Master of Science in
Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineering

The 30-credit program, built on rigorous coursework, allows students the option of developing and demonstrating knowledge attainment through project-based experiences. The program’s fifteen-credit core provides breadth across pertinent issues in unmanned and autonomous systems: unmanned platforms; planning and localization; sensors and data links; control systems; reliability, safety, and certification; and the requisite mathematical background. The program’s remaining fifteen credits consists of elective courses, determined in consultation with the student’s advisor to tailor a program of study. The electives provide the student three options: all coursework; coursework plus a two-semester capstone project performed either alone or, more likely, as a member of a small team, leading to publication of a conference paper (or preparation of a technical report of comparable publication quality); or a thesis option leading to publication of multiple conference papers or a journal article (or preparation of technical reports of comparable quality). In addition, the student can choose the Unmanned Aircraft Systems area of concentration, building a deep understanding of problems in the field through development of an operational aircraft and control station, or the Systems Engineering area of concentration to develop skills in systems engineering toward the requirements, design, implementation, validation, and certification of unmanned and autonomous systems.

The 30-credit, online Master of Science in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Engineering (MSUASE) program enables career establishment and advancement in a rapidly changing field through the development of innovative solutions operating along the spectrum of autonomy, including unmanned aircraft, autonomous cars, robotic surface and underwater vessels, spacecraft, and industrial robots. The degree is built on rigorous multidisciplinary coursework designed to provide a flexible, online, graduate educational option to develop and demonstrate knowledge attainment through project-based experiences. The curriculum features integration and application of concepts, protocols, and techniques in unmanned and autonomous systems: systems engineering, architecture, and design; safety and certification; requirements development analysis; modeling; command, control, and communication (C3); and human factors. Through the review of design, performance, and operational specifications to system testing and evaluation of end-to-end solutions, students gain comprehensive insight and practical experience affecting development, acquisition, fielding, and sustainment of unmanned system designs.

The MSUASE culminates in a two-term capstone project, conducted independently or in a team setting, to develop a technical solution to a critical real world challenge and leading to publication (e.g., conference paper, journal article, or technical report).

Program-Specific Criteria
Prerequisite Knowledge

Subject knowledge for a specific graduate course must be satisfied before enrollment in that course is permitted. Students may enroll in graduate level courses only if they meet prerequisite knowledge requirements. Applicants to the MSUASE program must meet the following requirements:

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET-EAC) accredited engineering program, international equivalent, or closely related engineering discipline.
  NOTE: Graduates of Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science (BSUASS), BS in Unmanned Systems Application (BSUSA), BS in Engineering Technology (BSET), and BS in Engineering (BSE) degree programs OR graduates of non-ERAU ABET-ETAC accredited programs may be admitted, conditionally, upon completion of undergraduate engineering courses requisite for knowledge and skills, to be specified at the time of admission.
• Have superior academic records with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0;
• Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; applicable to those without an ABET accredited or approved ERAU degree, as designated above);
• Submit a complete application package, including resume, three (3) letters of recommendation, and statement of objectives
  NOTE: International applicants whose primary language is not English must also achieve the minimum score requirement of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test System (IELTS) as required by the University.

Estimated Cost of Attendance