Unmanned Aircraft Systems Remote Pilot Applications Certificate

Program Overview

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Remote Pilot Applications Certificate program at MSSU provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for commercial applications. The program consists of three consecutive courses and spans three semesters, culminating in FAA Remote Pilot certification. Graduates are prepared for careers in various fields, including law enforcement, environmental studies, agriculture, and disaster management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• General Description: The Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Remote Pilot Applications Certificate program at MSSU comprises 9 credit hours distributed across three consecutive courses (3 credit hours each).
The program's duration spans three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Students enrolled in the program will develop foundational operational competencies for small unmanned aircraft systems (drones), including design, construction, and practical applications for commercial operations. Upon completing the coursework, students acquire FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Remote Pilot certification.

Outline:

• Course Options: The program's curriculum consists of the following courses:

Careers:

• Applications: Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) find diverse applications in sectors such as law enforcement (including search and rescue), environmental studies, geographical information systems including mapping, surveying, and imaging, assessment of hazardous environmental conditions, humanitarian efforts including innovative delivery systems for medications and supplies, military applications, agricultural applications including yield projections and control of irrigation systems and other machinery, applications for numerous shipping and delivery systems, and more.
• Career Opportunities: Obtaining FAA certification as a remote pilot significantly enhances skills required for various career areas including law enforcement and other emergency services, various engineering disciplines, medical services, natural resources and conservation, agriculture, disaster management, insurance companies, journalism, telecommunications, and various industries.
By law, anyone operating a sUAS for commercial use (for work or business) must hold FAA certification.