College of Aeronautics and Engineering
www.kent.edu/cae

About This Program

Ready to pilot the systems that are reshaping how industries respond, deliver and connect? The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations program combines hands-on drone training with expertise in airspace integration, policy and real-world mission planning, preparing students to lead in industries like public safety, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics and advanced air mobility. Read more...

Contact Information

• cae@kent.edu | 330-672-2892
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Transfer Students: Transfer students must have a minimum 2.250 overall GPA in all college-level coursework for admission to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations major.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

Students scoring 34 or below on the ALEKS math assessment are required to enroll in CAE 12260 until they successfully complete MATH 00022.

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including their design, operation and maintenance. 
2. Demonstrate the ability to effectively plan, execute and manage UAS missions for a variety of applications, ensuring optimal performance, data accuracy and safety.  
3. Interpret and apply current and future regulations related to airspace, privacy, safety and data protection. 
4. Demonstrate and employ critical thinking and problem-solving techniques when unexpected issues arise to make informed decisions, adapt strategies and ensure the successful completion of missions while prioritizing safety and mission goals.

The educational goals of the program are the following:

1. Exhibit the qualities of excellence, integrity, leadership, management and professionalism within their area of professional specialization in aviation.  
2. Demonstrate a professional commitment to safety and contribute to the safety culture within their area of professional specialization in aviation.   
3. Demonstrate the ability to improve aerospace for generations to come through experiential learning, creativity and innovation within their area of professional specialization in aviation. 
4. Manifest the college’s core values in the areas of collaboration, compassion, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, respect and perseverance within their area of professional specialization in aviation.  

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations is for students who aspire to become professional unmanned aircraft pilots (drone pilot). This program is focused on the safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), regulations, the technology of autonomous systems and policies regarding the operations of unmanned aerial elements.

The mission of the Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations, as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Collegiate Training Institution for UAS (UAS-CTI), is to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and technological awareness to excel in the dynamic field of unmanned aviation, and provide students with a comprehensive education that combines cutting-edge technological expertise with a deep understanding of the regulatory, operational and safety considerations essential to the responsible and effective use of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility (AAM).