Designed with Working Professionals and Career-Focused Students in Mind. The next generation of autonomous systems must operate safely and intelligently in uncertain, high-risk, and security-sensitive environments. From defense and maritime systems to robotics and critical infrastructure, these platforms must adapt in real time while protecting mission-critical assets.
This fully online 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Future Autonomous Systems prepares engineers and technology professionals to design, control, secure, and deploy advanced autonomous systems operating under uncertainty.
Students gain state-of-the-art knowledge in:
- Probabilistic robotics, including localization, mapping, and SLAM
- Sensor fusion and real-time estimation for intelligent decision-making
- Signal detection and estimation theory for extracting insight from complex data
- Adaptive and nonlinear control systems for robotic platforms
- Cyber-physical security for protecting autonomous and critical infrastructure systems
- Resilient system design for high-performance operation in dynamic environments
- Secure, connected neurotechnology systems
Graduates develop highly sought-after technical expertise to design, secure, and deploy intelligent autonomous systems in complex, real-world environments.
Stackable toward a Master’s Degree. Credits earned in this certificate count toward the Master of Engineering Management and Leadership and may count toward the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Program Overview
This certificate is designed to build a highly skilled workforce capable of advancing the next generation of autonomous systems.
Graduates will be prepared to:
- Design intelligent autonomous and robotic systems
- Develop adaptive control strategies for dynamic environments
- Apply probabilistic methods for sensor fusion, localization, and mapping
- Implement robust detection and estimation algorithms for real-time decision-making
- Secure cyber-physical systems against emerging threats
- Integrate autonomy, control, and cybersecurity into deployable, mission-ready platforms
The program addresses growing industry needs in defense, robotics, maritime operations, automation, and critical infrastructure.
What You’ll Learn
After completing this Graduate Certificate, you will:
- Design and implement advanced autonomous robotic systems
- Apply probabilistic methods for sensor fusion, mapping, and localization
- Develop detection and estimation solutions for real-time data-driven decision-making
- Build adaptive control systems for industrial and mobile robotic platforms
- Secure cyber-physical systems for resilient operation in uncertain environments
- Integrate autonomous systems with robotic, IoT, and mission-critical infrastructures
- Translate theoretical methods into deployable, real-world autonomous solutions
Curriculum
Four graduate-level courses. One powerful credential.
The Graduate Certificate in Future Autonomous Systems consists of 12 credits (4 courses), carefully designed to provide a strong foundation in autonomous system design, adaptive robotic control, probabilistic estimation and sensor fusion, and cyber-physical security.
ELE 555 – Probabilistic Robotics
ELE 557 – Adaptive Control for Robotic Systems
ELE 558 – Cyber-Physical Security Fundamentals
ELE 579 – Detection and Estimation Theory
Courses may be taken individually or as part of the certificate sequence. Please see the University Academic Catalog for more details about the specific course prerequisites.
Admission and Cost
Ready to take the next step?
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or advanced standing in engineering or related discipline from an accredited university.
Not sure if your background is a good fit? Contact our program director.
Application Requirements
Please visit the Graduate School for application requirements and deadlines.
International Student? Please visit this site for more information.
For specific semester start dates and details, please refer to the Academic Calendar.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees for graduate programs at the University of Rhode Island can be found here.