Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science
- OVERVIEW
- ADVANTAGES
- REQUIREMENTS
- CAREERS
Overview
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Science degree will provide the necessary expertise for graduates to seek employment as pilots/operators, observers, sensor operators and operations administrators of unmanned aircraft systems. This degree will provide background in several UAS applications areas, including hazardous operations, surveillance and data collection, secure operations, long duration operations, highly-repetitive operations and autonomous operations. In addition, graduates will be knowledgeable of the engineering aspects of the UAS, as well as the regulatory restrictions governing the operation of UAS in the United States and international airspace.
Students entering this program should have a basic background in math and physics. Students wishing to strengthen their background in math and the basic sciences before enrolling in the prescribed courses should contact the department chair or the program coordinator for guidance.
Due to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) imposed by the United States State Department, this degree will only be open to U.S. citizens.
Advantages
More Aviation Professionals Have Come from Embry-Riddle than from Any Other University
The College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle offers the most advanced professional aviation curriculums of any university in the world. Combining practical applications and unmanned aircraft training with rigorous academic study, Embry-Riddle's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Science degree program- which features extensive work in both small and high-performance unmanned aircraft- prepares the graduate for a career as an unmanned aircraft pilot, sensor operator or as a support person.
Ready to Work, Prepared to Lead
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science degree program combines UAS pilot and sensor operator training with rigorous academic study in a unique manner which provides a strong foundation for a career as a leader in the unmanned aircraft industry, including manufacturers, training organizations, unmanned aircraft operators or the military. This degree program was developed with close liaisons to the unmanned aircraft industry to provide the education the industry needs for their future employees.
Top Flight Pilot and Sensor Operator Training
The curriculum provides skills in mathematics, physics, communications, business and aeronautics, and includes FAA certification as a pilot for manned aircraft in the pilot track. Unmanned aircraft systems are becoming an important part of aviation. While not manned, these aircraft will have an increasingly important role in aviation in the years ahead. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science students will have the opportunity to learn about UAS, fly them and incorporate them into the U.S. airspace system. Instruction will be received in both small unmanned aircraft and high-altitude, long endurance (HALE) aircraft such as the Predator B. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed via computer simulations in unmanned aircraft performance, mission planning, navigation and unmanned aircraft systems operation. Effective resource management, human factors and safety awareness are constantly emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems may be attained in eight semesters. To earn the degree, successful completion of 121 credit hours is required.
Students pursuing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems degree will select one of two specialty tracks after matriculation. Students entering under this catalog may select from the Pilot track or the Non-Pilot track. All students must complete the general education courses, the Aeronautical Science core courses, the Unmanned Aircraft System courses, Engineering courses, Air Traffic Control course, Human Factors course and the courses required to complete one of the specialization tracks in order to complete the requirements for the Unmanned Aircraft System Science degree.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 122 | English Composition and Literature | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| HU 140 Series | Lower-Level Humanities* | 3 |
| EC200 or SS110/120/130 | Lower-Level Social Science* | 3 |
| PSY 101 (L.L. Social Science) | Into to Psychology | 3 |
| HU/SS | Upper Level Elective | 3 |
| CS 118 | Computer Science | 3 |
| MA 111 | College Mathematics for Aviation | 3 |
| MA 112 | College Mathematics for Aviation II | 3 |
| PS 103 | Technical Physics I with Laboratory | 3 |
| PS 104 | Technical Physics II with Laboratory | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AS 121 | Private Pilot Operations | 5 |
| ASC 101 | Aeronautical Science Success | 1 |
| AS 221 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
| AS 321 | Commercial Pilot Operation | 3 |
| AS 309 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AS 310 | Aircraft Performance | 3 |
| AS 350 | Domestic and International Navigation | 3 |
| AS 435 | Electronic Flight Management System | 3 |
| BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| WX 201 | Survey of Meteorology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AS 220 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation | 3 |
| AS 235 | UAS Systems and Cross-Country Data Entry | 3 |
| AS 304 | Operational Aspects of UAS | 3 |
| AS 315 | UAS Robotics | 3 |
| AS 403 | Unmanned Sensing Systems | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGR 115 | Intro to Computing for Engineers -OR- | 3 |
| CS 223 | Scientific Programming in C | 3 |
| CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | 3 |
| CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Laboratory | 1 |
| EE/ME 3XX | Robotics Technologies for Unmanned Systems | 3 |
| CEC 300 | Computing in Aerospace and Aviation | 3 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AT 200 | Air Traffic Management I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AS 4XX | UAS Flight Simulation | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FA 121 | Private Single Flight | 1 |
| FA 221 | Instrument Single Flight | 1 |
| FA 321/323 | Commercial Single Flight with Multi-Engine Add-on | 2 |
| FA 324/326 | Commercial Multi-Engine with Single-Engine Add-on | 2 |
| Open elective | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UPPER LEVEL | 300-400 LEVEL | 12 |
*It is strongly suggested that the following courses be taken during these electives: AT 302, AT 305, and HF 310
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CE 397/497* | Cooperative Education -OR- | 6 |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
*The intent of this elective is to allow students to experience a UA-related internship
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Notes
Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communications Theory and Skills, Humanities and Social Sciences may be chosen from those listed below assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems vertical outline.
| Course | Required | Elective |
|---|---|---|
| COM 122, 219, and 221 or 222 | 6 | 3 |
| Course | Title | Required | Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOWER-LEVEL | HU 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 | 3 | |
| LOWER-LEVEL | PSY 101 AND EC 200, SS 110, 120, or 130 | 3 | 3 |
| UPPER-LEVEL | HU/SS 300-400 LEVEL or PSY 350 | 3 |
Careers
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science Graduates Have Pipeline to Careers
The Unmanned Aircraft industry is a new and rapidly growing industry that is now beginning to have applications in civilian aviation. The operations and services UA can provide- at a cost significantly less than manned flight and safety factor not available to manned aircraft- promises to revolutionize the field of aviation.
The Embry-Riddle Advantage: The Career Services Office
One of the most valuable benefits of being a student or alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is access to the resources of the Career Services Office.
The Career Services Office provides career development assistance to all students and alumni of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, regardless of campus affiliation. The Daytona Beach office serves Daytona Beach, Worldwide Campus and Worldwide Online students. Prescott campus students are served by the Prescott office.
The Career Services Web site offers students and alumni:
• A virtual library of job search aids including interview tips
• An alumni network which enables students to contact alumni throughout the United States and abroad to learn more about their careers and employers
• Sample résumés and cover letters
• Company profiles and employment hotlines
• Cooperative education opportunities
• Current job listings
• A web-based résumé referral service
A career fair is hosted at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses each fall. Throughout each year, dozens of companies visit the campuses to recruit students and to provide information about their industries. On-campus interviews are also scheduled year-round.
The Career Services Office employs a staff of program managers to provide one-on-one career advisement, mock interviews and résumé critique services. The Career Services Office encourages students to make contact early in their Embry-Riddle educations to explore career options and develop a successful job search strategy.
