Students in Prof. Boyuan Chen’s Robot Studio ME (Mechanical Engineering) 490 compete in a robot race in front of the Chapel. They spent the semester making a robot without wheels that could walk. Chen, in the blazer, assistant professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, “is interested in developing ‘generalist robots’ that learn, act, and improve by perceiving and interacting with the complex and dynamic world.”

Engineer the Future of Machines and Materials

Design breakthrough technologies ranging from next-gen materials for space exploration to intelligent machines that transform industries. Duke’s master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science (MEMS), Robotics and Autonomy, and AI & Materials deliver hands-on projects, strong mentorship, and up-to-date career training.

Request info about Duke Engineering master’s degrees in MEMS, Robotics, and AI & Materials.

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Hands-On, Future-Focused, Career-Ready

Duke’s master’s in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Robotics and Autonomy, and AI & Materials are designed for engineers who want to push boundaries. In MEMS, you’ll study the science behind the next materials heading into space or transforming energy systems, while Robotics prepares you to design autonomous systems and intelligent machines. Each  program combines rigorous technical training, applied projects, and a supportive, collaborative cohort—so you graduate not just with a degree, but with the skills and network to land your dream role.

  • MEMS: Explore materials, mechanics, and systems design with projects and professional training.
  • Robotics & Autonomy: Build and program intelligent machines with real-world impact.
  • Integrated courses blending theory with hands-on application.
  • AI & Materials: Harness AI to design the materials of the future for energy, healthcare, space exploration and more.
  • Required internship or applied capstone for every student.
  • Small student-to-faculty ratio fosters true collaboration.
A woman enthusiastically presents information to two men at a professional event, gesturing toward a display on a round table. The group stands in a modern indoor setting with natural light and glass railings in the background.

MEng in MEMS

Customizable: select 5 technical courses and 3 electives, alongside math, management, and business courses with an internship.

A woman wearing glasses, a red top, and a colorful scarf carefully examines a quadcopter drone in a lab setting. Shelves with tools and equipment, along with a computer workstation, are visible in the background.

MEng in Robotics

Study mechanical design, machine learning, and controls, plus ethics and business, with an optional specialty in medical robotics.

A group of students collaborates around a laptop in a classroom setting. One student gestures toward the screen while two others, including a woman wearing a hijab, listen intently. Several laptops and cords are visible on the table, with more students working in the background.

MEng in AI + Material Science

Blend advanced AI and materials science training, fusing technical depth, business strategy, and hands-on experience to drive innovation across industries.

Nohemi Sepulveda working on a robotics project in the Garage Lab at Duke University.

I chose Duke because…I saw how welcoming the professors were. I felt like I would get a personalized education plan. I get lots of hands-on exposure to projects and equipment…learning how to really be an engineer.

 Nohemi Sepulveda Master’s in Robotics & Autonomy, 2026
#20

Best Graduate Engineering School

U.S. News & World Report, 2025

#11

Most Innovative School

U.S. News & World Report 2025

200,000+

Duke Alumni

A lifelong global network at your back

Work with Leading Researchers

MEMS Professor Gaurav Arya uses physics-based, computational tools to provide fundamental, molecular-level understanding of a diverse range of biological and soft-material systems. His goal? To discover new phenomena and develop new technologies. He currently leads research in four main themes: genome organization and regulation, polymer-nanoparticle composites, viral-DNA-packaging, and DNA nanotechnology.

Fall color brightens the grounds around the 322,000-square-foot Fitzpatrick Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering, Medicine and Applied Sciences (FCIEMAS) on Duke University's campus.

Lead the Technological Revolution

Graduates of Duke engineering are shaping the future of machine learning, medical technology, business innovation, and scientific discovery. Employers include:

  • Amazon
  • Deloitte
  • GM
  • Medtronic
  • Intel
  • IBM

Push Tech Farther with a Degree from Duke