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Aeronautical Management Technology (Unmanned Aerial Systems), BS

Train to become a professional unmanned aerial systems operator who understands aviation rules, risk management and safe flight practices. This concentration keeps safety and operations at the center of everything you learn to fly.

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Air traffic controllers engaged in a simulation, exemplifying practical training in ASU's Aeronautical Management Technology (Unmanned Aerial Systems) degree.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
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Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation and professional licensure

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Program description

In the Bachelor of Science program in aeronautical management technology with a concentration in unmanned aerial systems, you prepare for careers in the rapidly growing area of unmanned aerial systems, including operations, remote sensing, data collection and analysis.

The concentration incorporates all aviation management technology core courses and unmanned aerial systems concentration courses. You receive an overview of unmanned aerial systems operations, followed by coursework that enables you to acquire detailed knowledge of relevant systems, technology (ground control stations; data links; flight planning and operations; search, detect and avoid technologies; and payloads), and sensor operations. A critical aspect of this academic area of study is the data capture and transfer of the sensor information collected from the unmanned aerial vehicle.

This innovative concentration brings together the most up-to-date and relevant aspects facing multiple industries today by addressing flight system planning and operations and the employment of the systems in the congested National Airspace System.

Why specialize in unmanned aerial systems at ASU?

At ASU, you can earn your FAA 107 certificate, the credential that authorizes you to operate unmanned aerial systems.

Beyond your coursework, you can get involved with student organizations like Women in Aviation International and Alpha Eta Rho.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
AMT 220 Aviation Meteorology
AMT 280 Aerospace Structures, Materials and Systems
AMT 287 Aircraft Powerplants
AMT 308 Air Transportation
AMT 350 Aircraft Design and Logistics Management
AMT 396 Aviation Professional

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student must have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.00 to change majors to this program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Unmanned aerial systems are used across the globe. Students who participate in a study abroad experience learn a great deal about global practices, laws and emerging technologies within the aviation field.

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, aeronautical management technology students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Distribution Center Manager 6.1% $107,230
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst 2.1% $122,570
IP/Mosaic Technician 4.4% $62,280

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this unmanned aerial systems concentration prepares you for

Students graduate from this program ready to find various employment opportunities as unmanned aerial vehicle pilots and sensor operators in the U.S. and throughout the world. This concentration prepares students to operate small to midrange platforms that are used by emergency responders and in industries including forestry, agriculture, energy and oil. Entry-level pay is competitive for this highly specialized field.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Aviation Programs | SUTON 240
polyadvising@asu.edu
480-727-1874

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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