How the UNLV Drone Program Prepares Students for the Future of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Drones are becoming an essential part of today’s workforce. From emergency response to filmmaking, construction, agriculture, and environmental science, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are transforming how organizations operate and how professionals solve problems. As drone technology continues to advance, the need for trained individuals who understand how to fly, design, program, and apply drones in real‑world settings continues to grow.

The UNLV UAS Program was created to meet this demand. Through a structured academic curriculum, hands‑on training, and specialized elective tracks, the program provides students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in the drone industry. Whether you enjoy engineering, computer science, robotics, data analysis, or aviation, the UNLV program offers a pathway that prepares you for a wide range of drone‑related careers.

Below is an overview of what the UNLV Drone Program teaches — and how it prepares students for the future of unmanned aircraft systems.

What the UNLV Drone Program Is

The UNLV Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Minor is an academic program designed for undergraduate students majoring in engineering or computer science. The program introduces students to the technical, operational, and legal aspects of drone systems while providing hands‑on experience with real aircraft, simulators, and UAS technologies.

Nevada is one of the FAA’s designated UAS test sites, giving UNLV students access to a unique environment for drone development, testing, and research. Students who complete the minor gain a strong foundation in UAS technology and are well‑prepared to meet FAA small UAS certification standards.

What the Program Teaches

The UNLV UAS Minor provides a structured curriculum that blends academic knowledge with practical training. Students complete 9 credits of core UAS courses and 12 credits of specialized electives, allowing them to tailor their education to their career interests.

Core Courses (9 Credits)

These courses introduce students to the essential components of UAS technology and operations:

EGG 270 – Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Students learn the fundamentals of drone systems, components, sensors, and applications.
EGG 370 – UAS Testing Hands‑on training in flight simulation, field testing, and performance evaluation.
EGG 470 – UAS Applications Exploration of real‑world UAS uses in surveillance, data collection, mapping, and autonomous navigation.

The core also includes instruction on UAS privacy and legal issues, taught in partnership with the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, giving students a strong understanding of regulations and ethical considerations.

Specialized Elective Tracks (12 Credits)

Students choose one of four elective tracks to gain deeper expertise in a specific area of drone technology. These tracks allow students to customize their education based on their career goals.

Autonomous System Design Track

Focuses on aircraft design, aerodynamics, robotics, and control systems. Courses include:

Private Pilot Ground School
Dynamics
Automatic Controls
Robotics
Aerodynamics
Composite Materials

Control Systems Track

Ideal for students interested in automation and flight‑control algorithms. Courses include:

Signals and Systems
Control Systems I
Digital Control Systems
Autonomous Systems and Control

Communication Systems Track

Focuses on wireless communication, antennas, and signal processing. Courses include:

Engineering Probability
Antenna Engineering
Communication Systems
Wireless and Mobile Communications
Computer Communications Networks

Human‑Computer Interaction (HCI) Track

Designed for students interested in drone interfaces, AI, and digital imaging. Courses include:

Computer Science I
Multimedia
Human‑Computer Interaction
Computer Networks
Digital Image Processing
Artificial Intelligence

What Students Learn

The UNLV Drone Program provides students with a comprehensive education in UAS technology, including:

Technical Knowledge

Drone components and system architecture
Sensors, payloads, and communication systems
Autonomous navigation and control algorithms
Data collection and analysis
Aerodynamics and aircraft performance

Hands‑On Experience

Flight simulation and testing
Field operations with real drones
Hardware assembly and troubleshooting
UAS mission planning
Autonomous system design

Legal and Ethical Understanding

FAA regulations
Privacy and data‑protection laws
Airspace rules and compliance
Ethical use of unmanned systems

Career Preparation

FAA Part 107 commercial drone operator readiness
Engineering and programming skills
Exposure to Nevada’s FAA‑designated UAS test site
Portfolio‑building through labs and projects

Who the Program Is For

The UAS Minor is designed for:

Engineering majors
Computer science majors
Students in math or science (with coordinator approval)

Students must apply to the minor two semesters before graduation and receive approval from the program coordinator.

How the Program Prepares Students for Drone Careers

Graduates of the UNLV Drone Program are prepared for careers such as:

UAS Engineer
Drone Pilot / Remote Pilot in Command
UAS Test Operator
Autonomous Systems Developer
Robotics Engineer
Drone Technician
Data Analyst (UAS)
Communication Systems Engineer
AI and Computer Vision Specialist
Drone Entrepreneur

The program’s combination of engineering, computer science, hands‑on training, and legal instruction gives students a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing drone industry.

Start Your Drone Education at UNLV

The drone industry is expanding rapidly, and UNLV’s UAS Minor provides the academic foundation, technical training, and specialized knowledge needed to succeed. With access to Nevada’s FAA test site, hands‑on labs, and expert faculty, students gain the skills required to enter one of the most exciting and innovative fields in modern technology.

Students graduate prepared to design drones, program autonomous systems, conduct flight operations, analyze data, and contribute to the future of unmanned aircraft systems.