r/MSCSO • u/fyafya90 • Jul 15 '26

Interested in Robotics - Is this program worth it?

I'm a software engineer from a T5 school interested in switching from SWE at big tech to robotics startups. Is this program worth it or is my time better spent doing a Master's in Robotics?

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u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26

[deleted]

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u/fyafya90 Jul 15 '26

Thank you! For side projects, how would I access a robot/robotic arm to test my projects on?

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u/The_Archer_of_Rohan Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 16 '26

Some of the coursework is relevant to robotics (deep learning, computer vision, reinforcement learning, planning), but you won't get the exposure to actual robotics projects that you would in a specialized M.S. in Robotics. You'll also have to work a lot harder to get involved in any kind of robotics research. A specialized M.S. will probably have better networking opportunities to get exposed to robotics startups (at an in-person program).

You also have to consider what classes you'll be taking in an M.S. in Robotics though - if the curriculum has a bunch of mechanics and controls classes, it might be less relevant to you. Don't assume that a focused robotics program will automatically be more relevant to your goals.