Robotics Engineering

The Nebraska Difference
Only Robotics Engineering major in the State of Nebraska
Dedicated teaching and robotics design labs
National robotics competitions offer hands-on experience
High demand for industry internships/jobs

Program Features
Students work closely with faculty to study fundamental problems in robotics related to such areas as mechatronic design, control systems, kinematics and dynamics, perception, safety, field robotics and human-robot interaction.
This interdisciplinary major offers a core of courses from the School of Computing, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department, with several focus areas to choose from.
Students are guided first by a professional advisor within Engineering Student Services and then by a faculty advisor concerning their academic career, internships/professional development opportunities and career paths.

Notable Courses
Intro to Robotics (ROBO 100)
Foundational understanding of robots, design and applications: kinematics, dynamics, control and programming, with a focus on theoretical principles and practical applications.
Computer Science 156 II (CSCE 156)
Data structures: linked lists, stacks, queues, trees; algorithms: programming language topics; memory management; design and implementation of a multilayer application with SQL database.
Electronics and Electrical Circuits I (ECEN 215 +235)
Electrical engineering circuit theory. Kirchhoff's laws and circuit analysis theorems applied to steady state DC resistive circuits. Analysis of transient RLC and sinusoidal steady-state circuits.
Mobile Robotics I (ECEN 345)
Mobile robotics, components (sensors, actuators), system design, feedback control and robotics control architectures and implementation of autonomous control on a mobile robot using C language.
Intro to Dynamics and Control of Engineering Systems (MECH 350)
Dynamics and control of engineering systems. Emphasis on physical aspects, formulating mathematical models, applying mathematical methods, interpreting results and analysis of real systems.
Robotics: Kinematics and Design (MECH 453)
Robotics synthesize some aspects of human function by the use of mechanisms, sensors, actuators and computers.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Mechanical Engineering Co-op, NASA - Langley Research Center - Hampton, VA
- Simulation Lab Intern, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE
- Intern, Tesla Motors - Fremont, CA
- Propulsion Engineer Intern, Textron Aviation - Wichita, KS
- Robotics Engineering Intern, Lockheed Martin Space Systems - Littleton, CO
Careers
- Avionics Engineer, Textron Aviation - Wichita, KS
- Electronics Engineer, National Air and Space Intelligence Center - Dayton, OH
- Infotainment Design Engineer, Honda Research & Development - Columbus, OH
- Orbital Vehicle Program Manager, United States Air Force - White Sands, NM
- Weapon Systems Operation & Sustainment Team, The Boeing Company - Huntsville, AL
Graduate Schools
- Masters in Robotics Engineering, Northwestern - Evanston, IL
- Masters in Biomedical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Ph.D., Aeronautics & Astronautics, Stanford University - Stanford, CA
- Ph.D., Computer Science, Ohio State University - Columbus, OH
Outside the Classroom
At Nebraska, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your academic community and stretch your strengths.

Make a Difference
Join professional and student organizations such as the Aerospace Club (including working with NASA), Vex Robotics, Husker Motorsports and many others to gain valuable skills—and friendships—outside of class.

Connect with Industry from Day One
You’ll make valuable career connections with companies and organizations for paid internships and jobs, such as via 1-to-1 counseling and career fairs through career services professionals within the college and the university.

Gain Hands-On Experience
Pursue research projects available to undergraduate students that offer funding and valuable opportunities to discover what drives you in your academic area.

Featured Faculty
Rachael Wagner, Assistant Professor of Practice, Mechanical and Materials Engineering
When Dr. Wagner was an undergraduate and graduate student at Nebraska, she worked with MME Professor Shane Farritor on SpaceMIRA, which in February 2024 became the first surgical robot to board and be tested on the international space station. She now combines her passion for robotics, teaching and mentoring as an assistant professor in the College of Engineering.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Robotics Engineering major or navigating the application process, contact us.

- Contact Name
- Jeff Beavers
- Contact Title
- Director of Recruitment
- Phone
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