The B.S. in UAS Science degree program at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus is one of the first and one of only a few in the nation that gives graduates the expertise they need for employment as operators, observers, sensor operators, and operations administrators of unmanned aircraft systems. The Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems may be attained in eight semesters. To earn the degree, successful completion of 122 credit hours is required. Students choose from one of two tracks: -Professional UAS Pilot Track: Educates the student in both aeronautical science and technology unique to unmanned aviation and is directly responsible for the flight of the unmanned aircraft, including a proper navigation track and altitude, and for communications between the aircraft and air traffic control. This track qualifies the pilot in manned aircraft for the private, commercial, and instrument rating. These manned certificates and ratings, coupled with the other courses in this degree related to unmanned aircraft flight, will prepare the student to operate an unmanned aircraft within current FAA restrictions and guidelines within the national airspace system. -UAS Operations Track: Many unmanned aircraft operations require several specialty positions for individuals not directly responsible for the flight of the aircraft. These positions include, but are not limited to, sensor operators, sensor technicians, mission planners, and communications support personnel. This track fully prepares students to be thoroughly familiar with airspace restrictions, Federal Aviation Regulation restrictions, air traffic control requirements, and the capability and limitations of the unmanned aircraft they are involved with.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Science degree provides the necessary education and training for aspiring professionals in the diverse field of unmanned aviation operations. The degree provides a solid foundation for several UAS applications areas, including hazardous operations, surveillance and data collection, secure operations, long duration operations, highly-repetitive operations, and autonomous operations. Graduates will be well grounded in all aspects of the UAS operations, ranging from simple inspection missions to planning and executing complex. long-term missions in ways that insure safe and professional operations at all levels.