Graduate Certificate in
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations

This online program includes a two-day face-to-face flight training and evaluation event and also allows students to earn 12 graduate-level credits at Embry-Riddle.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) have become essential tools in applications ranging from delivering medical supplies, inspecting critical infrastructure, and improving agriculture. The opportunities to improve business practices by incorporating sUAS are almost limitless.

Embry-Riddle’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations graduate certificate offers students a truly unique hands-on learning experience. Through simulated and live flight training with Embry-Riddle remote pilot instructors, students will learn how to supervise

and conduct safe flight planning and execution of sUAS missions, as well as how to analyze and manage data utilizing the latest software capabilities.

Embry-Riddle is the first university to offer Trusted Operator Program (TOP)™ certification from the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). Through the sUAS Operations certificate, students have the option to earn TOP certification at a fraction of the regular cost, making them more competitive in the job market.

DETAILS

About Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations at the Worldwide & Online Campus

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations graduate certificate is an online 12-credit program that includes a two-day face-to-face flight training and evaluation event. The curriculum addresses basic and advanced unmanned aircraft configurations and operations, project management, mission planning, and safety management. While no remote pilot experience is required, students need to have access to a small UAS. In addition, this program involves travel to a flight training location for a two-day face-to face-session.

Students also earn 12 graduate-level credits, which can go towards a master’s degree at Embry-Riddle. This program leads students towards the online Master of Science in Unmanned Systems, the Master of Science in Aeronautics, or the Master of Science in Aviation/Aerospace Sustainability by taking an additional 18 graduate credits.

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations Graduate Certificate is intended for students who wish to enhance their professional expertise with application competency and practical experience in sUAS operations. By developing executive and supervisory knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) in the task-oriented application of sUAS within the National Airspace System (NAS), certificate holders will be able to assume leading roles and fill a void in expertise in organizations that wish to expand into sUAS applications or support their operations with sUAS capabilities. The Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) Operations Graduate Certificate Program consist of 4 courses that result in students earning 12 graduate credit hours.

Note: Certificate programs are not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid unless taken as part of a degree program.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations
Certificate

Students declaring the sUAS Operations Certificate or registering for courses within it must be physically located within the U.S. when registering for and while participating in the UNSY 520 and UNSY 620 courses. Students must contact their Academic Advisor regarding additional cost, possible travel, and FAA Testing, prior to enrolling in the first course of this specialization, UNSY 515.

UNSY 515	sUAS Operation Fundamentals	3
UNSY 520	sUAS Practical Application and Assessment	3
UNSY 620	sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management	3
ASCI 674	Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace	3
Total Credits		12