University General Course Catalog 2025-2026 (DRAFT) 
    
    Jan 05, 2025  
University General Course Catalog 2025-2026 (DRAFT)

Robotics, M.S.


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The College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno offers an integrated course of study covering the design, implementation and evaluation of intelligent systems and robots that are able to operate in a real-world environment for those seeking the degree of Master of Science in Robotics. This program will teach students to understand the kinematics and dynamics of the physical systems, component design, sensing/actuation and computation for state-of-the-art robotic systems. Graduate students seeking the degree of Master of Science are given the opportunity to focus on an interdisciplinary course of study in robotics and perform research through the Thesis option (Plan A) or to study several different subjects in robotics through the Courses-Only option (Plan B).

Contact Information


David Feil-Seifer Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
(775) 784-6469
dave@cse.unr.edu
University of Nevada, Reno
Department of Computer Sciences and Engineering, Mail Stop 0171
1664 North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557-0330

Program Learning Outcomes


  • An ability to apply robotics research and theory to advance the art, science and practice of the discipline.
  • An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply and disseminate the data.
  • An understanding of fundamental research methodologies and potential applications of robotic systems.

Admission Requirements


Applicants to the master’s degree program should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science and have minimum experience that includes the equivalent of an Engineering minor. Applicants should further meet the following minimum criteria and the materials for admission:

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • A minimum GRE Quantitative score of at least 156.
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5 for international applicants.
  • A one-page personal statement describing research interests and career goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

Admission decisions are competitive and satisfaction of the above thresholds does not guarantee an admission. Exceptions to these criteria may be made for applicants who show exceptional promise.

I. Program Requirements


Masters level students may choose Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Courses-Only). Each option requires that the students complete a theory course and that their courses span several areas of specialization within the college. The specific requirements of each option are detailed below:

  • Thesis Option
    • This option requires a total of 30 units
    • 24 units of regular courses
      • 12 credits of this coursework must be completed at the 700 level.
    • 6 thesis units (CS/EE/ME/CPE/BME 797)
  • Courses Only Option
    • This option requires a total of 30 credits of coursework.
    • 12 credits at the 700-level.
    • 18 credits at the 600/700-level.

At most one independent study and one internship study up to 3 credits each is allowed for both options.

A. Introductory Courses Requirement (3 units)


Students must complete one of the following courses with a grade of B or better, if they have not already done so at undergraduate or graduate level:

B. Breadth Requirement (0 units)


M.S. students must complete one course from each of the following areas with a grade of “B” or better. The most recent list of courses offered in each area can be found in the robotics program handbook:

  • Actuation and Control
  • Reasoning and Computation
  • Sensing

C. Core Courses Requirement (12 units)


Students must complete four of the following courses with a grade of B or better:

E. Thesis Credits (0 or 6 units)


Thesis MS students are required to enroll in 6-credits of supervised research under any of these course numbers:

F. Declaration of Advisor


The students must find an advisor and submit the Declaration of Advisor form (https://www.unr.edu/grad/student-academics/forms) to Graduate School by the end of their second semester in the program.

G. Advisory Committee


The students must find an advisor and submit the Declaration of Advisor form (https://www.unr.edu/grad/student-academics/forms) to Graduate School by the end of their second semester in the program.

II. Total Units (30 units)


Thesis Option is 30 units.

Courses Only Option is 30 units

III. Recommended Schedule


These schedules are merely suggestions and can vary depending on your advisor and course availability etc.

Thesis Plan


First Year


First semester:

  • CPE 670 Autonomous Mobile Robots OR
  • ME 622 Introduction to Robotics (3 units)
  • 600/700 level courses (6 units)

Second semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

Second Year


Third semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (6 units)
  • Thesis (3 units)

Fourth semester:

  • Thesis (3 units)

Courses Only Plan


First Year


First semester:

  • CPE 670 Autonomous Mobile Robots OR
  • ME 622 Introduction to Robotics (3 units)
  • 600/700 level courses (6 units)

Second semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

Second Year


Third semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

Fourth semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (3 units)

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