BS in Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Pursue a Career in the Growing Field of Unmanned Aerial Systems with Liberty!
If you are looking for a degree that can lead to an exciting career with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), this is it! Our Bachelor of Science (BS) 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 study the most relevant industry practices using the same state-of-the-art equipment the professionals use today. Our School of Aeronautics also has its own line of aircraft and simulators available so you can gain as much experiential, hands-on practice as possible!
The field of UAS is growing rapidly, as the number of UAS produced is predicted to reach 6.5 million by the year 2030.* There’s no better time to get started in this field than now.
Please note: This degree requires training on ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) equipment, which means all students in this degree must be U.S. citizens.
*Annual Report, ICAO (viewed online May 6, 2025). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our BS in Unmanned Aircraft Operations Degree
Train with Cutting-Edge Equipment
At Liberty University, you’ll have access to top-of-the-line flight simulators, advanced training devices, and a wide range of aircraft to support your experience.
Our School of Aeronautics features a modern fleet that includes 33 aircraft, 13 flight training devices, and 11 unmanned aerial vehicles. These resources are here to help you gain hands-on experience to step confidently into the world of aviation.
Join a Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Liberty’s aviation program began with just 4 students and has since grown to include hundreds of residential students – and many more online.
Even as the program expands, we remain dedicated to continually improving and providing the highest quality education for students like you. When you join us, you become part of a community that values excellence and continuous growth.
Be Part of an Award-Winning Aviation Community
As a student in our School of Aeronautics, you can benefit from a program that’s earned national recognition.
We are proud to be a 4-time recipient of the Loening Trophy, one of the most prestigious collegiate aviation awards in the country. Our flight team has also won the SAFECON Region X championship 19 times in a row, showcasing the skill and determination that define our students and faculty.
Experience Purpose-Driven Aviation Education
At Liberty, your training goes beyond technical skills. You’ll be part of one of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America, where character development and a sense of mission are central to your journey.
Whether you’re pursuing safety, leadership, or innovation, you can be equipped to make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry and beyond.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with an Unmanned Aircraft Operations Bachelor’s Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Operations can help prepare you for the following occupations:
- UAS commercial operator
- UAS DoD (Department of Defense) contractor
- UAS pilot/instructor
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Unmanned Aircraft Operations Bachelor’s Degree?
Our unmanned aerial systems bachelor’s degree can help you attain the industry certification to become a professional UAS operator. Our program can help prepare you for a career in one of the most rapidly growing industries on the planet. This degree requires training on ITAR equipment, meaning you must be a U.S. citizen to study in this degree program.
You can first gain a firm foundation in the science of flight. After that, you can explore how to operate unmanned aerial vehicles safely and ethically. This comes through courses in UAS avionics, powerplants, and various flight courses where you can train under licensed professionals.
As a UAS Liberty student, you can receive opportunities to earn full industry certification on the medium-sized Aerosonde vehicle and become a UAS instructor through our partnership with Textron and other industry professionals. In addition to these courses, we can help prepare you for the unique requirements of an aviation job interview. You can study how to present your paperwork and get to go through mock interviews that will be critiqued by an aviation industry representative.
Featured BS in Unmanned Aerial Systems Degree Courses
AVIA 230 – Unmanned Aerial Systems
AVIA 235 – Small UAS Ground
AVIA 236 – Small UAS Flight
AVIA 323 – UAS Avionics and Powerplants
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Aeronautics
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s BS in Unmanned Aircraft Operations?
Build a Strong Foundation in Flight Science
When you pursue Liberty’s BS in Unmanned Aircraft Operations, you’ll partner your passion for aviation with a program designed to help challenge and equip you. You’ll start by deeply understanding the science of flight – the same foundational knowledge that supports every great aviation career. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll move into specialized training focusing on developing your skills as a UAS operator.
Gain Specialized Training in Medium UAS
Liberty’s School of Aeronautics is 1 of only a few schools in the country offering certification training in medium unmanned aerial systems (UAS). That means you’ll enter a program that stands out in the industry. With access to hands-on flight opportunities and cutting-edge equipment, you can prepare for a career that involves more than just remote control – you can discover how to manage complex systems and mission-specific operations.
Program Aligned with Industry Standards
The unmanned aviation field is constantly evolving, and Liberty’s program is designed to grow with it. Our close partnerships with industry leaders help shape the curriculum, keeping it aligned with current demands and future trends. When you train with us, you’re not just studying theory – you’re preparing for real-world applications with the input of professionals who know what today’s employers are looking for.
Prepare for a Mission-Driven Career
As a UAS operator, your role will differ from that of a traditional pilot, and we train you to embrace that distinction. You’ll explore how to guide aircraft with precision, ensuring optimal system positioning for data collection that serves a variety of clients. Whether you’re inspecting vital infrastructure or conducting missions as a civilian contractor for the Department of Defense, your skills can have a meaningful impact on national and global operations.
Admissions
How Do You Become a BS in Unmanned Aircraft Operations Student?
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)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.