Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operators Are in High Demand
Would you like to pursue a career operating military or commercial drones? If so, Liberty University’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) programs can help you gain the skills, credentials, and training needed to fly small and medium unmanned aircraft. By studying under our experienced faculty, you can prepare to enter the UAS industry and make your mark on this rapidly growing field.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) predicts that more than 100,000 new jobs will be available in the field of UAS operations by 2025.* This booming industry provides numerous opportunities for employment as well as the potential for a high salary. According to the Economic Research Institute, unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) pilots earn around $95k per year on average.**
Liberty’s UAS programs can help you pursue industry certification so you can turn your passion for aeronautics into a rewarding career. Partner with us and prepare to lead with excellence in the world of unmanned aerial systems.
Choose a Path That Fits Your Career Goals
Liberty offers 2 UAS programs, so you can select the track that best matches your interests, goals, and schedule:
Medium Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Certificate
B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Why Pursue Your UAS Certification at Liberty?
Flexible Degree Tracks
We’re committed to offering programs that meet your academic and professional needs. Our B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations is a great option if you’re looking to earn a full bachelor’s degree in the traditional 4-year format. Maybe you’re seeking focused training that can help you enter the workforce as quickly as possible. If so, our Medium Unmanned Aerial Systems Certificate can help you gain marketable skills and credentials in just 1 semester.
Top-Notch, Hands-On Training
At Liberty, you’ll study under faculty who have years of experience working in aeronautics. Our UAS programs also give you the opportunity to complete several hours of simulated flight time and actual flight time. As one of the only schools to offer unmanned aerial system certification training in medium UAS, we operate a fleet of 27 aircraft, 13 flight training devices, and 6 unmanned aerial vehicles — so you can gain invaluable experience using professional equipment.
Real-World Preparation
With a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and industry knowledge, Liberty’s UAS graduates are highly sought after by major companies. Many of our students have gone on to work for UPS, Duke Energy, Textron Systems, General Atomics, and more! Additionally, our School of Aeronautics works with Textron Systems to cross-train all UAS students, so you can become certified to operate unmanned aerial systems.
What Can You Expect in Liberty’s UAS Programs?
What Can You Expect in Liberty’s UAS Programs?
To fulfill our mission of Training Champions for Christ, Liberty offers programs that can help you lead with integrity in your desired career field. Through classroom instruction, simulator lessons, and flight training, our UAS courses are designed to help you do the following:
- Build and operate aeronautical simulations as well as earn your UAS FAA rating.***
- Carry out maintenance and crew chief duties on a UAS platform.
- Complete medium UAS certification requirements.
- Learn how to fly a small UAS for various purposes and log actual flight time on a modern, small UAS.***
- Manage crew resources and operate an aircraft in various types of airspace and weather conditions.
- Understand the history, science, usefulness, and safety/legal aspects of UAS technology.
- Use practical UAS tools in advanced GPS theory, communication protocols, radio frequency (RF) theory, systems, and antennae.
- Work with aircraft, ground equipment, and personnel to carry out UAS operations.
Study at an Accredited University with Top-Notch Resources
As a Liberty student, you can take advantage of numerous facilities and resources on our beautiful campus in Lynchburg, Va. Our goal is to help you grow personally and professionally as you pursue your degree or certificate.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Our commitment to excellence helped us rank as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
- Our dining program is ranked #2 in Virginia and in the top 20 in America for Best College Food by Niche.com for 2025.
- Hear from world-renowned Christian speakers at Convocation — the largest weekly gathering of Christian students in North America!
- Liberty’s thriving athletics program is home to numerous NCAA Division I teams, including FBS football.
- Liberty’s residential undergraduate tuition rates are in the bottom third when compared to our leading private, residential competitors.
- We offer a wide range of helpful services, including student clubs, a commuter student lounge, fitness and recreation centers, counseling services, academic advising, research opportunities, and more!
To learn more about Liberty’s residential aviation maintenance programs, request information at the top of this page or give one of our admission counselors a call at (800) 543-5317.
*Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Economic Report, at https://www.auvsi.org/our-impact/economic-report (viewed online March 29, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
**Economic Research Institute, Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot Salary, at https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/unmanned-aircraft-vehicle-uav-pilot/united-states (viewed online October 16, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
***B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations degree only.