Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) offers a 12‑credit Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) certificate that provides hands‑on drone training, FAA‑aligned coursework, and preparation for Part 107 certification.
Program Overview
The UAS certificate is part of ECSU’s Department of Aviation Sciences and is designed for students seeking entry‑level skills in drone operations, maintenance, and applications. It is career‑focused, flexible, and can be stacked toward the university’s 4‑year B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Structure & Requirements
- Total Credits: 12
- Mandatory Courses (6 credits):
- UAS 100 – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (3 credits)
- UAS 200 – UAS and NAS: Laws and Regulations (3 credits)
- Optional Courses (6 credits): Choose any 2 from:
- UAS 215 – UAS Maintenance
- UAS 250 – UAS Sensors and Payloads
- UAS 315 – UAS for Public Safety Operations
- UAS 350L – UAS Applications Lab I (Design & Construction)
- UAS 360 – UAS Flight Simulation
- UAS 380 – Aviation & UAS Cyber Security
- UAS 400L – UAS Applications Lab II (Precision Agriculture/Surveying)
- UAS 410 – UAS Sensor Data Analytics
Key Features
- FAA‑aligned training with preparation for Part 107 drone pilot certification.
- Hands‑on experience using industry‑grade drones, simulation labs, and real‑world flight environments.
- Flexible delivery — online and hybrid options available for working professionals.
- Stackable pathway — credits can transfer into the B.S. in UAS.


