The University of Texas at Austin has introduced what is believed to be the first undergraduate robotics program in the country that allows high school students to apply directly as part of their freshman admissions application. The honors program will integrate students as soon as they arrive on campus into the immersive and interdisciplinary curriculum, which includes hands-on research, engineering and computer science coursework, and participation in UT’s top-ranked Texas Robotics’ events and programs.
“The University of Texas is already recognized for its leadership and expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence, and by pairing these disciplines with our top-10 programs in engineering and computer science, we are creating a first-class, unique educational and experiential program for students seeking to enter this exciting and evolving field,” said UT President Jay Hartzell. “With unmatched curricular and research opportunities, combined with access to our internationally renowned faculty and network of employers, these students will experience — from day one — the academic excellence and real-world preparation for which our University is known.”
Students entering the program will have full access to world-class robotics facilities and a specialized adviser to help with course registration, accessing resources and ensuring success. They will collaborate in a cohort of peers studying robotics while gaining entrance to organizations, clubs and access to Texas Robotics events. The program’s experiential learning will strengthen access to internships and better position students for future employment or graduate school. These types of opportunities historically have not been available outside of master’s programs.
Robotics honors students will apply to and pursue degrees in aerospace engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computational engineering, computer science or mechanical engineering, and they will also earn a minor in robotics. To launch their journey during their first year at UT, they will join a specialized track within the Freshman Research Initiative, the largest University undergraduate research program in the nation.
“We aim to attract the very best students in the country and across the globe to become future makers and innovators who will change the world,” said Peter Stone, director of Texas Robotics and professor in UT’s Department of Computer Science. “I’m enormously excited to see not only what these students do when they are here, but what they go on to accomplish in their careers. The education and experience they receive here will prepare them to do incredible things.”
Texas Robotics is a collaborative program that unites robotics efforts across the University to enable deeper connections, accelerate and grow research programs, and deliver comprehensive educational offerings. It comprises 16 core faculty members; 40 affiliated faculty members; and 200 students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars and research engineers from four top-ranked engineering and computer science departments at UT.
Students can apply through the Common App or Apply Texas. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1.
In addition to the application requirements for majors in aerospace engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computational engineering, computer science or mechanical engineering, students will also be required to submit an additional short-answer essay about their interest in the program
