applicants must meet University of Idaho’s English proficiency language requirement.
  • International students may pursue graduate certificate programs either as standalone degrees or as part of a concurrent curriculum with another graduate program. Students enrolled in a certificate program as a standalone option are not eligible for F-1 visa status.
• For current U of I graduate students:
  • Submit a change of curriculum form to add the certificate to your current course of study.
  • Obtain department approval and return the form to the College of Graduate Studies.
• For current U of I undergraduate students:
  • Must have senior standing and a 3.0 GPA to take graduate-level courses.
  • To reserve credits for the graduate transcript, please submit a Credit Reservation Form to the College of Graduate Studies. This form must be signed by your academic advisor.
  • After earning a bachelor’s degree, apply as a graduate certificate-seeking student to complete the program.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.