Embry-Riddle students working with unmanned systems.

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

Summary

30 Credits

Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator

View Financial Aid Information

Learn about our General Education

Student Achievement Data

 

Find out about transferring credits to this degree

Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits

View our Academic Calendar

Play Video
Play Video, We Are Hands On