
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 many areas that contribute to the successful operation of missions supported by unmanned systems along a spectrum of autonomy levels — from remote-controlled to human-supervised to fully autonomous. Embry-Riddle has been a pioneering institution in the field of unmanned and robotics education, and its Master of Science in Unmanned Systems degree provides students with an education focused on the application, development, and management of unmanned systems, policies and regulations, and related technology necessary to support the growing and dynamic needs of the industry.
This program supports the growth, innovative development, and effective use of unmanned system technology across the respective domains (air, space, ground, and maritime) to address major challenges within the industry, including interoperability, autonomy, airspace integration, communications, education and training, propulsion and power, teaming, and regulation.
ERAU provides an interactive learning environment to acquire and apply knowledge, work in independent and team settings, communicate across a geographically and experientially diverse population, and assume leadership roles, which represent the fundamental skills necessary to establish or advance a successful career in today’s competitive and collaborative working environment.
According to a study by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, more than 100,000 unmanned aerial systems jobs are projected by 2025. Degree holders work in a number of industries including military, government, energy, transportation, telecommunications and even entertainment.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Unmanned Systems at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
The Master of Science in Unmanned Systems program at the Daytona Beach campus offers students the ability to become leaders in this cutting-edge field through varied instructional modalities.
The goal is to help train technically proficient professionals who also possess the skills and background needed to manage complex projects and lead diverse teams of workers. Graduates will complete courses in three areas:
- Core Curriculum (5 Courses)
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Development Specialization (2 courses)
OR
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Specialization (2 courses offered through the Worldwide campus) - Research Component (3 Courses)
Each module in the program builds on foundational knowledge to support academic growth at the graduate level, and the core courses provide the required knowledge and overview of industry practices, policies, and procedures.
Students will master high-level concepts, analyze industry and company problems, perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and prepare recommended solutions in written and oral formats.
Our flexible approach means students can launch or continue their current careers without interrupting their pursuit of their graduate degree.
The degree also addresses the growing industry need for managers with tailored backgrounds in unmanned and autonomous technologies who understand policy, operations, and systems integration and implementation.
Program graduates can secure key leadership roles in an industry undergoing unprecedented growth. Recent reports show the growth rate for commercial unmanned systems at about 44% a year, with the world civil market expected to grow almost 22% to $9.5 billion by 2028.
This degree offering is for those students wishing to pursue higher education in the disciplines of autonomy and unmanned systems. Program course offerings allow students with both limited and strong backgrounds in technology to embrace the evolution of unmanned systems and better understand how they will shape modern society. Issues such as infrastructure development, policy procurement, systems design, operations, safety and project management will be examined to provide candidates with a strong background in the overall industry.
Students who wish to pursue this program should have a strong interest in technology and how it will be integrated into modern society. A background in unmanned systems is not required, however, the program is open to those who already have degrees in unmanned technologies or engineering. This combination allows students to gain foundational knowledge, while at the same time allowing a space for those with experience to contribute in active classroom discussion. The program also offers lateral transferability to Embry-Riddle’s WorldWide campus in the case students wish to pursue distance education options.
Core
MSA 534 | Application of Unmanned Systems | 3 |
or UNSY 501 Application of Unmanned Systems | ||
MSA 535 | Current Issues in Unmanned Systems | 3 |
or UNSY 502 Current Issues in Unmanned Systems | ||
MSA 538 | Legal and Regulatory Issues in Unmanned Systems | 3 |
or UNSY 503 Legal and Regulatory Issues in Unmanned Systems | ||
MSA 625 | Unmanned Systems Interoperability and Control | 3 |
or UNSY 606 Unmanned Systems Interoperability and Control | ||
MSA 635 | Unmanned Systems Operational Configuration | 3 |
or UNSY 603 Unmanned Systems Operational Configuration | ||
Total Credits | 15 |
Research Component
MSA 662 | Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
or ASCI 662 Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace | ||
MSA 670 | Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
or ASCI 670 Research Methods for Aviation/Aerospace | ||
MSA 691 | Graduate Capstone Research Project | 3 |
or UNSY 691 Graduate Capstone Course | ||
Total Credits | 9 |
Open Elective
Open Elective * | 3 | |
MSA 511 | Earth Observation and Remote Sensing | |
MSA 512 | Space Mission and Launch Operations | |
MSA 515 | Aviation/Aerospace Simulation Systems | |
MSA 531 | Robotics and Control | |
MSA 547 | Leadership and Critical Decision Making in the Aviation Industry | |
MSA 552 | Introduction to Research Methods and Statistical Analysis | |
MSA 609 | Aircraft Maintenance Management | |
MSA 611 | Aviation/Aerospace System Safety | |
MSA 619 | Airport Certification and Operations Safety | |
MSA 696 | Graduate Internship in Aeronautical Science | |
MSA 700 | Thesis |
* | Open elective may be satisfied through any 500-600 level course, as approved by the program coordinator. These additional three credits could be filled with a UAS-related elective course (approved by program coordinator), an approved internship, a portion of credits from the master's thesis requirements, or an additional statistics course for students. |
Students may choose 1 Specialization
UAS Program Development Specialization
MSA 624 | sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management | 3 |
or UNSY 620 sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management | ||
MSA 554 | Project Management in Aviation Aerospace | 3 |
or ASCI 674 Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace |
UAS Operations Specialization (offered only through Worldwide)
UNSY 515 sUAS Operation Fundamentals | 3 | |
UNSY 520 sUAS Practical Application and Assessment | 3 |
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 33 |
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Summary
30 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
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Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
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About Unmanned Systems at the Worldwide & Online Campus
The M.S. in Unmanned Systems degree program at ERAU’s Worldwide & Online Campus is a non-engineering degree that focuses on this maturing and rapidly changing industry by addressing topics including policy, design, ethics, and systems management. Students will gain knowledge in many areas that contribute to successful operations supported by unmanned systems along a spectrum of autonomy levels — from remote-controlled to human-supervised to fully autonomous. Students also have access to state of the art instructional technology, such as the Hub and its unmanned aircraft systems design and testing lab.
Embry-Riddle has been a pioneering institution in the field of unmanned and robotics education, and its Master of Science in Unmanned Systems degree provides students with an education focused on the application, development, and management of unmanned systems, policies and regulations, and related technology necessary to support the growing and dynamic needs of the industry.
Students will choose one of the following specialization areas:
- Aeronautics
- Human Factors
- Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
- Small UAS Operations
- Aviation Safety
- Space Systems
- Maintenance
- Research
The small UAS specialization provides a unique opportunity for students to receive hands on remote pilot training from Embry-Riddle instructors, while having the option to pursue Trusted Operator Program® certification from the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.
The Aviation Safety specialization provides students with access to the Hub, where you can conduct a virtual accident investigation.
This program supports the growth, innovative development, and effective use of unmanned system technology across the respective domains (air, space, ground, and maritime) to address major challenges within the industry, including interoperability, autonomy, airspace integration, communications, education and training, system configuration, regulation, and timely and relevant special topics.
ERAU provides an interactive learning environment to acquire and apply knowledge, work in independent and team settings, communicate across a geographically and experientially diverse population, and assume leadership roles, which represent the fundamental skills necessary to establish or advance a successful career in today’s competitive and collaborative working environment.
Degree holders work in a number of industries including military, government, energy, transportation, telecommunications and even entertainment.
Learn more about the Worldwide & Online Campus
ERAU-Worldwide Unmanned Systems Related Career Opportunities
From self-driving cars to drone deliveries, unmanned systems are changing the way we live. To thrive in this environment, companies need leaders who understand the possibilities and challenges posed by unmanned systems.
If you work in the unmanned industry, the Master of Science in Unmanned Systems (MSUS) program will broaden your perspective, deepen your knowledge, and help you move to the next level in your career.
If you work in a field outside unmanned systems, the MSUS will build your knowledge base, help you understand the potential of unmanned technology in your own industry, and prepare you to be the expert on unmanned systems in your workplace.
In this program, you will:
- Learn from instructors with real world industry, government, and research experience.
- Network with students, alumni, and faculty with a passion for unmanned systems.
- Learn the essentials of unmanned technology, including propulsion, control, communications, autonomy, sensing, and data processing.
- Refine the critical skill of communicating complex technical material to a general audience.
- Practice the team building and collaboration skills that are highly valued by employers.
In addition to helping you capitalize on the opportunities offered by unmanned technology today, this degree will prepare you to be a leader in the dynamic, exciting future that unmanned technology offers.
UNSY 501 | Application of Unmanned Systems | 3 |
UNSY 502 | Current Issues in Unmanned Systems | 3 |
UNSY 503 | Legal and Regulatory Issues in Unmanned Systems | 3 |
UNSY 606 | Unmanned Systems Interoperability and Control | 3 |
UNSY 603 | Unmanned Systems Operational Configuration | 3 |
ASCI 674 | Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
RSCH 665 | Statistical Analysis | 3 |
Total Credits | 21 |
Specialization
Specialization | 9 | |
Select one specialization from the following list (includes 3 specific courses per): |
Total Degree Requirements | 30 |
Specializations:
Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
AASI 600 | Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Perspectives | 3 |
AASI 620 | Best Practices for Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability | 3 |
AASI 625 | Sustainability Policy, Ethics & Legal Topics in Aviation and Aerospace | 3 |
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations
Students declaring the sUAS Operation Specialization 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 |
Aeronautics
ASCI 693 | Current Research Problems in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
ASCI 604 | Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry | 3 |
ASCI 645 | Airport Operations and Management | 3 |
Space Operations
MSPO 511 | Earth Observation and Remote Sensing | 3 |
MSPO 512 | Space Mission and Launch Operations | 3 |
MSPO 513 | Space Habitation and Life Support Systems | 3 |
Aviation Safety
MSAS 615 | Aviation/Aerospace Accident Investigation and Analysis | 3 |
MSAS 611 | Aviation/Aerospace System Safety | 3 |
MSAS 621 | Aviation/Aerospace Safety Program Management | 3 |
Human Factors
MSHF 606 | Human Cognition | 3 |
MSHF 612 | Human Performance, Limitation, and Error | 3 |
MSHF 624 | Ergonomics and Biomechanics | 3 |
Aviation Maintenance
MAVM 601 | Leadership in Global Aviation Maintenance Organizations | 3 |
MAVM 605 | Global Maintenance Resource Management | 3 |
MAVM 615 | Strategic Management of Global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Operations | 3 |
Aviation Cybersecurity
MACY 515 | Foundations of Aviation Cybersecurity | 3 |
MACY 520 | Aviation Cybersecurity Threats, Actors, Tools, and Techniques | 3 |
MACY 525 | Aviation Cybersecurity Risk Management and Resilience | 3 |
Research
RSCH 670 | Research Methods | 3 |
RSCH 700A | Thesis I | 3 |
RSCH 700B | Thesis II | 3 |
Get Started Now:
Summary
30 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn more about the benefits of an Online Degree
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Search Courses for this degree
The Future Belongs to You!


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