Master of Science in
Unmanned Systems

About the Master of Science in Unmanned Systems 

Embry‑Riddle’s Master of Science in Unmanned Systems is a non-engineering degree that focuses on this emerging industry by addressing topics including policy design, ethics and systems management. Students will gain knowledge in areas that contribute to the successful operation of missions supported by unmanned systems — from remote-controlled to human-supervised to fully autonomous.  

Based on the Economic Report by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, more than 100,000 unmanned aerial systems jobs are projected by 2025. This program supports the growth, innovative development and effective use of unmanned system technology within the industry, focusing on interoperability, autonomy, airspace integration, communications, propulsion, power and regulation. 

Student Learning Outcomes

This UAS master's degree provides opportunities to learn to: 

• Describe the effects of legal and regulatory development on unmanned system industry practices
• Investigate unmanned systems platform and payload selection
• Interpret data to support unmanned systems application
• Examine the viability of unmanned systems 

Unmanned Systems Career Opportunities

Careers and Employers

Embry-Riddle graduates often find careers at NASA, the U.S. Military, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration and Amazon Prime Air, with a placement rate of 100% within a year of graduation. 

Students earning an unmanned systems degree often pursue careers as: 

• Field Service Engineers
• Systems Engineers
• Aviation Safety Inspectors
• Maintenance Test Pilots
• Senior Test Engineers 

Unmanned Systems Salary Information

Embry-Riddle provides unmanned systems technology alumni the opportunity for competitive salaries, averaging $93,700 annually one-year post graduation, as of 2022.