Bachelor of Science Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Pursue a Career in the Rapidly Growing Field of Unmanned Aircraft Operations with Liberty!
Our Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Operations is designed to help you become licensed to pilot drones for all purposes, from military services to corporate organizations. At Liberty, we partner with industry leaders and advisors to ensure our students are learning the most relevant industry practices with the same state-of-the-art equipment the professionals are using today.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) predicts that more than 100,000 new jobs will be available in the field of UAS operations by 2025.* This booming industry provides numerous opportunities for employment as well as the potential for a high salary. According to the Economic Research Institute, unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) pilots earn $79,226 per year on average, which is about $38 per hour!**
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Because of the partnership with Textron Systems, Liberty’s School of Aeronautics is one of only a handful of schools that offers UAS certification with medium UAS.
- Get prepared for your career with our state-of-the-art training devices, planes, and simulators – including 27 Liberty-owned aircraft, 13 flight simulators, and 6 unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Your job search will become much easier with our career aviation career strategies training.
What Will You Learn?
- Ground and flight procedures for UAS
- How to operate unmanned aerial vehicles safely and ethically
- UAS avionics and powerplants
- Unique requirements of an aviation job interview
*Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Economic Report, at https://www.auvsi.org/our-impact/economic-report (viewed online March 29, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
**Economic Research Institute, Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot Salary, at https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/unmanned-aircraft-vehicle-uav-pilot/united-states (viewed online March 29, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Career Options for Graduates of the B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations Program
- UAS commercial operator
- UAS DoD (Department of Defense) contractor
- UAS pilot/instructor
Real-World Preparation
With a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and industry knowledge, Liberty’s Unmanned Aircraft Operations graduates are highly sought after by major companies. Many of our students have gone on to work for UPS, Duke Energy, Textron Systems, General Atomics, and more!
Facilities and Resources Available to Aeronautics Students
From top-of-the-line flight simulators to award-winning flight teams, our Aeronautics degrees are designed to prepare you for success!
Within 15 years, Liberty’s aviation degree programs have grown from just 4 to over 400 residential students. No matter how far we have come, we will never stop pushing to make our program the best it can be for students like you!
Other noteworthy aspects of our aeronautics bachelor’s degree include:
- State-of-the-art training devices, simulators, and planes
- A fleet consists of 27 Aircraft, 13 flight training devices, and 6 unmanned aerial vehicles
- Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics is a 4-time recipient of the Loening Trophy — one of the rarest and oldest collegiate aviation awards — for being the nation’s most outstanding college aviation program
- Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics’ National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) flight team captured its 19th consecutive SAFECON Region X championship
- American Airlines Safety Award winner in previous years
- One of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America
Admission Requirements for Our Undergraduate Degree Programs
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
- Admission essay
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
**In accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), non-U.S. citizens are not permitted to enroll in this School of Aeronautics program.
Bachelor of Science Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Because of the partnership with Textron Systems, Liberty’s School of Aeronautics is one of only a handful of schools that offers UAS certification with medium UAS.
- Get prepared for your career with our state-of-the-art training devices, planes, and simulators – including 27 Liberty-owned aircraft, 13 flight simulators, and 6 unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Your job search will become much easier with our career aviation career strategies training.
What Will You Learn?
- Ground and flight procedures for UAS
- How to operate unmanned aerial vehicles safely and ethically
- UAS avionics and powerplants
- Unique requirements of an aviation job interview
Career Options for Graduates of the B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations Program
- UAS commercial operator
- UAS DoD (Department of Defense) contractor
- UAS pilot/instructor
Real-World Preparation
With a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and industry knowledge, Liberty’s Unmanned Aircraft Operations graduates are highly sought after by major companies. Many of our students have gone on to work for UPS, Duke Energy, Textron Systems, General Atomics, and more!
Facilities and Resources Available to Aeronautics Students
From top-of-the-line flight simulators to award-winning flight teams, our Aeronautics degrees are designed to prepare you for success!
Within 15 years, Liberty’s aviation degree programs have grown from just 4 to over 400 residential students. No matter how far we have come, we will never stop pushing to make our program the best it can be for students like you!
Other noteworthy aspects of our aeronautics bachelor’s degree include:
- State-of-the-art training devices, simulators, and planes
- A fleet consists of 27 Aircraft, 13 flight training devices, and 6 unmanned aerial vehicles
- Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics is a 4-time recipient of the Loening Trophy — one of the rarest and oldest collegiate aviation awards — for being the nation’s most outstanding college aviation program
- Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics’ National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) flight team captured its 19th consecutive SAFECON Region X championship
- American Airlines Safety Award winner in previous years
- One of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America
*Military benefits from the Veterans Administration are not accepted at this time for the B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations.
Admission Requirements for Our Undergraduate Degree Programs
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- SAT, ACT, or CLT scores (Liberty University is offering test-optional admission through Fall 2022 acceptance)
- Admission essay
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
**In accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), non-U.S. citizens are not permitted to enroll in this School of Aeronautics program.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available On Campus
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jan 19, 2026
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
