Bachelor in Aviation Science and Drone Technologies
Waukesha, USA
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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 arts.
Our Aviation Science and Drone Technologies major, part of the Applied Physics and Engineering program, 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 aviation science that includes drone operations. The major covers aspects of airspace regulation, flight controls, unmanned robotic systems, and drone applications for law enforcement operations and surveillance. This 50-credit hour program will provide a broad overview of aviation with hands-on, interactive learning to introduce you to drone technologies, computer programming, 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.
Minor
In addition to the major, Carroll offers a minor in aviation science and unmanned aircraft systems that complements many areas of study.
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
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!
Our students can go into these careers:
- Photographers
- Roofers
- Firefighters
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Surveyors
- Transportation Planners
Core Courses (30 Credits)
- AVS 103 - Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems; 4 Hour(s)
- AVS 203 - Unmanned Systems Applications, Policy, and Ethics; 4 Hour(s)
- AVS 214 - Unmanned Aircraft and Autonomous Systems; 4 Hour(s)
- AVS 301 - General Aeronautics; 4 Hour(s)
- AVS 310 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations and Applications; 4 Hour(s)
- AVS 400 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Capstone; 4 Hour(s)
- BUS 239 - Location Intelligence in Business Analytics; 4 Hour(s)
- GEN 320 - Advanced Circuits and Electronics; 2 Hour(s)
Required Support Courses (20 Credits)
- GRD 295 - 3-D Digital Design; 4 Hour(s)
Students in the major should contact the GRD 295 course instructor prior to registration for a Course Authorization for “Requisite” to allow them to register without taking GRD 150. - ENV 105 - Earth Science; 4 Hour(s)
- ENV 105L - Earth Science Laboratory; 0 Hour(s)
- ENV 367 - Geographic Information Systems; 4 Hour(s)
- PHY 101 - Introductory Physics I; 4 Hour(s)
- PHY 101L - Introductory Physics Laboratory; 0 Hour(s)
- PHY 102 - Introductory Physics II; 4 Hour(s)
- PHY 102L - Introductory Physics Laboratory; 0 Hour(s)
Bachelor of Science Requirements
The requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree are:
- CMP 112 - Computational Thinking I 4 Hour(s)
- CMP 114 - Computational Thinking II - Statistical Analysis Emphasis 4 Hour(s) or MAT 140 - Calculus and Its Applications 4 Hour(s)
- CSC 110 - Problem Solving through Programming 4 Hour(s)
- ENG 170 - Writing Seminar 4 Hour(s)
Degree requirements cannot be waived.
The University participates in three types of financial aid programs for its International students: scholarships, grants, and employment.
Scholarships
Carroll University offers completive scholarships for international undergraduate students. 100 percent of Carroll University students receive scholarship assistance, which helps them find a balance between studies, work, and extra-curricular activities. Scholarships play a key role in maintaining Carroll's accessibility for all students. On average our international scholarship covers 45-55% of the cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students.
Grants
Grants are awarded based upon a student’s demonstrated financial need in addition to the guaranteed International scholarship. Like scholarships, grants are considered gift aid that does not need to be repaid.
Student Employment
University employment opportunities allow students to work part-time on campus, earn an hourly wage and receive a monthly paycheck while attending Carroll. Students may work from approximately five to fourteen hours each week. The number of hours a student may work depends upon the student’s financial aid award. International students get awarded an average of $2,000-$2,500 in university employment grants every year.