Aeronautical Management Technology (Unmanned Aerial Systems) ,BS
Drones, RPA, RPV, UAS, UAV, approved for STEM-OPT extension, remote piloted aircraft, remote piloted vehicles
The unmanned aerial systems concentration of the BS program in aeronautical management technology prepares students 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. This provides an overview of unmanned aerial systems operations followed by 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Polytechnic
- Second language requirement: No
- First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
- Math intensity: Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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 for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Use of unmanned aerial systems is happening all across the globe. Students participating in a study abroad experience learn a great deal about global practices, laws and emerging technologies within the aviation field.
Study abroad programs, offered by ASU in more than 65 countries, further students' global thinking and increase their communication and problem-solving skills, preparing them for their careers. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.
Students graduating from this program are 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.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
---|---|---|
8.2%
|
$98,560
|
|
2.1%
|
$107,970
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|
3.8%
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$50,290
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ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
Students should note that not all programs within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering lead to professional licensure.
Aviation Programs
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SUTON 240
polyadvising@asu.edu
480-727-1874
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.