Program Overview

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations

The University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (B.S. Aero) with a major in Unmanned Aircraft System Operations. This program provides students with the expertise to execute and manage applications in the military, firefighting, disaster relief, law enforcement, surveillance, aerial photography, transports, and future uses of this rapidly evolving area.

Program Details

• Program type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 4 years
• Credit hours: 120

Program Description

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations program is designed to educate students on the safe and effective operation of unmanned aircraft systems. With 50 years of experience in aviation education, training, and research, the University of North Dakota was the first to offer a UAS degree in 2009 and continues to be a national leader in UAS education.

What You'll Learn

Students in this program will learn topics such as:

• Human factors
• Crew resource management
• Autonomous systems
• Counter UAS applications
• Experience in small, medium, and large UAS operations
• Safety management
• Aircraft systems

Specialized Tracks

The UAS degree offers two career tracks to specialize in:

• Low Altitude UAS Commercial Applications and Operations
• Medium/High Altitude Long Endurance UAS Commercial Applications and Operations

Accreditation

The University of North Dakota's Aerospace program was the first four-year degree UAS Operation program to receive Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Accreditation for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

UAS Operator Jobs

Graduates with a B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft System can expect exciting opportunities in many industries, including:

• Oil and Gas
• Windmill Inspection
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Military and defense
• Law enforcement
• Firefighting
• Transport
• Surveillance
• Aerial photography
• Air and rescue

Career Outcomes

Unmanned Aircraft System Operations alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with companies such as:

• ArgenTech Solutions Inc.
• Cargill
• Customs Border Protection
• General Atomics
• Grand Sky
• Isight RPV
• Northern Plains UAS Test Site
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• SkySkopes

UAS Degree Courses

Some of the courses offered in the UAS degree program include:

• UAS Flight Systems
• UAS Remote Sensing
• Counter UAS Applications
• UAS Operations
• Aviation Safety
• Aerodynamics

Military Friendly

The University of North Dakota is a top college for military-affiliated students, offering dedicated support services, military-affiliated peer support, ROTC programs, priority registration, and spouse support.