M.S. in Uncrewed Systems

Worker observing drone flying over trees

The Master of Science in Uncrewed Systems (MSUS) is designed for working professionals seeking roles in uncrewed systems operations and management. The program includes coursework in policy, operational design and ethical frameworks related to uncrewed systems, including remote-controlled, human-supervised and autonomous operations. Students develop knowledge of the stakeholder environment influencing the field, including regulatory and integration considerations associated with agencies such as the FAA, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), NASA and FEMA.

At the Daytona Beach Campus, the curriculum includes competencies in UAS program management, airspace integration, regulatory compliance, safety and risk management, mission planning, payload selection and data analysis. Students develop skills in interpreting operational data, evaluating platform and payload considerations and assessing mission viability. Students pursuing the degree complete a required specialization in UAS Program Development (6 credit hours).

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Assess and synthesize data to address a evidenced knowledge gap or definable problem within the uncrewed systems industry.
  • Analyze data, through use of appropriate statistical methods, to support uncrewed systems application and operations.
  • Investigate uncrewed systems platform and payload selection based on mission oriented goals.
  • Describe the effects of legal and regulatory development on uncrewed system industry practices.
  • Explain opportunities and threats associated with the use of uncrewed autonomous technologies across related industries.
  • Discuss the origination and subsequent trending of uncrewed and autonomous systems capabilities, components, and technology.
  • Predict how uncrewed and autonomous technologies will affect future markets.
  • Examine the viability of uncrewed and autonomous systems, based on current technologies, processes, and resources.

Daytona Beach Program Requirements

Core Requirements27
Specialization6
Total Credits33

Core Requirements

UNSY 502Current Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
UNSY 503Legal and Regulatory Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
UNSY 504Application of Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
UNSY 603Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Operational Configuration3
UNSY 606Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Interoperability and Control3
MSAV 662Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
MSAV 670Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
MSAV 691Capstone Research Project (& Open Elective)6
or MSAV 700 Graduate Thesis
Total Credits27

Specialization

UAS Program Development

UNSY 620sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management3
ASCI 674Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace3
or MSAV 554 Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace
Total Credits6

Suggested Plans of Study

Capstone Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
UNSY 502 - Current Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
UNSY 503 - Legal and Regulatory Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
Open Elective*3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
UNSY 620 - sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management3
UNSY 504 - Application of Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
MSAV 662 - Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

*

Open elective may be satisfied through any 500-600 level course, as approved by the program coordinator.

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MSAV 670 - Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
UNSY 606 - Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Interoperability and Control3
ASCI 674 - Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace or MSAV 554 - Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
UNSY 603 - Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Operational Configuration3
MSAV 691 - Capstone Research Project3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
UNSY 502 - Current Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
UNSY 503 - Legal and Regulatory Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
MSAV 662 - Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
UNSY 620 - sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management3
UNSY 504 - Application of Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems3
MSAV 670 - Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MSAV 700 - Graduate Thesis3
UNSY 606 - Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Interoperability and Control3
ASCI 674 - Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace or MSAV 554 - Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
UNSY 603 - Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Operational Configuration3
MSAV 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15