Enroll in the Associate of Applied Science in Applied UAS Technologies

An associate degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is led by real technicians to deliver students technical skills required to safely operate and manage UAS technologies for data collection and analysis.

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Earn an Unmanned Aerial Systems Associate Degree Designed for You

This industry-driven associate degree in Applied UAS Technologies helps students obtain skills needed to seek promising career opportunities as GIS analysts, drone technicians, photogrammetrists, and much more.

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Are You a New Student?

Build a solid foundation for a promising career with our Associate of Applied Science in Applied UAS Technologies. Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.

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You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our Associate of Applied Science in Applied UAS Technologies.

56,900

New Jobs

Predicted for GIS and Mapping Technicians in the UAS professions by 2030!

$22

Hourly Pay

On Average for GIS and Mapping Technicians and many other similar occupations.

$46K

Average Salary

For GIS technicians, photogrammetrists, and more jobs related to UAS technology.

    • As per BLS, there will be 56,900 new job openings in GIS technicians, Mapping technicians and other similar job roles between 2020-30.
    • As per BLS, the median salary varies between $46K to $68K for professions like GIS technicians, photogrammetrists, and more.
    • BLS also predicts the average hourly pay between $22$32 for cartographers, mapping technicians, GIS technicians, and similar occupations.

Why Pursue an Associate Degree in Applied UAS Technologies?

With our two-year Associate of Applied Science in UAS Technologies, students train through practical UAS operations and small pilot flight planning methods. The degree allows students to:

    • Operate UAS equipment and plan small flight tests.
    • Prepare for FAA part 107 license.
    • Develop skills to prepare for professions such as GIS analyst, drone operator, surveying and mapping technician, and much more.
    • Begin or advance in a promising and well-paying technical career.

Become Career Ready with the Associate of Applied Science in UAS Technologies

Want to learn about the intricacies of UAS technologies to begin a rewarding career? An Associate of Applied Science degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems teaches UAS operations and UAS and small pilot flight planning which is required in making a career as a drone technician or GIS technician.

Throughout the program, students learn to operate UAS equipment, prepare small flight plans, collect and manipulate data, publish maps using data, and interpret FAA part 107 legislation. Data processing using GIS software is a focus of the program.

Earn our degree from our School of Workforce Development and Engineering Technologies!

2-year

Degree Program

Formats

On-campus, Hybrid

60

Credit Hours

Ready to Enroll?

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What Will You Learn - Curriculum Overview

With our Unmanned Aerial Systems Program, students get comprehensive academic knowledge and technical skills needed to operate UAS equipment and process data using GIS software.

An associate degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems helps students learn the core concepts such as introduction to drone applications, drone imaging, environmental GIS, and much more. The curriculum allows students to:

    • Learn how to operate drones and publish professional maps.
    • Interpret FAA part 107 legislation to prepare for remote pilot certification.
    • Collect, analyze, and publish aerial data.
    • Learn how to use GIS software in data processing applications.

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Build Your Future With Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC offers an industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.

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What You Experience at Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC acts as a catalyst to career goals, gives students exposure to real-time career prospects, and provides a learning environment supporting personal and professional growth.

World-class Pedagogy That Shapes Future Leaders!

Effective faculty is the backbone of any school. Our faculty are committed teachers and scholars who:

Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.

Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.

Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.

Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.

Student Support Services and Spaces for Balanced Learning!

We provide comprehensive Student Support Services to promote student success.

Student Services provides a variety of support, including tutoring, accessibility accommodations, and more!

We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.

We recognize talent and celebrate performance with awards and acknowledgments.

We have supportive staff to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.

Placement Assistance to Nurture Careers!

We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:

Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.

Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.

With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.

Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.

Promoting Equity to Develop an Intercultural College Environment!

As a community of students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, we strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campuses, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Campus diversity encourages open dialogue on campus.

Equity removes barriers and ensures equal opportunities are afforded to all.

Our campus offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where all are valued, celebrated, and included.

The campus community promotes diversity and inclusion through a variety of speakers and events.

Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities

We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating.

We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.

We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.

We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.

Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.

Our Learner’s Voice!

Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!

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Worried About Paying for College? Many Options Exist for Financial Aid

Blue Ridge CTC provides need-based financial aid to qualified applicants, ensuring all students have equal access to quality education.

Whether you are a student worrying about tuition fees or are a parent assisting a child paying for college, we have a wide variety of financial resources available.

    • State and Federal Grant Programs
    • Student Work-Study Opportunities
    • Student Loans
    • Special Grant Funding Opportunities
    • Blue Ridge CTC Foundation Scholarship opportunities

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Have Questions? Talk With an Admissions Counselor Today!

Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College help students navigate career paths throughout their academic career.

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Expand Your Choices

Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the associate degree in Applied UAS Technologies? We can help!

Admission requirements to the associate degree in Applied UAS Technologies include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts. There is also a $25 application fee that can be paid at any time once an application is submitted.
To select an Unmanned Aerial Systems program, students must consider the time to complete, cost of tuition, and quality of the instruction provided. Students who need additional insight into career options should consider looking for a program that provides free career inventory assessment before exploring course options that align with their personal and professional interests.
This Applied UAS Technologies associate degree is a good option for students who want to build a strong foundation for early workforce entry or career advancement. After pursuing an Applied UAS Technologies associate degree program, students may seek employment as a drone technician or GIS technician in the local economy. The program incorporates real-world skills and content-specific knowledge needed to successfully land a career.
Our Applied UAS Technologies program does not require ACT or SAT scores to qualify for admission. Students may need ACT or SAT scores, or free placement testing to qualify for courses such as English, Math, or Chemistry. Placement testing can be scheduled at any time during the application process.
With our Applied UAS Technologies associate degree, students learn all the fundamentals of operating complex UAS functionality. Students develop an eye for detail and analytical skills to interpret FAA part 107 legislation to prepare for remote pilot certification.

Disclaimer

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.

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