Unmanned Aircraft System Operations (B.S. Aero.)
Be among the first generation of unmanned aircraft specialists with training from the university that started it all.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have gone from strictly military use, to a wide variety of life-saving and commercial applications. With this unique UND program, you’ll gain the expertise in unmanned aircraft to execute and manage applications in the military, firefighting, disaster relief, law enforcement, surveillance, aerial photography, transports and future uses of this rapidly evolving area.
- Program type:
- Major
- Format:
- On-campus
- Est. time to complete:
- 4 years
- Credit hours:
- 120
Why Study Unmanned Aircraft System Operations at UND?
With 50 years of experience in aviation education, training, and research, UND was the first to offer a UAS degree in 2009, and our program has led the way ever since. You'll gain expertise to work in a crew environment as a Pilot operator, sensor operator, or other key team member of unmanned aircraft systems. You'll also gain a clear understanding of National Airspace System safety and operations procedures.
Our Grand Forks campus has been called "the Silicon Valley of unmanned aircraft systems" by the New York Times. UND students are given the opportunity to interact with small and large UAS companies such as Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Customs Border Protection. Flights are conducted regularly where UND flight students are jointly flying next to Unmanned Aircraft in the National Airspace System.
UND's UAS Aviation Degree
UND offers a comprehensive UAS Aviation degree including relative topics such as: human factors, crew resource management, autonomous systems, counter UAS applications, experience in small, medium and large UAS, safety management, and aircraft systems.
The UAS program offers two career tracks to specialize in:
- Advanced high altitude, autonomous commercial systems
- The emerging and dynamic small UAS market
Non-aviation majors also have the opportunity to obtain a minor in UAS Operations to use in their particular discipline.
#1 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Degree in the Nation
UND remains the top academic and research institutions in the nation for unmanned aircraft systems. We consistently rank among the best for drone training and research.
#1 - Best Colleges for Drone Training
#7 - Best Drone Training College
Accredited UAS Degree
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
Leader in Action
Eric Goetsch assisted in the reconnection of power to Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas as UAV Operator with SkySkopes.
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Learn the skills to perform and coordinate strategies in UAS operational environments, as well as solve problems as they arise.
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Gain UAS airmanship skills commensurate with a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating.
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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 - all key principles common to UAS operations.
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Gain a working knowledge of UAS technologies and their application in governmental and civil operations.
Accordi ng to CNN Money , the average starting salary for a UAS pilot is $100,000.
The global UAS market is expected to reach $140 billion by 2024 .
As the first university to offer a UAS degree and the only 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. With large employers in various industries seeking the unique and specialized UAS skills to deploy and manage program, graduates can expect plentiful opportunities.
UND graduates with a B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft System can expect exciting opportunities in several industries, including:
- Oil and Gas
- Windmill Inspection
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Military and defense
- Law enforcement
- Firefighting
- Transport
- Surveillance
- Aerial photography
- Air and rescue
When You Major in Unmanned Aircraft System Operations
An Unmanned Aircraft System Operations degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:
- Commericial Aviation
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Flight Training
- Aviation
UND Unmanned Aircraft System Operations Major Alumni
Unmanned Aircraft System Operations alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:
- General Atomics
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- AV Flight Services, Inc.
- Northern Plains, LLC
- Aai Corporation