Aviation Science and Drone Technologies

Aim higher at Carroll. Unmanned aircraft systems – drones – are rapidly becoming part of everyday life. Drones have quickly become a critical technology in numerous businesses and industries, driving entirely new career fields. Drone technologies are now employed in the areas of environmental science, physics and engineering, criminal justice, business data acquisition and storytelling, forensics, chemistry, computer science and the visual and performing arts.

About the Program

Our Aviation Science and Drone Technologies major will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an industry leader in a variety of drone-related fields, including small drone piloting, remote sensing system design and operations, mission planning and data analytics.

In this major, you'll gain a broad understanding of drone operations including law enforcement operations and surveillance, government and aviation regulations, remote sensing systems, data acquisition and visualization and counter-drone systems. This 48-credit hour program will provide hands-on, interactive learning to introduce you to drone technologies and remote sensing while you develop new skills and build your academic resume. The major will provide a start-to-finish implementation experience, working on real-world projects from the early planning process to the long-term management and analysis stages.

 

Program Outcomes:

Upon graduation, an Aviation Science and Drone Technologies major will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of FAA and the National Airspace regulations
  • Plan and execute mapping missions using mobile applications
  • Interpret, analyze and evaluate data to produce meaningful reports and visual graphics
  • Design and build payload sensing technology platforms and systems
  • Read, write and apply Python and C++ coding to micro controller platforms
  • Demonstrate drone mastery through autonomous drone flights
  • Develop the skills and knowledge for further FAA or industry specific training in the non-engineering aerospace industry
  • Achieve FAA Remote Pilot certification
  • Plan and execute counter drone systems

Career Outlook

Drones are rapidly becoming integral to numerous industries, leading to nearly unlimited career opportunities. In addition to the careers listed below, aviation system and drone technologies majors may find employment as drone pilots, drone engineers and programmers, delivery drivers and transportation planners as well as positions in the construction, law enforcement and energy industries, among others. The sky really is the limit!

Minor

In addition to the major, Carroll offers a minor in aviation science and unmanned aircraft systems that complements many areas of study:

Latest Program News

two drones, an unmanned aircraft and a submersible

Research project relies on unmanned aircraft

10/8/2021

A Pioneer Scholars project illustrates the interdisciplinary potential of Carroll's new Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor

Campus aerial with drone

Drone education supplements many majors

3/1/2021

At Carroll University, we offer Wisconsin’s first Aviation Science and Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor. Find out how our students are broadening their career prospects.

Resources

Meet the Faculty

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