Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Nebraska OmahaThe Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at the University of Nebraska Omaha offers a detailed curriculum combining aviation fundamentals, specialised UAS training, and interdisciplinary coursework to prepare students for careers in the expanding drone industry.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students complete foundational courses, including ENGL 1150/1154 – Composition I and MATH 1300 – College Algebra to build essential academic skills. Public speaking skills are developed in CMST 1110 – Public Speaking. General education requirements in humanities, natural sciences (including PHYS 1050 – Introduction to Physics), and social sciences support a well-rounded education.
Year 2: Core aviation courses such as AVN 1000 – Introduction to Aviation, AVN 1020 – Private Pilot Theory, and AVN 1160 – Aviation Safety introduce students to aviation principles and safety management. The UAS concentration begins with AVN 1500 – Introduction to UAS Operations and GEOG 1090 – Introduction to Geospatial Sciences, providing essential knowledge of drone operations and spatial data.
Year 3: Students advance with AVN 2500 – UAS Flight Systems, focusing on drone hardware and flight control, and AVN 3040 – Human Factors, which examines the interaction between humans and aviation systems. Technical skills are enhanced with GEOG 4050 – Geographic Information Systems I and JMC 2320 – Video Field Production, important for data collection and analysis in UAS missions.
Year 4: The final year includes advanced courses like AVN 4500 – Advanced UAS Operations and GEOG 4630 – Environmental Remote Sensing, which teach sophisticated drone applications in environmental monitoring. Business and management skills are developed in MGMT 4730 – New Venture Formation. Students complete their studies with AVN 4990 – Air Transportation (Capstone) and gain practical experience through AVN 4200 – Internship in Aviation.
Focus areas: UAS flight operations, geospatial sciences, human factors, remote sensing, aviation safety, entrepreneurship, and air transportation.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be proficient in piloting unmanned aircraft, managing UAS operations, analysing geospatial data, understanding human factors in aviation, and applying business principles to new aviation ventures.
Professional alignment (Accreditation): The program aligns with FAA remote pilot certification standards and integrates university policies, ensuring compliance with federal and state UAS regulations.
Reputation (Employability rankings): UNO’s UAS program benefits from strong industry and government partnerships, offering students diverse mission environments and excellent internship opportunities, preparing graduates for a rapidly growing drone industry.
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a forward-looking program designed to prepare you for careers in the rapidly expanding drone and autonomous aircraft industry. This 4-year on-campus degree combines hands-on flight training, mission planning, data analysis, and management skills tailored to UAS operations across diverse sectors such as agriculture, public safety, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and environmental research.
At UNO, you will gain hands-on flight experience and practical aviation knowledge through:
Hands-On Flight Training with Industry-Standard Drones: You will operate a variety of unmanned aircraft, learning flight planning, control systems, sensor integration, and mission execution in both urban and rural environments. Training includes simulation exercises and real-world flight missions.
Data Utilisation and Imagery Analysis: The curriculum teaches you how to collect, process, and interpret aerial data for applications like precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection.
Operations Management: You gain skills in managing UAS operations, including regulatory compliance, safety protocols, personnel management, and resource allocation.
Emerging Technologies: Courses cover the latest advancements in autonomous systems, sensor technology, and software applications relevant to unmanned aerial vehicles.
Strong Industry and Government Partnerships: UNO’s location and connections provide access to internships and collaborative projects with local industry, government agencies, and research organisations, giving you valuable field experience.
Multidisciplinary Aviation Ecosystem: You will study alongside manned aviation students, fostering a broad understanding of the aviation industry’s future.
Research Opportunities: UNO participates in advanced research projects such as multi-agent UAS control and environmental interaction, offering undergraduate research experiences through programs like the Nebraska Summer Research Program.
FAA-Approved Curriculum: The program aligns with FAA regulations and industry standards, preparing you for certifications and operational roles in commercial UAS.
Graduates of the BS in Aviation: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) are prepared for cutting-edge roles in the rapidly expanding drone and autonomous aircraft industry. Career paths include UAS pilot/operator, mission planner, data analyst, UAS operations manager, and roles in agriculture, public safety, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and environmental research.
Key progression and future opportunities include:
University Services: UNO provides hands-on training with industry-standard drones, mission planning, sensor integration, and data analysis. Students gain real-world experience through flight missions in both urban and rural environments. The Aviation Institute offers strong academic advising, internship placement, and access to local industry and government partners such as Jet Linx Aviation and the Omaha Airport Authority.
Employment Stats and Salary: The UAS industry is projected to grow by 38.6% from 2023 to 2030, with 100,000 new jobs expected in the first decade of commercial drone operations. The global UAS market is estimated to reach $46.76 billion by 2030, reflecting strong demand and competitive salaries for skilled professionals.
University–Industry Partnerships: UNO’s program benefits from close ties with local government agencies, research organisations, and industry leaders, providing students with networking, internships, and employment opportunities. The multidisciplinary aviation environment at UNO integrates manned and unmanned flight training.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The program’s curriculum emphasises safety, regulation, innovation, and emerging technologies such as autonomous systems and sensor applications. Graduates earn FAA-recognised credentials and are equipped to manage complex UAS operations and data utilisation.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates typically secure positions as UAS pilots/operators, aerial data analysts, mission planners, and UAS operations managers in sectors including agriculture, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems at UNO, students can pursue graduate degrees in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, or Data Analytics to deepen technical expertise and leadership skills. Advanced certifications and research opportunities, such as participation in the Nebraska Intelligent Mobile Unmanned Systems Lab (NIMBUS), further enhance career prospects in this innovative field.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedMathematics - 3 units1 Must include Algebra I, II, and Geometry.Students applying for admission shall: Be ranked in the 50th percentile or higher of their graduating class in an accredited high school; OR Have received an ACT composite score of 20 (enhanced) or greater, or SAT score of 1040+; OR Have earned a minimum of 3.00 cumulative high school GPA at the conclusion of their sixth semester of high school or later Because of the high expense of healthcare in the United States, UNO provides affordable health insurance to its international studentsProof of Financial Support for F-1 or J-1 Visa Applicants or HoldersApply via the UNO Applicant PortalUnmanned Aircraft Systems OperatorUAS Flight Operations SpecialistUAS Project ManagerDrone Data AnalystUAS Safety ManagerRemote Sensing TechnicianUAS Regulatory Compliance SpecialistAerial Surveying SpecialistUAS Maintenance TechnicianPrecision Agriculture Drone Specialist
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
