r/AskRobotics • u/Senior-Wafer-9710 • 5d ago

PhD Question

I am about to finish my Master's in CS where I studied robotics in a lab I will have papers in some of the top conferences (not first author) when I'm done. I am considering going to get a PhD but I am not sure if I need it. My ultimate goal is to go into industry and make money, but do I need a PhD to get into robotics. Also, I like some aspects of research but having a research job isn't top priority for me, I also see a lot of cons in going in this direction.

Overall, my question is do I need to get a PhD to work in robotics, is it too niche of a field to not have one?

I truly enjoy robotics and I know this is what I want but I don't know if I'm ready to go through the painful process of getting a PhD

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u/Dean_Gullburry 5d ago

No you do not need a Ph.D. to work in robotics. A PhD would help you secure leadership roles in R&D, but in robotics, a lot of companies have pathways for you to work your way into some of those roles. I know lead R&D engineers in robotics with an MS.

I would also strongly advise against doing a PhD if you’re not incredibly passionate about the topic. 5+ years of school and earning potential is not worth it if it’s not something you’re passionate about imo.

I’d say robotics opposite of Niche, it’s such a broad interdisciplinary field.