BS Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management

At the University of Louisiana Monroe, the BS in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Management program offers a cutting-edge, hands-on education designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the rapidly growing unmanned aircraft industry. You will gain practical skills through access to advanced UAS technology, research centres, and real-world applications that integrate aviation, business, and data analytics.

Experiential learning in this program includes:

• Precision Agriculture and UAS Research Centre: Located on campus, this centre provides students with opportunities for fieldwork using an impressive fleet of drones, including fixed-wing, quadcopter, octocopter, and VTOL aircraft equipped with the latest cameras, sensors, and software such as high-resolution colour, multi-spectral, hyper-spectral imaging, and LIDAR.

• Drone Checkout Program: Students who meet credential requirements can check out drones for hands-on practice, enhancing their operational skills.

• Internships: The program maintains strong industry connections, offering diverse internship opportunities across sectors like agriculture, industrial inspection, cinematography, remote sensing, law enforcement, and disaster management.

• Guest speakers and industry engagement: Regular visits from aviation professionals provide real-world insights and networking opportunities.

• Warhawk Flight Team: Open to all students, this team competes regionally in safety and flight evaluation conferences, building teamwork and leadership skills.

• Comprehensive curriculum: The program combines 45 aviation-specific credit hours with business and management courses, ensuring you are well-rounded and prepared for various career paths.

• Experienced faculty: Professors bring military and general aviation expertise, many holding FAA Remote Pilot certifications and extensive flight hours.

• Library and research support: Access to specialised UAS management resources and research guides through the university library supports your academic success.

Graduates of the BS in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) are well-prepared for leadership roles in the rapidly growing drone and unmanned aircraft industry, including careers as UAS pilots/operators, aviation safety managers, data analysts, and UAS development team members. The program combines strong aviation and business foundations with specialised training in drone technology and data interpretation, positioning graduates for diverse opportunities in agriculture, industrial inspection, law enforcement, and more.

• University services: ULM offers access to its Precision Agriculture and UAS Research Centre, where students can use advanced drone fleets and cutting-edge sensors, plus strong academic advising and career support. The program benefits from frequent guest speakers from the aviation industry and numerous internship opportunities driven by high industry demand.

• Employment stats and salary: Due to a shortage of qualified personnel in the aviation sector, ULM graduates enjoy robust job placement prospects. The program’s emphasis on FAA certification and real-world experience enhances employability in a market with growing salary potential.

• University–industry partnerships: ULM is the only Louisiana university in the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative, connecting students with the latest FAA regulations, resources, and job openings. The program’s longstanding relationship with the FAA and local industry partners ensures students receive up-to-date training aligned with national standards.

• Long-term accreditation value: The program is FAA-recognised and integrates FAA-certified Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems training, providing credentials highly valued by employers across sectors utilising UAS technology.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates typically secure roles as UAS pilots/operators, aviation safety officers, data analysts for aerial mapping and surveying, and members of developmental teams for drone applications in agriculture, cinematography, and emergency response.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management, students may pursue graduate studies in aviation management, aerospace engineering, or data analytics to deepen technical expertise or move into leadership roles. Continuing education can also include advanced FAA certifications and specialised training in emerging UAS technologies, expanding career pathways in this innovative field.