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unmanned aircraft system operations students with drone in lab
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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 type:
Minor
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
20
  • Requirements
  • How to Apply

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Why minor in unmanned aircraft system operations?

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.

Students who are not majoring in Aviation or who are not already obtaining a four year degree in UAS operations have the unique opportunity to obtain a Minor in UAS Operations.  This UAS minor takes a multi-disciplinary approach to education recognizing the diverse use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in various fields.  

Are you an engineeringing, accounting, computer science, or biology major? Obtain a UAS Minor and gain the necessary knowledge and skill to effectively and safely use Unmanned Aircraft Systems in your chosen profession.

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.

UAS Minor Courses

AVIT 126. Introduction to UAS Operations. 2 Credits.

This course of instruction introduces the student to the history of Remotely Piloted Aircraft 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. Lab portion is required. 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 remotely piloted aircraft. 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 remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft systems. Theory is combined with operational scenarios in order to provide the student with the ability to match specific sensors with anticipated missions. Lab portion is included with special emphasis on photogrammetry and processing data into mission deliverables. Prerequisites: AVIT 238 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.

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Explore More Options

Looking to connect with the college or find a similar minor?

  • John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
  • Find Similar Minors
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