Setting Course: Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Residency Program

Aviation

Embry-Riddle equips students with skills necessary for flying drones and handling autonomous systems through the Residency Program.

Three students of Embry-Riddle's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Residency Program pilot their drone using state-of-the-art equipment and resources.
Embry-Riddle students are taught to build and fly drones. (Photo: Embry-Riddle / Joey Harrison)
Ashley Mueller, Marketing & Communications Specialist by Ashley Mueller / OCT 16, 2023

The Future Is Now for Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems

Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems are changing the way we live, work and play. To thrive in this environment, organizational leaders must understand the potential, as well as the challenges, presented by this innovative and rapidly changing technology.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University prepares students to develop and apply the advanced technologies necessary to support the dynamic needs of the industry and help guide the policies and regulation that govern this emerging and growing field through courses offered in the Bachelor of Science in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, Master of Science in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems and the Residency Program.

The Residency Program

Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus Department of Flight is preparing the next generation of pilots and engineers for the future of aviation through an established program called the Residency Program. The Residency Program, UNSY 435 and UNSY 520, is an elite program to train professional drone pilots to the highest industry standards. The program schedules the residency over a weekend, twice each year – once in December and once in May – travel is required as it is hosted in Daytona Beach, Florida, at the Worldwide Headquarters.

The Residency Program offers opportunities to connect with other like-minded students, faculty and professionals to form valuable networks and complete Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications. Students are engaged in group projects and exercises, encouraging collaboration between faculty and instructors in a face-to-face environment— which enhances the retention of online course material and boosts confidence in the ability to operate uncrewed systems. The program exposes students to diverse systems that they may have never encountered before and gain a unique hands-on experience with advanced technologies that are readily available to them.

Michael Rigby poses by a small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) during his Residency Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Photo: Michael Rigby ('23)

Residency Program Testimonials:

“During my time at the Residency Program, I acquired hands-on expertise in drone operations and had the opportunity to complete the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted Operator certification. The environment fostered valuable connections: enabling me to bond with peers and professors. Engaging with other students working on diverse small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) projects was incredibly enlightening and the network has been pivotal in shaping my path forward in the Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems (UAS) industry.” - Michael Rigby (’23)

Deborah Steckley, alum of Embry-Riddle's uncrewed aircraft systems residency program, praised the technical and operational training offered through the program.
Photo: Deborah Steckley ('96, '25)

“The Residency Program really expanded my knowledge of sUAS operations and built up my confidence, which has already benefited me professionally. The Residency was outstanding from a technical and operational aspect. I got to know my colleagues, my Embry-Riddle professors and sUAS professionals from industry and government sectors face-to-face... It was also a great networking opportunity.” - Deborah Steckley (’96, ’25)

Careers in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems

The job opportunities in the field of uncrewed systems are exciting and plentiful. By 2025, more than 100,000 jobs are projected in the uncrewed aircraft systems field alone, according to the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International. Graduates may find careers using uncrewed systems for videography, completing vital research in environments that humans can’t reach, using technology to aid wildlife conservation, using the Agricultural Drone Certification (Part 137) that can be used for agricultural spraying and so much more.

Notable Careers in Uncrewed Systems

  • Accident Investigator
  • Aviation Safety Inspector – Airworthiness/Manufacturing
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Intelligence (Sensor Data) Analyst
  • Program Manager
  • Systems Engineer
  • Systems Integration & Configuration Technician
  • Test and Evaluation Pilot
  • Remote Sensing Technologist

If you're passionate about technology and want to be a part of an exciting and innovative field, then our programs in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems are the right choice! With the benefits and comprehensive training Embry-Riddle offers, you'll be positioned to succeed in the industry for years to come.

Apply now and become a leader in the growing field of uncrewed and autonomous systems!

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