BS Unmanned Aircraft Systems

At Southeast Missouri State University, you’ll gain hands-on skills in drone operation, programming, and mission planning using facilities and resources that are unique in Missouri. All practical flight training and system integration work are conducted at the Department of Engineering and Technology’s dedicated labs and outdoor testing areas on the main campus.

Here’s how SEMO prepares you through experiential learning:

• FAA UAS-Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) Facilities: SEMO is officially recognised by the FAA for its UAS program, providing access to FAA-aligned curriculum and compliance resources.

• Dedicated UAS Lab Spaces: Labs equipped with a variety of commercial and research-grade drones, including quadcopters and fixed-wing UAVs, for hands-on assembly, programming, and flight operations.

• Flight Training & Mission Planning: Students complete required flight labs and mission planning exercises using SEMO’s fleet of drones and simulation tools. Courses like ET384 (UAS Mission Planning and Flight Operations) involve real-world flight scenarios and data collection.

• Electronics and Sensor Labs: Courses such as ET381 and ET382 use electronics labs for building and troubleshooting UAS control systems and integrating sensor payloads.

• Capstone Project: In ET385 (Senior Seminar) and ET450 (UAS Law, Policy, and Safety), students design, execute, and present a full-scale UAS mission or research project, often in collaboration with local industry or public safety agencies.

• GIS and Remote Sensing Tools: Students use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing software for mapping, surveying, and environmental applications as part of the required curriculum.

• Small Class Sizes & Faculty Mentorship: Direct access to faculty with UAS industry experience, supporting individualised project work and research.

Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University’s BS in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program are equipped for in-demand roles such as UAS/drone pilot, UAS operations manager, remote sensing specialist, and UAS maintenance technician in industries like agriculture, public safety, surveying, and logistics. You’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced drone technology and industry-standard mission planning, preparing you to lead in one of the fastest-growing fields in aviation.

Here’s how Southeast Missouri State University supports your future:

• University Services for Career Success: You’ll benefit from personalised advising by College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics faculty, and hands-on laboratory experiences using the latest UAS platforms and simulation tools. The Career Services office provides resume reviews, mock interviews, and access to the Redhawk Network for job and internship postings. The program includes a required senior capstone project, where you’ll design and execute a real-world UAS mission, giving you a portfolio piece to show employers.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: According to SEMO’s First Destination Survey, 97% of STEM graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. UAS professionals in Missouri report starting salaries between $50,000 and $70,000, with the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics projecting strong growth for UAS and related technology roles.

• University–Industry Partnerships: The program partners with regional employers such as the Missouri Department of Transportation, local law enforcement agencies, and agricultural technology firms, providing students with internships and industry-sponsored projects.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The UAS program is part of SEMO’s ABET-accredited College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools nationwide.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate after completing at least 120 credit hours, including courses like UAS Design, UAS Law, Policy and Safety, Vision and Sensor Systems, Mission Planning, and Remote Sensing. You’ll be eligible to sit for FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, a key credential for professional drone operators.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Southeast Missouri State University, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a master’s degree in aviation, engineering technology, or geographic information systems, or to seek advanced industry certifications and leadership roles in UAS operations, research, or consulting.