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Getting an Unmanned Systems Degree

A degree in Unmanned Systems is an interdisciplinary education that focuses on the application, development, and management of unmanned systems. This includes policy, design, regulations, related technology, and other related fields of study that support this dynamic and rapidly-evolving industry.

What can you do with an Unmanned Systems degree?

A degree in Unmanned Systems opens opportunities for a wide variety careers including:
  • Military
  • Government
  • Energy
  • Transportation
  • Telecommunications
  • Entertainment

Is an Unmanned Systems degree hard?

A Degree in Unmanned Systems can be found as a bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate program. Certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level are both increasing in popularity as this dynamic field of study grows to encompass air, sea, and land. These programs are typically non-engineering with students studying the industry through topics such as policy, ethics, and systems management.

Certificate in Unmanned Systems

Both undergraduate and graduate certificates are available to students.

Certificates are wonderful assets for those already working in or seeking a career in industries that will be impacted by the growth of this emerging field. This includes:
  • Aviation
  • Transportation
  • Retail
  • Remote sensing
  • Emergency response
  • Defense
Graduate certificates are usually geared towards professionals already working within the unmanned industry and those working in industries impacted by drone technology.

Associate Degree in Unmanned Systems

Students will be prepared for entry level careers in a wide variety of fields. An Associate Degree in Unmanned Systems will also provide students with a strong academic foundation should they continue their college career to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Unmanned Systems

An undergraduate degree in Unmanned Systems will typically put an emphasis on the air domain. However, a comprehensive program will also cover unmanned and robotic systems in the space, ground, and maritime domains.

A Bachelor’s in Unmanned Systems is interdisciplinary and will cover a wide range of introductory studies such as:
  • Airspace integration
  • Communications
  • Education and training
  • Propulsion and power
  • Policy and regulation
  • Autonomy
  • Robotics

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Unmanned Systems

  • Photographer– Uses technical expertise (including the rising popularity of aerial footage), creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images. Median Annual Salary: $39,000.
  • Electro-Mechanical Technicians– Operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment. Median Annual Salary: $60,000.
  • Mechatronics Technologists– Operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment. Median Annual Salary: $60,000.

Master’s Degree in Unmanned Systems

Graduate students are guided to customize their studies to fit their desired career path. Three popular career paths are:
  • Administration
  • Operations
  • Development
A Master’s is also a popular choice for those choosing career paths such as research, writing, or teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s in Unmanned Systems

Is an Unmanned Systems degree worth it?

Yes, an Unmanned Systems degree is definitely worth it! If you are looking for a great paying career with a variety of job opportunities, then a degree in Unmanned Systems is an excellent choice. Students that enjoy exploring this emerging field of study including air, sea, land, and maritime capabilities will truly enjoy this degree. Additionally, students that use their educational entitlements (such as the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon program, etc.) may be able to earn their degree without spending a dime out of pocket!

GI Bill®-approved Schools with Degrees in Unmanned Systems

Ready to start your Certificate or Degree in Unmanned Systems? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Systems Applications (BSUSA), a Master of Science in Unmanned Systems, and a graduate certificate in Unmanned Systems. ERAU-Worldwide has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. ERAU-Worldwide is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Daytona

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science and a Master of Science in Unmanned Systems. ERAU-Daytona Beach has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. ERAU-Daytona Beach is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Prescott

Offers a Offers a Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems. ERAU-Prescott has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. ERAU-Prescott is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Offers a minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for those students majoring in Computer Science or Engineering only. UNLV has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. UNLV is a MyCAA approved school, approved for Tuition Assistance, and proudly participates as a Yellow Ribbon school.

Lasell University

Offers a Drone Pilot Certification Test Prep. Emphasis is on the knowledge requirements to prepare students for the FAA 107 Remote Pilot Examination. Lasell University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Lasell University is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.