Program Overview

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Degree

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems degree prepares students for the fundamentals of unmanned aircraft systems, including maintenance, customization, acquisition, and commercial use. Rather than building drones from the ground up, students use products and adapt them to meet specific needs.

Degree Type

• Bachelor's Degree

Program Type

• Undergraduate

Location

• Main Campus - Cape

College

• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Department

• Engineering & Technology

Program Overview

In the UAS program, students understand the concepts required to be a unmanned aircraft systems professional, including electronics, mechanical design, and programming. Courses include programming, electrical and electronic systems, mechanical operations, flight, drone design, sensing systems, mission planning, regulations, and safety.

• Gain specialized knowledge in UAS, including flight, design, policy, and mission planning.
• Tailor the program for specific application areas like agriculture, criminal justice, geographic information systems, and automation.
• Work closely with faculty who have industry experience to gain career-ready practical experience.

Career Opportunities

Unmanned Aircraft Systems degree graduates work in a wide variety of fields, ranging from agriculture and delivery services to telecommunications and first response. Examples of job titles include:

• Commercial drone pilot
• Instructor
• Drone system operator
• UAS engineer
• UAS technician

Drone Technology and UAS Career Opportunities

• UAS Mission Planner
• UAS Operator/Pilot
• UAS Technician
• UAS Designer
• Law Enforcement and Disaster Response
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Videography and Photography
• Surveying and Inspection

Degree Requirements

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (BS) degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, including general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Required Courses

• ET160 Basic Electric Circuits (3)
• ET380 Vision & Sensor Systems (3)
• ET381 Fundamentals of Aviation in UAS (3)
• ET382 UAS Fundamentals (3)
• ET383 UAS Design (3)
• ET384 UAS Law, Policy, & Safety (3)
• ET385 UAS Mission Planning (3)
• ET450 UAS Capstone Experience (3)
• GO340 Remote Sensing (3)
• GO418 Meteorology (4)
• GT101 Introduction to GIS 1 (3)
• GT102 Introduction to GIS 2 (3)
• IM300 Technical Communication (3)
• IM301 Industrial Safety Supervision (3)
• IM506 Projects in Ind. And Eng. Technology (3)
• MA116 Precalculus A (3)
• MN220 Engineering Economic Systems (3)
• TN255 Microcomputer Maintenance & Troubleshooting (3)

Elective Courses

• Choose 3 hours: CS101 Introduction to Computer Programming (3) or MN260 Technical Computer Programming Applications (3)
• Choose 4-5 hours: PH106/107 Physical Concepts & Lab (3+1) or PH120/020 Introductory Physics I (5)

General Education Requirements

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in the major program.

• Social and Behavioral Sciences 6 hours
• Constitution Requirement 3 hours
• Written Communication 6 hours
• Oral Communication 3 hours
• Natural Sciences 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
• Mathematics 3 hours
• Humanities & Fine Arts 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
• Additional requirements 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
• Civics examination

Four-Year Sample Plan

The actual semester a course is taken may vary based on the rotation of major courses.

First Year

• Fall Semester (15 Hours): UI100 (1), EN100 (3), MA116 (3), TN255 (3), General Education (3)
• Spring Semester (13-15 Hours): CS101/MN260 (3-4), ET160 (3), PH106/107 or PH120/020 (4-5), General Education (5)

Second Year

• Fall Semester (15 Hours): ET381 (4), GT101 (3), IM301 (2), MN319 (3), General Education (3)
• Spring Semester (15 Hours): ET382 (3), GT102 (3), IM300 (3), General Education (3), Elective (3)

Third Year

• Fall Semester (15 Hours): ET383 (3), GO340 (3), IM506 (3), General Education (3), Elective (3)
• Spring Semester (15-16 Hours): ET384 (3), GO418 (3), MN220 (4), General Education (3), Elective (3)

Fourth Year

• Fall Semester (15-16 Hours): ET380 (3), General Education (3), General Education (3-4), Elective (3), Elective (3)
• Spring Semester (15-17 Hours): ET385 (3), ET450 (3), General Education (3), Elective (3), Elective (3-5)

Career Services

The Career Services office is available to help students with the next step in launching their careers. The office provides expertise and support to help students land their dream job.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by the appropriate accrediting agencies.

Additional Resources

• Office of Admissions
• Costs
• Scholarships
• Student Organizations
• Department of Engineering & Technology
• College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Related Programs

• Professional Pilot Degree
  • The professional pilot degree prepares students for careers as a commercial airline pilot or a pilot for corporate or private business.
  • Program Details: Bachelor's Degree, Undergraduate, Main Campus - Cape, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Engineering & Technology.