From agriculture to healthcare, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are transforming the workforce. At MSSU, you can master this technology with our UAS Remote Pilot Applications Certificate. This 9-credit-hour program equips students with the skills to design and operate drones, preparing you to solve real-world challenges across dozens of industries.
What Are Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and What Can They Do?
An unmanned aircraft system consists of a remotely piloted aerial vehicle and its supporting network. This includes ground control stations, certified remote pilots, satellite command data relays, and mission-specific equipment. Drones are highly versatile tools capable of flying at high speeds, hovering for extended periods of time, and accessing tight or hazardous spaces safely. These qualities make UAS technology ideal for maximizing workplace efficiency and safety.
What Can You Do with an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certificate?
MSSU’s drone training program prepares students for careers in a variety of high-demand fields, including but not limited to:
- Healthcare, improving access to medical services in rural areas to fill critical gaps in aid
- Public safety, providing aerial information in emergencies; helping authorities make well-informed, timely decisions
- Environmental monitoring and atmospheric sampling, enabling real-time data collection and safe access to hazardous locations
- Geography and surveying, yielding high-resolution, accurate data at lower costs and higher speeds
- Photography, making creative aerial imaging accessible and cost-effective
- Agriculture, supporting crop health monitoring, soil and field analysis, as well as spraying, spreading, and seeding
As industry drone use evolves, so do the students of our UAS certificate program. In fact, these future pilots are already securing opportunities in their fields.
Student Spotlight: From Freshman to a $134k Career Path
Is an unmanned aircraft systems certificate worth it?
Jacob Vought, a freshman majoring in Computer Information Systems, first encountered drones during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Recognizing the industry’s growth since his time in the military, Jacob saw a unique opportunity to combine software programming with drone flight and design.
“If I could learn to not only program, but build, test, and fly my own drone designs, I could cut out my own corner of the market,” said Jacob. “MSSU’s sUAS program was the keystone to everything for me. The courses expanded my knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, safety protocol, and gave us ample hands-on flight time.”
While earning his UAS certificate, Jacob secured an internship with DroneVantage, an FAA-licensed drone service provider. His role entailed mapping software, setting agricultural spraying parameters, and preparing for federal licensing — including the FAA’s Part 107 commercial drone pilot exam. This test is notoriously difficult, carrying an average first-time failure rate of roughly 50%, yet Jacob passed on his very first attempt. He quickly applied his knowledge for Central Star Pipeline in Kansas, using highly specialized equipment to map gas pipeline routes and program flight parameters for heavy-duty spray drones.
“Since I started the sUAS coursework, I have received three job opportunities, the lowest of which started at $134,000 a year with full benefits,” said Jacob. “I’d recommend this program to anyone. The courses offer something unique to everyone as drones are becoming more embedded in our society. To be on the leading edge of UAS is to future-proof your career.”
Where Can I Learn Unmanned Aircraft System Skills?
All commercial UAS operators must earn a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. MSSU’s three-course, nine-credit-hour UAS certificate familiarizes students with the art of professional drone operations so they can accomplish just that.
The UAS Remote Pilot Applications Certificate coursework includes:
- Introduction to sUAS Operations: learn the fundamentals of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
- UAS Design, Construction, and Applications: explore the technology behind UAS and how drones can be designed for and applied in different settings.
- The Art, Science, and Practice of Professional UAS Piloting: develop professional piloting skills, explore industry best practices in a variety of applications, and prepare to earn your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
With a global drone market that has soared by over $12 billion in the past year, it’s clear that drones and the increasing value of FAA certification are here to stay. MSSU’s UAS courses can prepare you to be a part of this growing field.
Take Your Skills to New Heights at MSSU
The future of UAS is evolving, and MSSU takes seriously the opportunity for its students to have a role in molding that future. Discover where drone technology could take you at Missouri Southern State University. Visit the program webpage for more information.
