Unlock Career Opportunities with an Unmanned Aerial Systems Degree

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Posted Nov 13, 2024

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Pursuing a degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can unlock a world of career opportunities. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, a UAS degree can lead to a wide range of job prospects.

The UAS industry is expected to reach $14.3 billion by 2027, creating a high demand for trained professionals. The job market is projected to grow rapidly, with an estimated 10,000 new UAS-related jobs opening up each year.

A UAS degree can lead to careers in fields such as aerial photography, surveying, and mapping. These careers are not only in high demand but also offer competitive salaries and benefits.

By studying UAS, you'll gain hands-on experience with drones and other unmanned systems, preparing you for a career in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

What You'll Do with an Unmanned Degree

As an unmanned aerial systems major, you'll gain a specialized knowledge in UAS, including flight, design, policy, and mission planning. This expertise will prepare you for a wide range of fields, from agriculture and delivery services to telecommunications and first response.

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You'll have the opportunity to tailor the program to your interests, with specific application areas like agriculture, criminal justice, geographic information systems, and automation. This flexibility will help you stand out in the job market.

Courses will include programming, electrical and electronic systems, mechanical operations, flight, drone design, sensing systems, mission planning, regulations, and safety. You'll work closely with faculty who have industry experience to gain career-ready practical experience.

With an unmanned aerial systems degree, you'll be ready to work in a variety of fields, including commercial drone pilot, instructor, drone system operator, UAS engineer, and UAS technician.

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Career Opportunities

If you're considering a career in unmanned aerial systems, you're in luck - there are many exciting and high-paying job opportunities available.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a camera operator, a related field, is $62,420.

You can work as a UAS Mission Planner, responsible for planning and executing unmanned aerial system missions. This role is crucial in various industries, including law enforcement and disaster response.

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A UAS Operator/Pilot is also a key role, responsible for operating and navigating unmanned aerial systems. This job requires a high level of skill and attention to detail.

In addition to these roles, you can also work as a UAS Technician, responsible for maintaining and repairing unmanned aerial systems. This role is essential in ensuring the systems are in good working condition.

If you have a passion for design, you can work as a UAS Designer, responsible for designing and developing unmanned aerial systems.

Here are some of the top career opportunities in unmanned aerial systems:

These figures are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor, and are subject to change. However, they give you an idea of the potential earning potential in these roles.

Degree Information

The Unmanned Aerial Systems degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a 62-63 hour major that doesn't require a minor.

You'll need to complete a degree map of courses to finish your degree, but some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in the major program.

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The program is accredited and was the first of its kind in the country, launched by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The degree equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for unmanned aircraft systems, including mission planning and execution, remote pilot operations, data collection, and data processing.

Students in the program explore coursework in aeronautical science, uncrewed aircraft systems, computer science, engineering, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Outcomes and Careers

Pursuing a degree in unmanned aerial systems can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a camera operator is $62,420.

If you're interested in working with drones, you can consider roles such as a UAS Technician or a UAS Designer. These professionals play a crucial part in maintaining and designing unmanned aerial systems.

Here are some potential career paths in unmanned aerial systems, along with their average salaries:

Embry-Riddle graduates often find careers at top companies, with a placement rate of 83.3% within a year of graduation.

Program Enrollment and Graduation

Close-up of a compact drone in flight outdoors, showcasing modern flying technology.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a compact drone in flight outdoors, showcasing modern flying technology.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations program has seen steady growth in enrollment since 2020, with 4 students enrolled that year, increasing to 7 in 2021, 11 in 2022, and 18 in 2023.

Looking at the student retention rates, we can see that the program has been successful in retaining its students. The freshman cohort in 2020 had a 100% retention rate.

The program's student retention rates vary by term, with the 2020 freshman cohort having a 100% retention rate, and the 2021 cohort having a 50% retention rate.

Student Learning Outcomes

In the drone program, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Remote Sensing, which involves using drones to gather data and information about the environment. This can be used for a variety of applications, such as mapping and surveying.

You'll also learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which is a technology used to store, analyze, and display geographically referenced data. This is a valuable skill in many industries, including urban planning and environmental conservation.

Credit: youtube.com, Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

Aviation Safety is another key area of focus in the program. This includes learning about the safety protocols and procedures that are essential for operating drones safely and efficiently.

UAS Maintenance is also a critical aspect of the program, as it involves learning how to properly maintain and repair drones. This is essential for ensuring that drones are functioning properly and safely.

Finally, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which involves using drones for transportation and other applications. This is an exciting and rapidly evolving field that offers many opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Here are some of the key learning opportunities you'll have in the drone program:

  • Remote Sensing
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Aviation Safety
  • UAS Maintenance
  • Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations is designed for students who aspire to become professional unmanned aircraft pilots.

This program focuses on the safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems, regulations, the technology of autonomous systems, and policies regarding the operations of unmanned aerial elements.

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Students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Aviation Management and Logistics and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs.

The Concentration in Unmanned Aerial System combines elements of operations and a strong aviation foundation and is designed for those individuals wishing to work as sensor operators, technicians, mission planners, communication and security personnel.

To be eligible for the Concentration in Unmanned Aerial System, students must meet the program requirements, which include approved Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) School.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (BS) Degree Map outlines the courses needed to complete the degree, providing students with a comprehensive education in unmanned aviation.

Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Campus and Location

The campus and location of the university offering the unmanned aerial systems degree is a great place to learn and grow. It's situated in a 300-acre park-like setting.

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The university is located about 30 minutes from downtown and offers easy access to major highways. The campus is also within walking distance to several restaurants and shops.

The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, with over 50% of its energy coming from renewable sources. This includes solar panels and a biomass boiler.

The campus is home to several state-of-the-art facilities, including a 20,000-square-foot drone testing facility. This facility allows students to test and develop their unmanned aerial systems in a safe and controlled environment.

The university offers a range of campus resources and services, including a career center, a library, and a student union.

Salary and Information

If you're considering a career in unmanned aerial systems, you'll be happy to know that salaries can be quite competitive.

Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries, with alumni averaging $81,200 annually one year post-graduation, as of 2022.

Program Description

The unmanned aerial systems degree is a comprehensive program that prepares students for a wide range of careers in the field. You'll gain a specialized knowledge in UAS including flight, design, policy, and mission planning.

Credit: youtube.com, Unmanned Aerial Systems Program

The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and technological awareness to excel in the dynamic field of unmanned aviation. You'll understand the concepts required to be a UAS professional including electronics, mechanical design, and programming.

You'll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. This will give you a solid foundation in the subject matter.

The concentration in Unmanned Aerial System combines elements of operations and a strong aviation foundation and is designed for those individuals wishing to work as sensor operators, technicians, mission planners, communication and security personnel. This concentration can help you tailor the program to your specific interests and career goals.

Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with a degree in unmanned aerial systems:

  • Sensor operators
  • Technicians
  • Mission planners
  • Communication and security personnel
  • Agriculture specialists
  • Delivery services professionals
  • Telecommunications specialists
  • First response professionals

Jeanette Venturi

Senior Writer

Jeanette Venturi is a seasoned writer with several years of experience in the blogosphere. Her writing style is reflective, insightful and engaging; which has helped establish her as a trusted voice on various topics. She is passionate about empowering people with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions about their lives.

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