Unmanned Aircraft Systems Southeast Missouri State University

Overview

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems programme at Southeast Missouri State University provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous aerial technology. This undergraduate degree focuses on the practical application, design, and regulation of drone technology across various commercial and public sectors.

Students engage with a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on technical experience. The course is designed to transform bold ideas into functional solutions by teaching students how to adapt existing products to meet specific industry requirements rather than simply building hardware from scratch.

The learning environment encourages close collaboration with faculty members who possess significant industry experience.

Why Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Southeast Missouri State University?

The programme is housed within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, offering access to modern facilities and expert guidance. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates electronics, mechanical design, and programming to provide a holistic understanding of unmanned systems.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the ability for students to tailor their studies to specific application areas. These include diverse fields such as agriculture, criminal justice, geographic information systems, and automation, allowing for a highly personalised educational journey.

The university provides robust support through its Career Services office, helping students bridge the gap between academic study and professional employment. This focus on career readiness ensures that students can effectively market their technical expertise to potential employers upon graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 17664 per year
• National fee: USD 10194 per year
• Local fee: USD 10194 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Basic Electric Circuits
• Vision & Sensor Systems
• Aviation in UAS
• UAS Fundamentals
• UAS Design
• UAS Law, Policy, & Safety
• UAS Mission Planning
• UAS Capstone Experience
• Remote Sensing
• Meteorology
• GIS 1
• GIS 2
• Technical Communication
• Industrial Safety Supervision
• Projects in Ind. And Eng. Technology
• Precalculus A
• Engineering Economic Systems
• Microcomputer Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Computer Programming
• Technical Computer Programming Applications
• Physical Concepts & Lab
• Physics I

Careers with Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles including UAS mission planners, operators, technicians, and designers. The skills acquired are highly sought after in industries such as telecommunications, first response, and commercial delivery services.

Opportunities also exist in specialised sectors like agriculture and forestry for crop monitoring, as well as in law enforcement and disaster response. Many graduates find success in creative fields, working as professional photographers or videographers using advanced drone technology.

The programme also supports career paths in surveying and industrial inspection. With the increasing integration of drones into the global economy, students are well-positioned for roles that involve aircraft and avionics equipment maintenance or commercial flight instruction.