two unmanned aircraft system operations students controlling drone in race

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Minor)

Gain expertise in a distinctive, fast-growing program at the first university to offer a degree in UAS.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems are rapidly changing everyday life. With this minor program, you'll learn to fly drones and all about the unmanned industry from the first school to offer a UAS degree, which can be applied to your major.

Program Snapshot
Program type:
Minor
Format:
On-campus
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
20

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.

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.

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.

Accreditation

UND Aerospace was the first four year degree UAS Operation program to receive Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Accreditation for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AABI Policy 3.4.2 Compliance

UND Unmanned Aircraft Systems Alumni

Unmanned Aircraft Systems 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

UAS Operations Minor Course Options

AVIT 126. Introduction to UAS Operations. 2 Credits.

This course of instruction introduces the student to the history of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and their current and future development for use in a burgeoning civil industry. Specific blocks deal with aircraft, ground, communications, launch and recovery systems while emphasizing the human integration into the overall system. F,S.

AVIT 238. UAS Operator Certification. 3 Credits.

This course will develop the student's knowledge and skill needed to manage and operate small unmanned aircraft systems. Course content includes Federal Aviation Regulations, airspace authorization criteria,and operational approval requirements. Mission employment skills will be acquired through both classroom and hands-on flight activities. Flight activities will include launch and recovery operations, emergency procedures, plus mission planning and execution. Students must complete the appropriate UAS flight lessons to satisfactorily complete the course. Prerequisites: AVIT 126 and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

CSCI 290. Cyber-Security and Information Assurance. 3 Credits.

An introduction covering the breadth of essential Cyber-Security and Information Assurance topics. Students will hone skills in observation, deduction, analysis, logical reasoning and critical thinking as they gain experience with non-technical and lightly technical aspects of Cyber-Security and Information Assurance through practical and real-world examples. S.

AVIT 333. UAS Remote Sensing. 4 Credits.

This course presents the theory and operations of common sensors used by the operators of unmanned aircraft systems. Theory is combined with operational scenarios in order to provide the student with the ability to match specific sensors with anticipated missions. Prerequisites: AVIT 126, AVIT 324, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S.

ME 466. Aerodynamics. 3 Credits.

ME 466 Aerodynamics is an introductory course on the fundamentals of aerodynamics for engineers. The class will cover a review of fluid mechanics including boundary layers and compressible flow. The course topics include parameters for airfoil and wings, incompressible flow over airfoils and wings of infinite and finite span, compressible and transonic flow over wings and aircraft, supersonic flow over thin airfoils, and supersonic flow over wings and airplane configurations. The course will follow a standard text "Aerodynamics for Engineers," 6th Edition by Bertin and Cummings. The course will qualify as either a thermal fluid science elective or an aerospace concentration elective. Prerequisites: ME 306 and ME 341. S, odd years.

AVIT 208. Aviation Safety. 3 Credits.

This course provides the student with a detailed introduction into aspects of aviation safety, aviation safety programs, risk management, and the associated components of pilot psychology, physiology, human factors, and accident review and investigation. Prerequisite: A minimum GPA of 2.6. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 102 or AVIT 105 or AVIT 142. F,S,SS.

Explore More Options 

Looking to add a major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department? 

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