Master of Science in
Unmanned Systems

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.

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