Embry-Riddle students work on a drone

Bachelor of Science in
Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The FAA-certified B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Systems prepares graduates to enter the UAS field with an understanding of business, regulatory and security issues.

About the Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is a leader in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) curriculum, launching the first accredited program in the country. Students enrolled in the program explore coursework in aeronautical science, unmanned aircraft systems, computer science, engineering, geographic information systems (GIS) and service learning.

Embry‑Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills of UAS, emphasizing mission planning and execution, remote pilot operations, data collection and data processing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Learning opportunities you will have while studying in the drone program:

  • Remote Sensing
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Aviation Safety
  • UAS Maintenance
  • Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Career Opportunities

Careers and Employers

Embry-Riddle graduates often find careers at Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Caci International and the U.S. Military, with a placement rate of 83.3% within a year of graduation.

Students earning a UAS degree often pursue careers as:

  • Sensor Operator
  • Operations Director
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Specialist
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Analyst
  • Remote Pilot in Command (RPICs)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Salary Information

Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries, with alumni averaging $81,200 annually one year post-graduation, as of 2022.

DETAILS

About Unmanned Aircraft Systems at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems degree at Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus is one of only a few in the nation. Housed in the Department of Aeronautical Science in the College of Aviation, the program provides students with access to the latest in automated technologies, state-of-the-art facilities and internationally recognized expert faculty.

Students in the program will be exposed to flight in actual environments, including Beyond-Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations using Remote Split Operations techniques. Flight experience, along with FAA and industry certifications gained throughout the curriculum, allow students to conduct flight operations as part of a two-part applied practicum.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Information

  • Credits: 122
  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Practicum: UAS Practicum I & UAS Practicum II

Helpful Links

Summary

122 Credits

Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator

View Financial Aid Information

Learn about our General Education

Student Achievement Data

 

Find out about transferring credits to this degree

Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits

View our Academic Calendar

Play Video
Play Video, Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Spotlight