Take Control of the Future of Aviation
ECSU offers the only 4-year Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) degree program in North Carolina—preparing students with hands-on training, advanced technology, and FAA-aligned certification pathways.
Program Overview
Building on 30+ years of aviation excellence, this program prepares students with both technical systems knowledge and real-world operational skills.
Students train using industry and research-grade equipment while preparing for FAA Part 107 Certification, a key credential for drone pilots.
ECSU is also recognized as an FAA UAS-CTI institution, meaning the curriculum meets national workforce standards for drone careers.
Core Skills
Flight & Operations
- UAV Pilot Training
- Sensor Operations
- Mission Planning
Technology & Systems
- Data Processing
- System Design
- Payload Integration
Customize Your Path
Curriculum Breakdown
Foundational Courses
- Aviation Core Courses
- Engineering Technology Courses
- UAS-Specific Courses
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Electives (GIS, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice)
- FAA Part 107 Certification
Hands-On Training & Facilities
Train with Advanced Equipment
Students gain experience using cutting-edge tools, including:
- Thermal and multispectral drones
- High-Fidelity UAS Simulation Lab
- Matrice 600 Pro with LiDAR
- eBee Ag (NIR Sensor)
- DJI Phantom & Inspire
Real-World Training Environments
- 250’ x 100’ x 50’ Outdoor Flight Facility
- 110-acre UAS Test Site Farm
Research & Industry Applications
Where UAS Makes an Impact
Students participate in applied research across industries:
- Forestry & Transportation Planning
- Precision Agriculture
- Infrastructure Inspection
- 3D Mapping
- Public Safety & Homeland Security
Outreach & Innovation
Community & Industry Engagement
- Drone Exploration Academy (youth outreach program)
- Mobile drone labs and real-world field deployments
- Partnerships supporting workforce development and innovation
Career Pathways
Where This Degree Can Take You
Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- UAV Pilot
- Sensor/ Payload Operator
- Drone Data Analyst
- Infrastructure Inspector
- Public Safety Drone Specialist
This program equips students for entry-level roles across commercial, government, and defense sectors.
Program Leadership
Associate Professor, Aviation & Emergency Management | STEM Complex, Room 233
cbasthana@ecsu.edu | 252-335-8777
Take the Next Step
Ready to build the future through technology and innovation?
