Santa Clara University School of Engineering Introduces Graduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation
SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 25 2023— To meet the demand for the growing fields of robotics and the automation sciences relating to intelligent machines and smart systems, Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering has launched an interdisciplinary School of Engineering Graduate Programs Robotics and Automation Certificate.
Robotics and automation involve intelligent machines and smart systems and are rapidly expanding fields that are stimulating the economy and driving employment in Silicon Valley. These fields have numerous practical applications, including transportation, manufacturing, distribution, fulfillment, delivery, agriculture, security, construction, medicine, bioengineering, aerospace, and consumer products.
The program provides students with a breadth of knowledge and hands-on skills across these relevant fundamental disciplines. It will provide an introductory academic program for students wishing to explore the fields of robotics and automation, which are experiencing dramatic levels of innovation and entrepreneurial activity and have a strong presence in the local area. The Certificate is also designed to infuse Santa Clara University values into discussions relating to ethical challenges, legal ambiguities, social benefit opportunities, and humanistic concerns in the growing field.
The certificate aligns with the School of Engineering's mission and the University's strategic plan, given the focus of both on innovative technology, alignment with a highly entrepreneurial industry sector, and ability to enable opportunities for students to find engaging and satisfying employment.
The program is directed by Professor Christopher Kitts, who leads the University’s Robotic Systems Lab. The certificate program requires 16 graduate units, consistent with similar programs throughout the School of Engineering. Participants have course opportunities from across six departments within the School, including:
- The program offers a suite of technology courses that cover various aspects of robotic system design, including control and perception.
- An option for up to two units of coursework for students to explore the intersection of robotics and automation technology with business, social, and ethical issues.
- An option for up to two units of experiential research and development work, which provides outstanding opportunities to work on cutting-edge challenges.
The Robotics and Automation Certificate structure is consistent with existing certificate programs within the School, draws on existing courses and faculty expertise across the School, and leverages the considerable capabilities, resources, and partnerships of the Robotic Systems Lab and the Human-Machine Interaction & Innovation (HMI^2) group. The Robotics and Automation Certificate is designed to complement Santa Clara University’s more in-depth Robotics and Automation Master’s Degree program, which is currently graduating its inaugural cohort of students. This certificate is stackable, allowing students who complete the certificate program to apply those credits towards the Robotics and Automation Master’s Degree.
For more information about the School of Engineering Graduate Programs Robotics and Automation Certificate, visit https://www.scu.edu/engineering/robotics
About Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit, Catholic University in the epicenter of Silicon Valley, infusing ethics and social consciousness into a rigorous cross-disciplinary education for its nearly 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Media Contact
Jose Diaz | School of Engineering Communications and Alumni Relations Specialist| jdiaz3@scu.edu | 408-554-5303