The MRSD program distinguishes itself by offering a quality education in the sciences and technologies of robotics through extensive hands-on laboratory and project work, coupled with invaluable experiences in project and business management. The goal of MRSD is to provide students with an experience unique from any other by teaching both the technical and business skills needed to succeed in the competitive technology industry. MRSD likely requires a higher level of peer engagement than other graduate programs, as students complete a 2-semester project in teams. Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on projects, and an internship, students will graduate and enter the workforce at higher technical and/or managerial levels since they are armed with a comprehensive education and improved communication skills.
The MSR program consists of formal coursework and a heavy emphasis on research, culminating with an individual thesis based on a student’s research topic. MRSD students engage in formal coursework, project courses, and business seminars. Students in the MRSD program complete a 2-semester systems-based project in teams of approximately 4 or 5 students.
The MRSD program matriculates approximately 45 new students every fall semester. Each cohort takes the same core courses and conducts team projects together, so groups become very well-acquainted and cohesive. These strong connections often survive and thrive long after graduation. Students are also encouraged to get to know their classmates in the cohort one year ahead and one year behind them. This peer support is particularly helpful for the times when graduate school feels overwhelming.
Pittsburgh has been a top-ranked “Most Livable US City” several times in the past twenty years. The Steel City is a collection of neighborhoods, giving it a small-town feel, while also providing access to world-class amenities. It’s not too large or busy, but it has a lot of cultural opportunities, like museums, art galleries, three professional sports teams, wonderful sightseeing, and a booming restaurant industry. The biggest downside is probably the weather – which is overcast a lot of the time – but the summers are generally very nice and the winters are not extreme like in the northern mid-west. VisitPittsburgh.com can provide much greater insight regarding the abundant opportunities and adventures to be had in the Burgh!
The MRSD program does not require certain minimum GRE scores, although successful applicants always earn a strong mark in the quantitative section. Test scores are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to evaluating a candidate. Applicants’ credentials are considered comprehensively, so no single aspect takes precedence over others. Candidates are considered holistically and as individuals with varying backgrounds and interesting experiences.
Non-native English speakers are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam to demonstrate language proficiency. The MRSD Admissions Committee typically seeks scores of 25 or higher in each TOEFL sub-category.
Absolutely! MRSD welcomes applications from any and all interested and qualified candidates. We routinely consider and accept applicants from other countries. International students who are accepted to MRSD with the intention of matriculating are responsible for applying and receiving visas in a timely manner, and the Office of International Education (OIE) is always available to answer questions.
Every MRSD cohort has been comprised of both those with industry experience and those who attend immediately after completing their undergraduate education. Historically, about 55% join MRSD directly from undergrad, while the other 45% spent an average of 2.9 years working in relevant technical positions. While job experience is looked upon favorably, its absence clearly does not prevent admission to the program.
MRSD does not offer financial aid. Accepted students are expected to be fully self-supported, covering tuition, fees, and any additional costs for room and board. Domestic students may be eligible to apply for financial aid through the university, and MRSD also honors GEM Fellowships earned by admitted students. More information can be found here, and it is also suggested to browse the Fellowships & Scholarships website.
Although not guaranteed, there are sometimes opportunities to serve as a Teaching Assistant. This is a paid, part-time position that nicely complement students’ studies; the resultant stipend is helpful for groceries, books, etc, but is certainly not enough to cover tuition. Hiring decisions are made by the course instructors after a student has successfully completed that course, so being a TA in the first semester is not possible.
MRSD is a full-time program that consists of 4 semesters and an optional (but encouraged) summer internship. The total program length is 21 months, or two academic years.
Carnegie Mellon uses units; one unit represents approximately one hour of work per week for the duration of the course. The MRSD program requires a total of 180 units for degree completion. This can be understood more thoroughly by visiting the Curriculum page.
Due to the variety of course content, university teaching levels, and the specificity of MRSD courses, the program will not accept any transfer credits.
A hallmark of the MRSD Program is the unique, two-semester project course. Projects are solicited from industrial and RI faculty sponsors, and a list is prepared and shared with students. Students and their teams are encouraged to contact potential sponsors to find out more about the projects, and the Systems Engineering course will also assist with project selection. Teams sometimes propose their own projects, but in such cases it is important for teams to identify a mentor who can give them good technical guidance.
The degree requirements for students in the MRSD Program consist of Required Courses and Business/Technical Electives. In order to be eligible for graduation, MRSD students must successfully complete the 180-unit curriculum as outlined on the program website. To be eligible for degree certification, students are required to obtain a grade of B- or better in all Required Courses and a C or better in all Elective Courses. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The curriculum is rigorous, yet rewarding, and the MRSD administration supports and encourages enrolled students throughout their entire graduate school journey.
Although not guaranteed, there are sometimes opportunities to serve as a Research Assistant. A small number of MRSD students have done research for hourly pay, if the lab/faculty member can provide that. Hiring decisions are made by the course instructors and/or the faculty who supervise the labs; the resultant income is helpful for groceries, books, etc, but is certainly not enough to cover tuition.
Another mechanism for conducting research is to request an independent study as a substitute for a technical elective. Students must work in advance to find their own faculty mentor/project, and provide the MRSD program with a strong justification as to why there are no courses at CMU that can meet their needs. Only one independent study can be conducted during MRSD, since the program is not a research-based program, and this approval is not granted lightly.
MRSD is designed to be completed full-time in 21 months. Accepted MRSD students interested in completing the program part-time should contact the MRSD Program Office to discuss their individual circumstance. The Robotics Institute does not offer distance-learning, thereby requiring students to be on the Pittsburgh campus for all formal coursework. The MRSD program generally does not accept the enrollment of non-MRSD students in any of its core, project, or business courses (excluding 16-720 Computer Vision).
The companies listed here have consistently expressed interest in working with MRSD students. The MRSD Director & Manager help to facilitate internship placement by circulating a Resume Book each fall to the companies listed on the website and to other relevant industry contacts. Students are responsible for applying for positions on their own. Interviewing and negotiating terms & conditions of the internship (length, compensation, etc.) are also the student’s responsibility. The MRSD staff, as well as the Career & Professional Development Center, are glad to offer support and advice as needed!
It is highly recommended that students engage in a summer internship to obtain practical and applied work experience. Through the internship, students can gain insight into a company, technical area or business segment, which will help guide future career focus and choices. Students choosing to complete a MRSD-relevant summer internship will be registered for 3 units of 16-991 “Internship.” The 3 units can be counted towards the Technical Elective requirement and will factor into the 180-unit total required for graduation. Internships are expected to fall within the summer term as outlined by the University Academic Calendar. Interns will be required to submit a final end-of-internship report documenting the work that they carried out as part of their internship. The MRSD Program Director will review the reports and assign a Pass/Fail grade at the end of the summer term.
Internships are typically paid, but this – among other relevant employment details – is always discussed between the student and the specific company hosting the internship. Internship pay can frequently be quite competitive, though this depends largely on the type of company and the geographic location.
Pittsburgh has an increasingly vibrant entrepreneurial environment. About 60 of the 300 companies on the MRSD contact list of robotics companies are in the Pittsburgh area. CMU provides favorable financial terms and good support for spin-off companies. The Tepper Business School gives strong support to entrepreneurs, including through the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship. The city has multiple incubators – including Startbot, which is expressly for robotics companies. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has formed a network of robotics companies in the area and works with city leadership to encourage additional companies to form in or move to Pittsburgh.
Students are encouraged to use the services provided by CMU’s Career and Professional Development Center for assistance with career placement. The Robotics Institute frequently receives job postings from companies, and these announcements are promptly forwarded to students.
One of the main benefits of the summer internship is that the student has the opportunity to work for a company in their field of interest under favorable conditions. This is a tremendous opportunity for a student to showcase his or her potential, thereby dramatically improving their likelihood of being considered for a potential job opening at the respective company upon graduation.
Similarly to the process of seeking internships, a resume book is distributed to industry contacts who are seeking full-time employees relevant to the skills of MRSD grads.
The MRSD program offers substantial value to all graduates. The knowledge gained throughout two academic years in the MRSD program will set you apart from the competition. Your technical knowledge will apply to most high-technology industries. Learning business principles and critical thinking will allow you to manage a complete concept-to-project plan. The hands-on development techniques you learn will enable you to move projects from theory to reality and your team management skills will ease the transition from prototype to commercialization. Everything you learn can be immediately applied in a professional setting providing validation, exposure, and immediate financial return on your investment in the degree.
Please visit the Testimonials page to learn how recent graduates feel about the program.
Note that the MRSD program is primarily a professional master’s degree, intended to provide a mix of technical and business training to better prepare students for careers in industry and/or start-up environment. The MRSD program should not be viewed as a preparatory degree program for earning a PhD, but rather as a stand-alone degree program for those primarily interested in a professional career track.
Admission to the MRSD program does not in any way signify admission to other RI graduate programs. Each of RI’s graduate programs (MSR, MRSD, MSCV, PhD) are separate and have their own admission criteria, selection processes, and admission decisions. Students are welcome to apply for RI’s PhD program at any point in their career.