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
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
| MSAC 515 | Foundations of Aviation Cybersecurity | 3 |
| MSAC 520 | Aviation Cybersecurity Threats, Actors, Tools and Techniques | 3 |
| MSAC 525 | Aviation Cybersecurity Risk Management and Resilience | 3 |
Research
| RSCH 670 | Research Methods | 3 |
| RSCH 700A | Thesis I | 3 |
| RSCH 700B | Thesis II | 3 |
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Summary
30 Credits
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