
Master of Science in
Unmanned Systems
The Master of Science in Unmanned Systems allows working professionals to focus on policy, design and ethics pertaining to unmanned systems technology.
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.
DETAILS
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. Our flexible approach means students can launch or continue their current careers without interrupting their pursuit of their graduate degree.
The Civil UAS Market Profile & Forecast indicates that commercial unmanned systems growth is expected to more than triple to $19.8 billion by 2031. Program graduates can secure key leadership roles in the UAS industry, focusing on skills aimed toward drone and autonomous robotics growth.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
Students pursuing this UAS master's degree must complete the below specialization:
- UAS Program Development: 6 credit hours
Unmanned Systems Information
- Credits: 33
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Capstone Options: Thesis and Capstone Research Project
Helpful Links
- Tour our Daytona Beach campus
- Discover the Department's Faculty
- Explore the Fields of Study: Aviation & Space
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
Core
MSA 534 | Application of Uncrewed Systems | 3 |
or UNSY 501 Application of Unmanned Systems | ||
MSA 535 | Current Issues in Uncrewed Systems | 3 |
or UNSY 502 Current Issues in Unmanned Systems | ||
MSA 538 | Legal and Regulatory Issues in Uncrewed Systems | 3 |
or UNSY 503 Legal and Regulatory Issues in Unmanned Systems | ||
MSA 625 | Uncrewed Systems Interoperability and Control | 3 |
or UNSY 606 Unmanned Systems Interoperability and Control | ||
MSA 635 | Uncrewed Systems Operational Configuration | 3 |
or UNSY 603 Unmanned Systems Operational Configuration | ||
Total Credits | 15 |
Research Core
MSA 662 | Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
MSA 670 | Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
Total Credits | 6 |
Research Project
Option 1 | ||
MSA 691 | Graduate Capstone Research Project | 3 |
Open Elective (See list below) * | 3 | |
Option 2 | ||
MSA 700 | Thesis | 6 |
Total Credits | 6 |
Open Elective
Open Elective * | ||
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 |
- *
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
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