Bachelor of Science in
Unmanned Systems Applications

Once the domain of military and government agencies, unmanned systems have entered the civilian and commercial sectors and are transforming the world as we know it. From the driverless cars roaming our streets to the unmanned aircraft soaring through our skies to the robotic rovers operating on distant planetary bodies, leading enterprises all over the world rely on unmanned systems for critical aspects of their operations. Yet we’ve only scratched the surface of what these systems can do.

As one of the first degree programs to focus on this burgeoning field, the Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Systems Applications (BSUSA) focuses on the growth, innovative development, and effective use of unmanned system technology across the respective domains (air, space, ground, and maritime). The focused curriculum addresses major challenges within the industry, including interoperability, autonomy, airspace integration, communications, education and training, propulsion and power, teaming, and regulation. Students will choose from three distinct learning tracks:

• Administration - Focuses on managerial aspects of unmanned systems applications.
• Operations - Focuses on task oriented mission planning and execution in unmanned systems operations.
• Development – Focuses on engineering and design aspects of unmanned systems. 

BSUSA graduates will be prepared to help develop and apply the advanced technologies necessary to support the growing and dynamic needs of the industry. They will also be qualified to help guide the policies and regulations that govern this emerging field.

Students are also eligible to engage in cooperative study/internships and may elect to seek out those enriching opportunities.

BSUSA students who wish to continue on to a master's degree may enroll in the BSUSA to MSUS 4+1 program as outlined in this program. [Currently not available.]

Tracks of Study

View Suggested Plan of Study

Administration Track

Aviation Management (no electives) (Note: BSAB 415 has a prerequisite requirement of MGMT 201.  If enrolled in the Administration Track with the Aviation Management minor, MGMT 201 must be taken to fulfill the prerequisite requirement for BSAB 415.)
Aviation Safety (no electives)
Emergency Services (1 elective)
Logistics Management (1 elective)
Management (4 electives)
Management Information Systems (1 elective)
Marketing (2 electives)
Occupational Safety and Health (1 elective )
Project Management (2 electives)
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Operation (1 elective)
Technical Management (1 elective)

Operations Track

Aviation Maintenance Operations (no electives)
Aviation Safety (no electives)
Emergency Services (1 elective)
Helicopter Operations and Safety (no electives)
Logistics Management (1 elective)
Occupational Safety and Health (1 elective)
Project Management (1 elective)
Security and Intelligence (no electives)
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Operation (1 elective)
Transportation (no electives)

Development Track

Engineering Sciences (1 elective - students are encouraged to take ETEC 409 in combination with this Minor)
Marketing (1 elective)
Occupational Safety and Health (no electives)
Project Management (1 elective)
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Operation (1 elective)
Technical Management (1 elective)

[4+1 Option currently not available.  Contact your Academic Advisor or Campus Advisor for more information.]

BSUSA-MSUS 4+1 Program: A Unique Opportunity

This program is for exceptional students who are committed to continuing their education through the Master’s degree. This fast-paced program allows qualifying students the opportunity to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Systems Applications (BSUSA) and the Master of Science in Unmanned Systems (MSUS) in five academic years.

After spending three academic years in undergraduate-level study, BSUSA students who are accepted in the BSUSA-MSUS 4+1 program option will be allowed to take up to three (3) MSUS courses to replace an equal number of remaining BSUSA courses during their senior year. The selected courses can only replace BSUSA minor requirement or additional electives in each respective BSUSA track and may not replace program core or track support courses. Before selecting the courses to be taken, students must confer with an advisor to ensure that the courses selected are suitable and align with their selected MSUS area of concentration. A grade level average of B or better must be maintained for selected MSUS courses while enrolled in the BSUSA-MSUS 4+1 program. Any final BSUSA credit hour requirements not accomplished through MSUS course selection will have to be satisfied through upper level undergraduate electives. Upon successful BSUSA program requirement completion, students will be automatically enrolled in the MSUS program and their chosen area of concentration and can complete their degree within one year.

Students who fail in any of their selected MSUS courses or fail to maintain a grade average of B or better while still completing BSUSA degree requirements will be removed from the 4+1 program option, have credit awarded to the BSUSA degree only, and may continue to complete their BSUSA degree program. In this case, published BSUSA minor requirements and/or upper level electives can be used to fulfill remaining BSUSA credit requirements.

This special program will challenge students and develop their knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes in the concepts of unmanned systems while integrating their gained experience in unmanned systems applications. As a minimum to be considered for acceptance to this BSUSA-MSUS 4+1 option, applicant students must hold at least a 3.00 GPA, completed at least 88 credit hours of the BSUSA program requirements to apply and demonstrated superior academic capability.

Students initiate program acceptance through their Academic Advisor or Campus Advisor; to help ensure program criteria are met.  Student Advisor will complete the request for processing into the 4+1 program.

Estimated Cost of Attendance