Robotics Engineering Certificate - Curriculum 224

Program Officer

CDR Caleb MacDonald

Code 74, Watkins Hall, Room 107

(831) 656-2033, DSN 756-2033

caleb.macdonald@nps.edu

Brief Overview

The Robotics Engineering graduate certificate is intended to provide a technical foundation and supplemental credential for practicing engineers. The objective of the program is to provide the civilian and active-duty workforce with a flexible, self-paced learning experience that includes the essential concepts and skills necessary to understand, design, and operate robotic systems.  Each course is comprised of both instruction and hands-on activities to support student learning. 

This certificate program consists of a four graduate course sequence including both foundation courses, in computation and engineering topics fundamental to robotics, and application courses, in which students are challenged to put this knowledge to work in defense-related contexts.

Requirements for Entry

Acceptance by the MAE Department

Convenes

Fall, Summer

Program Length

Four quarters

Outcomes

  • Provide foundational knowledge to begin working on NR&DE topics in robotics and autonomous systems.
  • Focus on uniquely relevant defense (NAVSEA/NAVAIR) examples and applications, e.g., Sensor integration and Mission-centric.
  • Combine NPS expertise in distance learning and hands-on education.
  • Foster collaboration and alignment across NR&DE.

Course of Study

The academic certificate program must be completed within three years of enrollment in the program. A student must maintain a 3.0 GQPR to be awarded a certificate. The certificate requires the completion of four courses, which total at least 12 hours of credit and are not counted for another certificate.

Foundation Required Courses

Students take one foundation course.

Course NumberTitleCreditsLecture HoursLab Hours
EC4310Fundamentals of Robotics

3

2

-or-

CS4313Advanced Robotic Systems

3

2

-or-

ME3720Introduction to Unmanned Systems

3

2

Elective Courses

Students take three elective courses with focus on robotics engineering. A second course from the Foundations list may substitute for one of the three electives.

Course NumberTitleCreditsLecture HoursLab Hours
AE4500/ME4500Advanced Space Flight Mechanics and Orbital Robotics

3

2

AE4850Dynamic Optimization

3

2

CS4315Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining

3

1

ME4500/AE4500Advanced Space Flight Mechanics and Orbital Robotics

3

2

ME4800/AE4800Machine Learning for Autonomous Operations

3

2

ME4811Multivariable Control of Ship Systems

3

2

ME4821GPS Aided Navigation of Military Systems

3

2

ME4822Guidance, Navigation, and Control of Marine Systems

3

2

ME4823Cooperative Control of Multiple Marine Autonomous Vehicles

4

0

ME4828Fundamental GNC Algorithms of Autonomous Robotics

3

2