University at Buffalo (UB)
The Engineering Science MS with a course focus in Robotics is an interdisciplinary program that will train students in robotics, autonomy and automation, leading to employment opportunities in robotics, autonomous vehicles and advanced manufacturing industries among others, or to opportunities for continuing education at the Doctoral level in related fields.
Areas of training in our courses include dynamics and controls, robotic algorithms for perception and planning, computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, design of electromechanical systems, automation platforms, and human-robot interaction.
Program Co-Directors
Souma Chowdhury
246 Bell Hall
(716) 645-3059
soumacho@buffalo.edu
Karthik Dantu
331 Davis Hall
(716) 645-2670
kdantu@buffalo.edu
Graduate Coordinator
415 Bonner Hall
engsci@buffalo.edu
The job market demand (download PDF) for students with a background in robotics and related fields is expected to continue to grow at an increased rate for companies in search of students trained in this area. Faculty members associated with the Engineering Science MS (course focus in Robotics) program will provide guidance in preparing students for careers in robotics. Typically, a graduate degree is necessary for advancement in this field, and students completing UB's program have an opportunity to practice in industry and directly deploy skills acquired through the program.
To apply to the Engineering Science (Robotics) MS program, students should have a background or related coursework in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or a related physical science or engineering field. A strong background in math topics such as linear algebra, probability, numerical analysis and optimization, and associated programming experience is a bonus. Further, prior background in robotics is also a bonus.
Applicants must provide the following application materials:
Students can apply online. New applicants must create an account. If you have applied in the past, you will be asked to log in to your existing account to start a new application.
The application includes sections that will ask you to provide us with personal/biographical information, contact information, citizenship details, your past or current college/university, and degree details. You will be able to enter the names and contact information of your recommenders and upload supporting materials to your application. You may upload supporting documents while completing the application form or after you have submitted your application in your Application Status Portal.
You do not need official transcripts or test scores to apply. Unofficial copies are sufficient for application review, but students are encouraged to provide official copies if they have them.
A nonrefundable fee of $85 is required to apply. After you submit your application form, you can pay the application fee online in your Application Status Portal with a credit card or e-check.
Copies of transcript(s) for all post-secondary schoolwork must be uploaded with your application for initial review. Upon an offer of admission, accepted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree(s).
Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your application. Your resume or CV should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.
Please upload a brief personal statement describing your educational objectives, your academic experience, and why you're interested in the program. There is no required length or word limit for the statement.
GRE scores are optional but recommended for this program. If you would like to take the GRE, you can arrange to take it through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Official scores should come directly from ETS.
Note: the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.
Two letters of recommendation are required to apply to this program. Letters are automatically requested when you enter recommenders' names and email addresses in your application. While we will accept letters from professional sources, we strongly prefer letters from professors acquainted with your academic interests, achievements, and abilities.
International applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The chart below outlines acceptable test types and the university's minimum score required for admission. All applicants whose native language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.
Copies may be submitted for initial review. Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
| Test Type | University Minimum Score | To Order... |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) TOEFL Home Edition | 79 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL ITP Plus | 550 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.5 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| 55 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 | ADA Department of Testing will report your official scores to central application services |
Exam results must be dated within two years from your proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which you applied.
It is strongly recommended to make test arrangements early in the year so sufficient time can be allowed for the results to be reported before application deadlines.
Exemptions to English Language Proficiency requirements can be found on The Graduate School website.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but students are encouraged to apply by December 15th for Fall entry, and by October 15th for Spring entry.
Students will take ten courses for a total of 30 credits.
*CSE 573 has been removed as a core course and added to the elective list as of Fall 2024.
*Note that not all electives are offered every year, and some may be discontinued over time and replaced by related or newer ones.
Students will have the option to complete:
A list of three-credit projects and corresponding project supervisors will be made available from the Center for Embodied Autonomy and Robotics.
Students who cannot secure a project, thesis or external internship can take an extra approved elective and complete the program via an all-course option.
Students will take ten courses for a total of 30 credits.
Students will pick two or three elective courses: two electives if they are doing a six-credit master’s thesis for the culminating experience, and three electives if opting for the three-credit master’s project.
Students will have the option to complete either a six-credit master’s thesis or a three-credit project. The project can be completed through an internship or through supervision with a faculty member. Students who cannot secure a project or thesis can take an extra approved elective and complete the program via an all-course option.