How to apply to the Robotics PhD and MS programs
Welcome and thank you for your interest in applying. While reviewing applications, we always consider the applicant as a whole, giving time to thoughtfully consider each portion of the application.
Admission to the graduate program is determined by the Robotics faculty. The Rackham Graduate School acts as the administrative body overseeing the admissions process.
While we do look for a strong academic preparation, we also focus on those we determine would be a good match at Michigan. An engineering background is recommended but not required for the Robotics graduate program, although we have found that the lack of engineering background can put students at a disadvantage as they begin their graduate studies. In general, our Admissions Committee is most interested in undergraduate and/or graduate academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation (with particular attention to letters coming from faculty in relevant fields) and the academic statement of purpose.
- If you have any questions or issues with the online application, please contact Rackham Admissions at rackadmis@umich.edu.
- If you have any other questions, please contact our Student Services Office at robotics-sso@umich.edu or 734-763-2369.
Application requirements
To begin completing an application:
To help guide you along the way, read more information on each application component:
GRE scores policy
For applications for Fall 2023 and beyond, GRE scores will not be accepted with PhD applications. For applicants to the MS program, submitting GRE scores is optional. MS applicants are welcome to submit GRE scores, but they are not required to do so.
For applicants to the MS program, submitting GRE scores is optional. MS applicants are welcome to submit GRE scores, but they are not required to do so. There is not a penalty for not submitting GRE scores or a bonus if submitting them.
Application deadlines
Graduate applications are accepted for the fall term only and will become available typically in late August. Applications must be complete by the deadline; applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All materials are due as follows:
| Application | Deadline | Admit Terms |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | December 1 | Fall only |
| Master’s | January 15 | Fall only |
| SUGS | October 1 January 15 | Winter Fall |
| Change of Program | PhD: December 1 MS: January 15 | Fall only |
| Dual Degree | January 15 | Fall only |
Admission decisions timeline
Typically, admission decisions are communicated via the email you supplied with your application and are made on a rolling basis. Our admission offer goals are noted below:
| Application | Typical time frame |
|---|---|
| PhD | Anytime between December and April. Majority of offers will be made between February and March. |
| Master’s | Mid-March. |
| SUGS | Mid-March. |
| Change of Program | Late-March. |
| Dual Degree | Late-March. |
| Denials | Early April. |
Final decisions on admission are typically made by April 15. If you are not accepted and you would like to apply for a future term, you must submit a new application. An application fee is required for each new application submission.
Late materials
We ask that all applicants submit all required application materials by the deadline. However, we understand that there might be a delay in the receipt of letters of recommendation, test scores or transcripts to arrive. Receiving application materials after the deadline may result in a delay of the items being processed and reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.
Application types
MS vs. PhD
Apply to the master’s program if you plan to end your studies at the master’s level. The MS program typically takes 3-4 (Fall/Winter) semesters to complete, depending on how many credits are taken per term.
Apply to the PhD program directly if you plan to pursue a PhD. If you do not currently hold a relevant master’s degree, you will earn it during the first two years of the PhD program. Note: all PhD students are required to be enrolled full-time during the Fall and Winter semesters.
If you are interested in both the PhD and Master’s programs, you should apply to the PhD program. PhD applicants that are better suited to the master’s program are automatically given some consideration for the MS program as well; you do not need to apply to both. You can also indicate on the PhD application if you wish to also be considered for the MS program.
PhD applicants
If you are applying to the Ph.D. program, we recommend that you contact faculty whose research is of interest to you. A Ph.D. applicant will only be admitted if there is a match of interest with faculty member(s).
Change of program
If you are a current Rackham graduate student at the University of Michigan, you may apply to change from one graduate program to another within the Graduate School.
Dual degree
If you are a current, non-Robotics graduate student at the University of Michigan. you may add (not switch to) a Robotics Master’s degree as a dual degree.
Criteria our admissions committee looks for
In general, our Admissions Committee is most interested in:
- Undergraduate and graduate academic performance
- Research experience
- Letters of recommendation (with particular attention to letters coming from faculty in relevant fields)
- The academic statement of purpose
An engineering background is recommended but not required for admission into our program, with many students coming from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. However, we have found that the lack of an engineering background puts students at a disadvantage as they begin their graduate studies.
Admissions statistics
| Program | Average GPA |
|---|---|
| PhD | 3.75/4.0 |
| Master’s | 3.81/4.0 |
Cost of attendance & funding
We understand that there is a lot to consider when choosing to invest in a graduate program.
Tuition
The University of Michigan Regents approve updated tuition costs each summer and can be found by visiting this Registrar’s website and using the table to select your term of attendance, the “College of Engineering,” and the level of study is “Graduate.” The cost for Robotics students is located in the Rackham Tuition table.
PhD funding
All PhD admissions come with guaranteed funding subject to a student meeting their program deadlines. Funding includes tuition, monthly stipend, and health insurance. This funding can take the form of fellowships, research assistantships (typically to support research with specific faculty members), or teaching assistantships.
Master’s funding
Masters students are eligible for the same sources of funding as PhD students; however, funding is not guaranteed.
Additional policies
Applying to more than one degree program
You may apply to an additional program after you have completed and submitted the application for one program – you cannot work on two applications at the same time. You must submit the application, fee, and some required materials including online transcripts, and letters of recommendation for each program separately. Any materials you upload with the online application must be uploaded with each application separately.
Admission deferrals
You may defer your admission for up to one year under the following circumstances: medical emergency, family emergency, delay or denial of a visa, or a natural disaster (e.g. earthquake or hurricane). If your circumstances meet these criteria, please prepare a request to defer admission along with an explanation for the request. You may request admission deferral after your admission has been finalized by the Rackham Graduate School, by emailing robotics-sso@umich.edu.
Transfer credit (MS program only)
Graduate credits may be transferred to Master’s degree programs only. Generally, up to 6 credits may be transferred, providing they meet program requirements. Please refer to the Rackham Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for regulations for transfer of credit into the Master’s degree program.
Residency determination
If you need to determine your residency status, please see the Residency page at the Registrar’s website.
Apply to be a Michigan Robotics graduate student
Change of Program or Dual Degree
Already a Rackham student?
Apply to change programs or add a dual degree in robotics.
SUGS Program
Current U-M undergraduates interested in a Robotics graduate degree?
Contact
If at any point in the application and admissions process you require help or clarification, or if you have questions about Michigan Robotics in general, please contact:
Robotics Student Services Office
Email: robotics-sso@umich.edu
Voicemail: 734-763-2369
Additional information on criteria for admissions and degree programs is available on the Rackham Admissions site.
