Robotics Certificate
Robotics and embodied AI are where AI meets the physical world. Think humanoid robots, drones, self-driving cars, warehouse robots, autonomous ocean and space exploration, automated farming, and more. Prepare yourself for this rapidly growing interdisciplinary field by earning the undergraduate Robotics Certificate.
Who should enroll
The certificate is open to any Northwestern undergraduate student with the background necessary for the prerequisites of the courses in the curriculum. Generally, this means the student should have a foundational background in physics, math, and programming.
Curriculum
The certificate consists of six courses from disciplines including mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and biomedical engineering. At least four of the six courses cannot be counted toward any other academic credential.
Certificate courses must include at least one course from each of these categories:
- Robotics Fundamentals: foundations of robotics and mathematical abstractions
- Experimental Robotics: hands-on experience with robots
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The three additional courses may be chosen from these categories or an additional menu of courses. More details can be found at the link at the bottom of this page.
Research
Research credits (e.g., ME399, CS399, EE399, BME399) cannot be used to satisfy the curriculum requirements of the robotics certificate. Certificate students interested in performing research are encouraged to seek opportunities with faculty in the Center for Robotics and Biosystems or other robotics faculty.
FAQ
- I am a mechanical engineering major pursuing the ME robotics concentration. Can I also pursue the robotics certificate?
Yes. At least four of your certificate courses cannot count toward any ME credential.
- Are all courses listed on the registrar's page available every year?
Some courses are offered in alternating years, and some courses have an enrollment cap. Robotics is a dynamic field, so courses may be added to or deleted from the menus over time.