Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, and coeducational university that offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, ranging from associate to PhDs for more than 32,000 students. The ERAU-Worldwide Campus operates a globally recognized learning system that provides online, face-to-face, and hybrid instruction through a network of education facilities designed to support student advancement in the U.S. and abroad. ERAU-Worldwide has developed several multidisciplinary uncrewed systems-related education options, closely mapped to the needs and demands of the industry and field.
Undergraduate Degree Options
The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems (BSUAS) degree has been designed to provide broader and more affordable access to an undergraduate-level education in a topic under-represented in global educational institutions, the application of uncrewed system technology. The educational focus of the BSUSA supports the growth, innovative development, and effective use of uncrewed system technology across the respective domains (air/space, ground, and maritime) to identify and address significant industry challenges. The BSUSA degree features 36-credits of general education coursework, 48-credits of core uncrewed systems topics, and 36-credits associated with a student selected track of study (administration, operations, and development) covering subject relevant to the industry. The Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) Operation minor was added to promote and strengthen applicable knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA)s, specific to Part 107 operations in the U.S. National Airspace System.
NOTE: Students must contact their Academic Advisor regarding additional cost, possible travel, and FAA Testing, prior to enrolling in the first course of the sUAS Operations minor or graduate concentration/ specialization.
The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) degree is closely mapped to the needs and demands of the aviation/aerospace industry and general education guidelines. The BSA features an option to pursue an 18-credit minor course of study in sUAS Operations (promote and strengthen applicable KSAs specific to Part 107 operations in the U.S. National Airspace System).
The 122-credit Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) degree emphasizes the real-world application of general engineering principles, supporting the development of the skills to design, refine and apply engineering technologies across a range of industries, including uncrewed systems. The BSET has been designed to help students prepare for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first step for any engineer to earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Besides technical core courses in areas such as mechanics, materials, fluids, circuits, thermodynamics, and controls, the BSET program has students choose two 18-credit areas of concentration. Two options related to the uncrewed systems industry are the UAS and aeronautical science areas of concentration. Other concentration areas include aviation safety, facilities and construction management, helicopter operations and safety, transportation, logistics management, management information systems, occupational safety and health, project management, and security and intelligence.
Graduate Degree Options
The Master of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems (MSUAS) degree is a 30-credit program designed to produce graduates qualified to enter or enhance their applicability towards the application, development, management, policy-making, and support of uncrewed systems. The MSUAS curriculum features topics, interactive activities, collaborative engagement, and research and development projects aligned towards supporting the development and refinement of student KSAs. The educational focus supports the investigation and development of strategies and solutions to address major challenges within the industry.
The 30-credit Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) is an advanced degree designed to broaden a student’s knowledge, diversify talents, and cultivate an edge in the competitive field of aviation. The MSA features the option to pursue a 12-credit graduate specialization in either Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems (emphasizes obtaining a comprehensive understanding of topics, challenges, and application) or sUAS Operations (promote and strengthen applicable KSAs specific to Part 107 operations in the U.S. National Airspace System).
Contact Us
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
About the Author
Dr. Brent Terwilliger
Associate Professor, College of Aviation
Dr. Brent Terwilliger
Brent A. Terwilliger Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Aeronautics and the Program Coordinator of the MS in Unmanned Systems degree at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Worldwide campus, College of Aviation. Dr. Terwilliger earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration in Aviation from Northcentral University (2012), as well as a Master’s of Aeronautical Science (2005) and B.S. in Aerospace Studies (2000) from ERAU. He has more than a decade of experience in defense contracting, supporting several federal-level customers, including the U.S. Postal Service for automated sortation technologies and the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy on a wide variety of simulation training systems. As a tenured faculty member at ERAU, Dr. Terwilliger has has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, presented research findings at international venues, and provided unmanned system expertise across televised, print, and digital media. He previously served as the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Aviation and as the Program Chair for the launch of the online MS in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Engineering program at ERAU-Worldwide. He currently represents ERAU as a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)’s Emerging Technologies committee, a Director of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)’s Florida Peninsula Chapter, a Co-PI on a National Science Foundation-funded IUSE project, and member of the Federal Aviation Administration-funded ASSURE UAS A50 research project.
