Overview

Many professionals use UAS, or “drones,” to protect life by using this technology in applications that would normally put human lives at risk. There are already many applications for UAS and the list continues to grow! Southeast is currently the only university in Missouri offering a bachelor’s degree in unmanned aircraft systems.

Students of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the Southeast Missouri State University learn the fascinating fundamentals of these machines, including maintenance, customization, acquisition, and commercial use. Rather than building drones from the ground up, students take advantage of existing products and resources to adapt drones to meet specific needs. Courses include programming, electrical and electronic systems, mechanical operations, flight, drone design, sensing systems, mission planning, regulations, and safety.

Faculty with relevant industry experience work closely with students by providing them with career-ready practical experience and a technology-based curriculum in the state-of-the-art Otto & Della Seabaugh Polytechnic building.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems graduates work in a wide variety of fields ranging from agriculture and delivery services to telecommunications and first response, far exceeding their current primary use in military applications. Examples of job titles include commercial drone pilot, instructor, drone system operator, UAS engineer and UAS technician.

What You'll Do

Understand the fundamental concepts required to be a professional in the field, including concepts in electronics, mechanical design, and programming.

Obtain a more specialized knowledge in unmanned aircraft systems, including flight, design, policy, and mission planning.

Have the ability to tailor the program to a more specific application area with 9 hours from areas such as agriculture, criminal justice, geographic information systems, and automation.

Have experience using the techniques, skills, and tools necessary for modern careers in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

Internships & Career Opportunities

UAS Mission Planner

UAS Operator/Pilot

UAS Technician

UAS Designer

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Fundamentals of Aviation in UAS

UAS Design

UAS Law, Policy, & Safety

UAS Mission Planning & Applications

Technical Communication

Vision & Sensor Systems

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cape Girardeau, United States

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering Computer Sciences View 168 other Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Successful completion of Level 5 of Southeast’s IEP.

English proficiency tests

Diploma from a U.S. high school

Diploma from an international school with U.S. regional accreditation

Diploma from IB curriculum school whose sole medium of instruction is English

Diploma from a non-U.S. high school/secondary education where English language is the sole medium of instruction.

SAT test score of 450 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.

A score of 21 or better Combined English/Writing score on the ACT Plus Writing test

Successful completion of Level 112 in the ELS Language School

Other proof of English proficiency may be considered on an individual basis.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17664 USD / year

≈ 17664 USD / year
Out-of-State

10194 USD / year

≈ 10194 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10194 USD / year

≈ 10194 USD / year

Additional Details

National and Local: 8,558.70 USD per year International: 15,803.70 USD per year

Living costs

Cape Girardeau

United States

800 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

What You'll Do

Internships & Career Opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Cape Girardeau

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners