Unmanned Aircraft Systems Minor

Why minor in Unmanned Aircraft System Operations?

Uncrewed aircraft is transforming aviation, defense, agriculture, emergency response, infrastructure, and beyond. In this minor, you won’t just learn about drones—you’ll learn how they actually operate in complex, real‑world environments. From flight operations and regulations to sensors, autonomy, and mission planning, this program gives you practical experience that applies directly to your major and your career.

Whether you’re preparing for the next generation of aviation, engineering, business, or public service roles, this minor positions you at the forefront of a rapidly expanding industry. You'll learn:

• Hands‑on learning through  simulations and applied mission scenarios
• Instruction from the global leader in UAS operations and autonomy education
• Curriculum aligned with real-world UAS operations, industry standards, and emerging technologies
• A powerful complement to majors in engineering, computer science, business, geography, and more

Accredited UAS Program

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.

What majors pair well with a Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor?

*Due to the significant overlap in coursework, students who have declared an Aviation major are not eligible to add an Aviation minor.

UND's UAS minor takes a multi-disciplinary approach to education recognizing the diverse use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in various fields. Obtain a UAS minor and gain the necessary knowledge and skill to effectively and safely use unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) in your chosen profession. Here are some bachelor's degrees that complement a minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems:

• Aerospace Engineering Degree: An Aerospace Engineering major provides a comprehensive understanding of aircraft design, propulsion systems, and aerodynamics, which are essential for developing and optimizing unmanned aircraft systems.
  
• Electrical Engineering Degree: Electrical engineering expertise is crucial for designing and integrating electronic components, sensors, and communication systems used in unmanned aircraft systems.
  
• Computer Science Degree: Computer science skills are valuable for developing software, algorithms, and autonomous control systems for unmanned aircraft, as well as for processing and analyzing data collected by UAVs.
  
• Mechanical Engineering Degree: Mechanical engineering knowledge is important for designing the mechanical structures, propulsion systems, and mechanical components of unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring their reliability and efficiency.
• Geography Degree: Geography provides spatial analysis skills that are relevant for planning flight routes, conducting geographic surveys, and analyzing aerial imagery collected by unmanned aircraft systems for applications such as mapping, surveying, and environmental monitoring.
• Environmental Studies Degree: Environmental studies offer knowledge and expertise in environmental impact assessments, conservation, and sustainability, which are important considerations for the responsible use of unmanned aircraft systems in environmental research and monitoring.
• Management Degree: A Management major provides essential leadership and organizational skills that are valuable for managing UAV operations, coordinating teams, and overseeing projects involving unmanned aircraft systems.
• Accounting Degree: Accountancy majors offer financial management skills and accounting expertise applicable to budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting aspects of unmanned aircraft projects and operations.
• Biology Degree: UAS plays an increasingly crucial role in biology research, conservation, and environmental monitoring.
• Atmospheric Sciences: UAS are increasingly used to collect atmospheric data, and can safety and cost-effectively reach areas to study atmospheric processes in real time. A background in UAS operations makes a graduate more competitive by bridging the gap between atmospheric science and advanced technology.