Aerospace
UAS Technology concentration prepares you for diverse career opportunities in unmanned aviation.
Aerospace, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Concentration, B.S.
MTSU's new UAS Technology (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) concentration, within the B.S. in Aerospace degree, is the first of its kind in the state and one of only a handful in the United States. Students will prepare for thousands of new jobs created in many industries as unmanned aircraft systems become a major fixture in the future of aviation worldwide. This concentration not only gives learners the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as unmanned remote pilots, but also the knowledge and experience to fill roles in the technology aspect of the unmanned aircraft systems industry.
This newest Aerospace concentration includes hands-on courses on building and flying unmanned aircraft systems, core aerospace courses, and participation with industry partners on various real-world projects. Students also will take an interdisciplinary, technical path through electricity principles, computer science, data science, geographic information systems (GIS), and other programs. Graduates can pursue careers in desired industries from agriculture, public safety, photography, media, disaster response/management, the power industry, defense department positions, and an endless list of others.
The mission of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technology Concentration is to prepare our students to become the leaders of the next generation of aerospace professionals by developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful careers in aerospace.
News Briefs
Aerospace department stays on "cutting edge"
Unmanned aircraft courses have been taught since spring 2014, originally offered as electives while the complete concentration was being built. The UAS Operations concentration received State approval in late 2014. "We strive to stay on the cutting edge of technology and safety in our programs," Aerospace department chair Ron Ferrara says. "This significant shift in the aviation industry will have profound positive effects, and we are paving the way for students to enter this career field." The new major is fully available for the Fall 2015 semester. Current Aerospace students are allowed to add UAS Operations as their major concentration online after talking to their advisor first. "As the national airspace system is reshaped through unmanned aircraft and new technologies, MTSU students will be able to lead the way and find lucrative positions in the workforce," Ferrara says. "This is a chance for our graduates to work in multiple industries and bring the advances and benefits of aviation — and unmanned aircraft — to those previously not reached."
New major draws on faculty expertise all over campus
UAS Operations will help prepare students to fly unmanned aircraft, program the aircraft, and build and modify aircraft to their unique needs. This will allow graduating students to set their own course in a multitude of industries and other disciplines, says Doug Campbell, UAS Operations manager. "Students will garner from the expertise of faculty members around the university, such as computer science and engineering technology, and the input from many departments was crucial to create a strong degree program," Campbell continues. Promoted to his position in 2014, Campbell also conducts multi-disciplinary/aeronautical research for the UAS program. He previously was a Navy officer/P-3C Orion pilot and Army contractor MQ-5B Hunter UAS operator. He has military experience flying manned and unmanned aircraft in various mission profiles and also holds an FAA Commercial, Single and Multi-Engine Land, Instrument pilot certificate. Campbell earned a bachelor's in Finance from the University of Memphis in 2006 and is finishing his MTSU master's in Aerospace in the Aviation Safety and Security Management concentration.
News Briefs
Aerospace department stays on "cutting edge"
Unmanned aircraft courses have been taught since spring 2014, originally offered as electives while the complete concentration was being built. The UAS Operations concentration received State approval in late 2014. "We strive to stay on the cutting edge of technology and safety in our programs," Aerospace department chair Ron Ferrara says. "This significant shift in the aviation industry will have profound positive effects, and we are paving the way for students to enter this career field." The new major is fully available for the Fall 2015 semester. Current Aerospace students are allowed to add UAS Operations as their major concentration online after talking to their advisor first. "As the national airspace system is reshaped through unmanned aircraft and new technologies, MTSU students will be able to lead the way and find lucrative positions in the workforce," Ferrara says. "This is a chance for our graduates to work in multiple industries and bring the advances and benefits of aviation — and unmanned aircraft — to those previously not reached."
New major draws on faculty expertise all over campus
UAS Operations will help prepare students to fly unmanned aircraft, program the aircraft, and build and modify aircraft to their unique needs. This will allow graduating students to set their own course in a multitude of industries and other disciplines, says Doug Campbell, UAS Operations manager. "Students will garner from the expertise of faculty members around the university, such as computer science and engineering technology, and the input from many departments was crucial to create a strong degree program," Campbell continues. Promoted to his position in 2014, Campbell also conducts multi-disciplinary/aeronautical research for the UAS program. He previously was a Navy officer/P-3C Orion pilot and Army contractor MQ-5B Hunter UAS operator. He has military experience flying manned and unmanned aircraft in various mission profiles and also holds an FAA Commercial, Single and Multi-Engine Land, Instrument pilot certificate. Campbell earned a bachelor's in Finance from the University of Memphis in 2006 and is finishing his MTSU master's in Aerospace in the Aviation Safety and Security Management concentration.
Aerospace, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Concentration, B.S.
Graduates in the new UAS Technology concentration will be a part of a evolving business sector expected to bring 70,000 new jobs with starting salaries of $60,000 or higher and to contribute over $13 billion to the U.S. economy. The program is designed for students who have an interest in unmanned aviation — whether that is flying the UAS, providing support services (consulting, data analysis, UAS construction/modification/repair, etc.), or in managerial roles at a company operating UAS. The concentration is expected to create new operators, consultants, managers, and leaders who will thrive in the UAS industry.
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our guides.
MTSU's new Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technology concentration, within the B.S. in Aerospace degree, is the first of its kind in the state and one of only a handful in the United States. Students will prepare for thousands of new jobs created in many industries as unmanned aircraft systems become a major fixture in the future of aviation worldwide. This newest Aerospace concentration includes hands-on courses on building and flying unmanned aircraft systems, core aerospace courses, and participation with industry partners on various real-world projects. Students also will take an interdisciplinary, technical path through electricity principles, computer science, data science, geographic information systems (GIS), and other programs. Graduates can pursue careers in desired industries from agriculture, public safety, photography, media, disaster response/management, the power industry, defense department positions, and an endless list of others.
The mission of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technology Concentration is to prepare our students to become the leaders of the next generation of aerospace professionals by developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful careers in aerospace.
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