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Air Drone

Unmanned Vehicles Systems, AS

Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Science (AS)
Total Credit Hours62
Average Time to Complete2 yrs.
Academic PathwayBusiness, Industry, Technology, Manufacturing
AdvisorMike Shekari
Director of the Technology Center for Emergency Response and UVS
850.769.1551, ext. 4051
ashekari@gulfcoast.edu

Pathway NavigatorWill Archer
850.769.1551 ext. 4023
warcher@gulfcoast.edu

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Unmanned Vehicle Systems, AS

Are You Fascinated by Drones?

Unmanned vehicle technology has come a long way since the rovers landed on Mars. Today aerial drones regularly strike military targets; SpaceX lands rockets on drone ships in the middle of the ocean; and battlefield assist robots can carry injured soldiers away from danger.

In the air, on the ground, on the water or under its surface, new applications for unmanned vehicles are exploding, and Gulf Coast State College can prepare you to step into a job in this exciting field.

If you grew up with a remote in your hands and are interested in electronics, mechanics, drone technology and aerial systems, an associate degree in unmanned vehicle systems operations may be the beginning to your dream career.

No longer used just in the military, drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles now are being used in agriculture, environmental, public safety, marketing, and other industries. Unmanned vehicles are deployed for monitoring, tracking, mapping/surveying, photography and videography, detection and maintenance applications. Drones are especially popular for dangerous or tedious tasks, such as monitoring fires, tracking spills or inspecting runways.

A 2013 economic report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimated more than 100,000 new jobs using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies by 2025. Imagine yourself as a drone operator or operations administrator for an unmanned vehicle system.

Unmanned Vehicle Systems Operations Course Requirements

h3

English I
Visual and Performing Arts or
Philosophy/Religion or
Literature
Select One from a list of Math courses
Physical Science or
Biological Science
American National Government or United States History II and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency

Technical Writing
Microcomputer Applications
Introduction to Electronics
Unmanned Vehicle Courses
Private Pilot Ground School Courses
Choose 8 elective credits

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog

What can you do with an Unmanned Vehicle Systems Operations Degree?

In this field, people find careers as:

Drone UAS pilots
Flight Operations Specialists
Electrical Engineer
Autonomous Systems Engineer

Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:

Embry Riddle - Aeronautical University
Florida State University
Miami Dade

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Who is Eligible for the Unmanned Vehicle Systems Program?
If you are a high school graduate, you can apply to this program. If you have earned credits from a regionally accredited college or university, you may have a head start at Gulf Coast State College.
Why Choose Gulf Coast State College to Earn Your Degree?
You'll get a great education with one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. With small class sizes and professors who care, you'll get the personal attention you deserve. More than 90% of our graduates would recommend Gulf Coast State College to others.

Are you ready to Get Started?

Apply to GCSC

Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

APPLY NOW

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about  scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

REGISTER

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.