In conjunction with the United States Naval Community College (USNCC), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University now offers an Associate of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems tailored exclusively for active-duty enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as Coast Guard Reservists, who wish to earn a naval-relevant credential that will directly contribute to the operational readiness of the naval services and set them on a path of life-long learning and success.
Offered entirely online and asynchronously, the A.S. in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems allows enlisted Naval professionals to learn the skills necessary to:
- Recognize the fundamentals of uncrewed systems, including the technological, economical, legal, social, political and environmental aspects of uncrewed systems operations.
- Identify different task requirements under varying operational circumstances to select appropriate solutions during mission planning and execution.
- Analyze a variety of managerial aspects and examine how they apply to different uncrewed systems applications.
- Identify performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to solve basic operational problems such as task-oriented asset and payload selection or distinction of acquisition or design criteria.
Our faculty members are industry experts with extensive experience who combine classroom learning with real-world applications of class material. They are aviation and aerospace leaders who are excited to share their knowledge and facilitate environments in which the next generation of professionals in the field of uncrewed systems will grow and thrive.
Students who earn an A.S. in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems will have a competitive edge needed for military advancement, as well as a newfound understanding of aeronautical studies, professional communications, business operations and intellectual skills.
Applicants who wish to apply for this program must do so through the USNCC website.
As a leader in Uncrewed Systems education, our Associate of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems will provide Naval Community College students with a strong framework of knowledge and skills addressing the complexities of applying this technology in civil and commercial missions across multiple environments.
Academic Overview, Certifications and Transfer Credit
While pursuing their degree, students will enroll in the necessary courses and receive an Uncrewed Systems Technology Certificate issued by Embry-Riddle, which will be awarded upon completion of the coursework.
The certificate program consists of six courses that will allow students to fine-tune their knowledge of:
- System controls
- Task-oriented applications of uncrewed systems
- Ground, air and maritime domains
- Business operations and more
In addition to the Uncrewed Systems Technology Certificate, every associate degree program offered by the United States Naval Community College automatically includes the Naval Studies Certificate, which is made up of five courses on naval history, ethics, force design, civilian-military relations and the geopolitical environment that are integrated into the program of study.
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems is also easily transferable to four-year bachelor’s programs at Embry-Riddle. Students may choose to continue along the same path and apply for the Bachelor of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems or choose a different program of study.
Degree Coursework
| Naval Studies Certificate | ||
| NAV 101 | Naval Ethics and Leadership | 3 Credits |
| NAV 102 | Modern Naval History | 3 Credits |
| NAV 103 | Naval Force Design | 3 Credits |
| NAV 104 | Civilian/Military Relations, Organization and American Government | 3 Credits |
| NAV 105 | Introduction to the Geopolitical Environment | 3 Credits |
| Intellectual Skills | ||
| TBD | Two Communication Theories and Skills courses | 6 Credits |
| TBD | Two Physical Science courses | 6 Credits |
| TBD | Two college-level Algebra or higher Math courses | 6 Credits |
| TBD | Any Computer Science course | 3 Credits |
| Uncrewed Systems Technology Certificate | ||
| UNSY 205 | Applied Physics for Uncrewed Systems | 3 Credits |
| UNSY 313 | Uncrewed Maritime Systems and Applications | 3 Credits |
| UNSY 315 | Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Operations | 3 Credits |
| UNSY 316 | Operational and Business Aspects of Uncrewed Systems | 3 Credits |
| UNSY 318 | Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Robotics | 3 Credits |
| UNSY 331 | Uncrewed Systems Legal and Regulatory Compliance | 3 Credits |
| Other Requirements | ||
| ASCI 202 | Introduction to Aeronautical Science | 3 Credits |
| SFTY 320 | Human Factors in Aviation Safety | 3 Credits |
| Total | 60 Credits | |
Career Trajectory
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems prepares students to enter or assume greater roles and leadership responsibilities within the uncrewed systems industry.
Students who enroll in this program will have access to Embry-Riddle Career Services, which offers valuable assistance in career development, including coaching, resume writing, career expos and more.
Payment/Funding
USNCC pays for up to five courses per year by supporting the costs of tuition, mandatory course fees and required instructional materials (not including computers, calculators or other electronic devices) provided students remain eligible for participation in accordance with USNCC policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems is available to students online, asynchronously, from anywhere in the world (as long as you have internet access, you can log on). Attendance credit is received by submitting assignments on time within their deadlines.
Active-duty enlisted Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reservists who have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
Students will develop a combination of skills, including but not limited to computer science, electrical engineering, aerodynamics and robotics skillsets. Students will become familiar with the advanced technologies needed to meet the growing and dynamic needs of the uncrewed systems industry.
Graduates of similar programs have been employed in such fields as:
- Agriculture
- Real estate
- Law enforcement and military
- Construction and infrastructure
- Transportation
Math-related courses within this program have been rated a “medium” level of difficulty.
Nine-week terms, broken into nine one-week modules with a weekly deadline. There is no live lecture component. All courses are instructor-led, and instructors maintain office hours to best support our students.
- Application: Applications must be completed through the USNCC website.
- Evaluation: The USNCC admissions team will review your application materials and select applicants who are best fit for admission.
- Notification: The USNCC admissions team will send out notifications to applicants who are selected in the enrollment process and/or those who might be put onto the waiting list if demand exceeds the spaces available.
- Command approval: The USNCC admissions team will request approval via electronic form from your command’s Education Service Officer (ESO) or designated command representative (provided on your application).
- Partner institution notification: If approval is granted and your CAC-signed USNCC Student Agreement and Education Records Release forms are submitted by the assigned deadlines, Embry-Riddle's admissions team will review your application materials and determine the status of admission to your desired program.
- Submit college transcripts: If you have previously completed college-level coursework, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all previous institutions where you have attempted or completed college coursework.
- Admission confirmed: If selected for admission into the Associate of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to successfully begin your educational journey. (Applicants not selected for admission may be placed on a waiting list for consideration for future academic terms or recommended for consideration for admission to the Naval Studies Certificate.
Apply for the Program
Prospective students must apply through the United States Naval Community College website.
When you are ready to apply, please use the application link below.
The only requirements to enroll in this program:
- Participants must be an active-duty enlisted sailor, marine, Coast Guardsman or woman, or Coast Guard Reservist.
- Participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
What you will need to provide as you apply:
- The 10-digit number on the back of your CAC card.
- Basic military service information.
- Prior education information.
- Name and contact information for your command’s Education Service Officer, front-line supervisor or designated command representative.
Prospective students will apply through the USNCC website. Under the prompt “Select a Program Plan,” select “ERAU - Uncrewed Systems.” Follow the prompts to complete the application.
If you have any questions pertaining to Embry-Riddle, please email us at wwusncc@erau.edu.