Program Overview

Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Graduate Certificate

The online graduate certificate in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) is designed to propel your career to new heights. This program serves as your gateway to mastering the intricacies of drones and cutting-edge image processing techniques within a rapidly expanding industry. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an aspiring professional, this comprehensive curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel.

Program Overview

In this online certificate program, you will gain the skills to safely operate UAS, also known as drones, while collecting and processing geospatial data. Demand for professionals trained to operate drones and process drone imagery is growing rapidly in agriculture, natural resource management, construction, energy, transportation, business, and many other fields.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for Spring 2026 is November 15.

Learning Resources

Students use specialized software for mission planning, flight simulation, safety protocols, as well as image collection and processing. Each student is able to get real-world experience as they complete their graduate certificate.

Requirements

The program consists of 11 credits, including a 2-credit, field-based flight school, and is designed to prepare you to become an FAA-certified pilot and to use industry-standard image processing techniques.

Online Learning at UW

The University of Wyoming provides a comprehensive range of fully online and hybrid programs, including the online uncrewed aerial systems graduate certificate. These programs are equivalent to in-person programs in all the ways that matter, with the same learning expectations and accreditation.

What Can You Do with a Graduate Certificate in UAS?

UAS are rapidly becoming indispensable tools across many industries. Drones have become more accessible and have merged with a variety of career fields, such as military, agriculture, and more.

• Surveyor
  • Responsible for collecting and analyzing geospatial data
• Avionics Technician
  • Responsible for installing, inspecting, and repairing electronic systems on aircraft
• Operations Technologist
  • Responsible for overseeing the operation of UAS systems
• GIST Researcher
  • Responsible for conducting research in geospatial information science and technology
• Geographer
  • Responsible for studying the relationship between physical environments and human societies
• Disaster Response
  • Responsible for using UAS to respond to and manage disasters
• Search and Rescue
  • Responsible for using UAS to locate and rescue missing persons
• Utilities and Infrastructure inspector
  • Responsible for inspecting and maintaining utilities and infrastructure using UAS
• Law enforcement
  • Responsible for using UAS to support law enforcement operations

Where Are Uncrewed Aerial Systems Alumni Working?

• University of Wyoming
• United States Armed Forces
• State of Wyoming
• The Nature Conservancy
• Yellowstone National Park

UAS Networking and Student Groups

The Geospatial Forum is a speaker series available to students online via Zoom or recording. It's a great opportunity where professionals visit UW to present on a range of topics in the field, leading discussions and answering questions from career-bound students.

Related Programs

• Certificate in Geospatial Information Systems
• Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing
• Online M.S. in Geospatial Information Science and Technology

Research Areas

The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.