Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (B.S. Aero)

With airspace to conduct large and small UAS operations, come to Grand Forks and you’ll join a robust UAS ecosystem that puts you on the cutting edge of what’s next in the industry.

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have gone from strictly military use, to a wide variety of life-saving and commercial applications. Now rapidly growing as an industry and taking a foothold in North Dakota, you’ll learn to fly unmanned aircraft and find solutions to tomorrow’s problems alongside innovative start-ups, established industry giants, and government agencies.

Program type:: Major
Format:: On Campus
Est. time to complete:: 4 years
Credit hours:: 120

Why become an Unmanned Aircraft Systems operator?

Application Deadlines

Fall:: Aug. 15
Spring:: Dec. 15
Summer:: May 1

U.S. Citizenship Required

UAS Operations (B.S. Aero) requires U.S. Citizenship due to export controlled technology and curriculum. International students are able to obtain a minor in UAS Operations.

With more than 50 years of leadership in aviation education, research, and training, UND has played a defining role in aviation’s evolution. In 2009, UND became the nation’s first university to graduate student with a UAS Operations degree—and today remains a recognized leader in UAS and autonomous aviation education.

Through this program, you’ll gain the expertise needed to plan, operate, and manage unmanned and autonomous aviation missions across military, public safety, emergency response, commercial, and emerging air mobility applications. Students train for professional crewed environments, serving as remote pilots, sensor operators, mission commanders, and other critical team members while developing a strong foundation in National Airspace System (NAS) safety and operations.

Located in Grand Forks—widely known as a national hub for UAS and autonomy—students gain hands on experience beyond traditional internships. Through collaborations with startups, industry leaders, and government agencies at the UND Center of Innovation, students work on real operational challenges and gain rare exposure to crewed and uncrewed aircraft operating together in shared airspace.

What You'll Learn

UND’s UAS Operations degree prepares you to operate, manage, and integrate unmanned and autonomous aircraft within today’s aviation ecosystem. Coursework and hands‑on training focus on:

Autonomous and unmanned aircraft systems
Human factors and crew resource management
Small, medium, and large‑scale UAS operations
Aviation safety and safety management systems
Aircraft systems and performance
Counter‑UAS and emerging security applications
National Airspace System (NAS) operations and integration

Specialized Tracks

The UAS degree offers two career tracks to specialize in:

Low Altitude UAS Commercial Applications and Operations
Medium/High Altitude Long Endurance UAS Commercial Applications and Operations

AABI Accredited

UND Aerospace was the first four year degree UAS Operation program to receive Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Accreditation for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Student Achievement Data

Unmanned Aircraft Systems at UND

Learn the skills to perform and coordinate strategies in UAS operational environments, as well as solve problems as they arise.
Gain UAS airmanship skills commensurate with a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating.
Gain essential knowledge in UAS related topics such as industry trends, ground and flight systems, remote sensing, aerodynamics, human factors, safety, crew resource management, UAS law and policy. These are all key principles common to UAS operations.
Various UAS Internships are available locally. Upon receiving a Part 107 Remote pilot certificate, various UAS Internships are available locally for summer/ part-time employment.
UND was among the first institutions selected for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new Collegiate Training Initiative for unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
In 2020, students in UND's flight training programs (plane, helicopter, UAS) broke a record for hours flown (126,000).
UND received the most FAA grants to study drones in 2021. UND is the lead research university on mitigating GPS and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast risks, shielded UAS operations-detect and avoid (DAA), and UAS flight data.
UND signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to collaborate on UAS operations, training and research.
Non-aviation majors also have the opportunity to obtain a minor in UAS Operations to use in their particular discipline.

What can you do with a UAS degree?

131k

Median annual salary for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots, 2025

Zip Recruiter

100k

Number of drone-related jobs created by 2025

DroneBlog

As the as the first university accredited for UAS by AABI, UND has been at the forefront of educating the first generation of UAS pilot operators and professionals in related fields. We are also dedicated to preparing students for complex careers of the future in areas like counter UAS and Beyond Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS).

The aviation industry continues to expand with the advent of UAS operations. It has also opened an unlimited number of industries who can now safely and cost effectively integrate UAS operations. These industries need aviation professionals who understand the various aspects of what it means to integrate UAS and autonomy into the National Airspace System. With large employers in various industries seeking the unique and specialized UAS skills to deploy and manage programs, graduates can expect plentiful opportunities.

UND graduates with a B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft System can expect exciting opportunities in many industries, including:

Oil and Gas
Windmill Inspection
Construction
Agriculture
Military and defense
Law enforcement
Firefighting
Transport
Surveillance
Aerial photography
Air and rescue

UAS Operator Jobs

Our comprehensive UAS degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

Project Management
Strategic Planning
Operations Management
Commercial Operations
Aviation Safety

Unmanned Aircraft System Operations alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

ArgenTech Solutions Inc.
Cargill
Customs Border Protection
General Atomics
Grand Sky
Isight RPV
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
Northrop Grumman Corporation
SkySkopes

UAS Degree Courses

Best Drone Training Schools

Our unmanned aircraft operations program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#8 BEST DRONE TRAINING COLLEGE

Military Friendly^® School

UND is a top college for military-affiliated students. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses or military dependents.

Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships and counseling resources.
Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.
Spouse Support: UND is ranked as a Military Spouse Friendly School, reflecting our strong support for spouses through flexible degree programs, advising and a welcoming campus culture.

Leader in UAS

Are you passionate about aviation and cutting-edge technology? Learn how you'll be hands-on with equipment on the the forefront of the UAS industry.

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