The Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is designed for students who would like to build a career in the new world of UAS Operations.
Courses will include a comprehensive general education curriculum, aviation department requirements, aviation core classes, and a concentration that will focus on not only flying the unmanned aircraft, but also the skills to manage a full operation and utilize the data and imagery collected.
Students in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems concentration of the BS in Aviation degree program are expected to earn their FAR Part 107 certification, which is required for the commercial operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
Additional information about this certification can be found in the FAA Advisory Circular 107-2.
Bachelor of Science in Aviation
Professional Flight
120 credit hours
Fundamental Academic Skills (15 hours)
English (9 credit hours)
English 1150/1154 Composition I: 3 credits
English 1160/1164 Composition II: 3 credits
Advanced Writing Course: 3 credits
Mathematics (3 credit hours)
Math 1220 College Algebra: 3 credits
Public Speaking (3 credit hours, choose 1 course)
CMST 1110 Public Speaking Fundamentals: 3 credits
CMST 2120 Argument and Debate: 3 credits
Distribution Requirements (31 credit hours)
Humanities/Fine Arts | 9 credits
Understanding the meaning, value, and history of human existence is an essential skill for living in contemporary society. One must have an understanding and appreciation of the various forms of humanistic/artistic expression and the role these artifacts play across various cultures. Students must complete 9 credit hours of coursework representing at least two different disciplines in this category.
Humanities and Fine Arts Approved Courses
Social Sciences (9 credits)
The goal of the social sciences is to help students understand the social dynamics that make up the world, particularly the relationships between individuals, groups, societies and social institutions. Students must complete 9 credit hours of coursework representing at least two different disciplines in this category.
Social Sciences Approved Courses
Natural and Physical Sciences (7 credits)
Understanding the nature of scientific inquiry and the operation of the natural, physical, and technological world is essential for making personal and public policy decisions. Students must complete 7 credit hours of coursework representing at least two different disciplines in this category with at least one laboratory course.
Natural and Physical Sciences Approved Courses
Diversity (6 credit hours)
Diversity-Global (3 credit hours)
Courses in this category focus on the significant cultural, economic, geographical, historical, political, and/or sociological aspects of one or more counties or nations other than or in comparison to the United States. Students must complete 3 credit hours of coursework in this category.
Global Diversity Approved Courses
Diversity-United States (3 credit hours)
This requirement develops students’ awareness of the history, society, and/or culture of one or more underrepresented groups in the United States. Students must complete 3 credit hours of coursework in this category. Students may choose from a list of University of Nebraska-Omaha approved courses which can be found at
Visit UNO's General Education website
Department Requirements (22 credit hours)
AVN 3060 Writing in Aviation (3 credits)
This course will further develop the communication skills of aviation students through various forms of writing. Students will compose a research paper and other writing assignments. Prereq: ENGL 1160/1164 and AVN 1000, must be completed with a “C-“ or better in the course. (fall semester)
AVN 2510 Diversity in Aviation (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of the contributions women and minorities have made to the field of aviation. Emphasis is placed on past, present and future roles of women and minorities in aviation. The course includes other topics such as international aspects and issues of aviation.
AVN 3600 International Aviation (3 credits)
This course examines global air transport and its impact on the development of the global economy. Lectures and readings will provide a solid foundation of historical knowledge about international air transport and its development in various countries, before exploring current policy debates about liberalization, global alliances, and other critical issues. Prereq: AVN 2020
ECON 2200 Principles of Economics* (Micro) (3 credits)
An introduction to economic principles, decision making and policies affecting product and resource markets. Particular emphasis is on price, output and input decisions by individuals and firms under various market conditions. An introduction to the fundamentals of international trade. Prereq: ENGL 1150/1154 and MATH 1220 with a “C” or better.
PA 3000 Applied Statistics and Data Management in Public Sector (3 credits)
A course in the basic statistics of public sector research and public administration decision-making. The emphasis is on exploration of data processing techniques as they relate to statistical analysis and on understanding the proper application of statistics. Prereq: Math 1220 with a C- or better.
PHYS 1050 Introduction to Physics* (3 credits)
A terminal one semester course covering major topics in mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics. Designed particularly for non-science liberal arts majors or others for whom such a one semester coverage might be deemed adequate.
PSCI 1100 Introduction to American National Government * (3 credits)
An introduction to the foundational principles, organization, major institutions and functioning of American national government.
*course meets a UNO general education requirement as well as an AI Departmental requirement.
Aviation Major (24 credit hours)
AVN 1000 Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace* (3 credits)
This course provides a broad understanding of all aspects of the air transportation and aerospace industries. Lectures will cover what has happened in the industry to date, with emphasis on present and future developments in air transportation. The course will include the impact the airline industry is making on airports and other segments of aviation and aerospace. Must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semesters)
AVN 1020 Private Pilot Theory (3 credits)
This course will familiarize the student with theories associated with flight. These include aerodynamics, weather, FAA regulations, navigation, airports, airspace and aviation safety. Must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semesters)
AVN 1040 History of Aviation and Aerospace* (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to present the historical antecedents leading to the conquest of the air and the evolution of aviation and aerospace progress to present day. Must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semester)
AVN 1160 Aviation Safety (3 credits)
This course provides the student with a detailed introduction to aspects of aviation safety as well as the associated components of flight human factors, aircraft technology, weather related accidents and accident investigation. Prereq: AVN 1000, course must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semester)
AVN 2020 Airline Operations (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the operational aspects of airline management. Topics to be covered include management, leadership, labor relations, marketing, forecasting, and fleet planning Prereq: AVN 1000, course must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semester)
AVN 2050 Introduction to Airport Administration (3 credits)
This course examines airport operations, safety and security, various administrative roles within the airport community, and the impact airports can have on local and regional economies. Students will explore the unique role public airports plan as interface between the traveling public and private airlines. Prereq: AVN 1000, course must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semester)
AVN 2750 Aviation Meteorology (3 credits)
An introductory study of the key elements of the atmosphere’s structure from the earth’s surface to the upper levels; weather systems and hazards to aviation operation plus impact of adverse weather on aeronautical operations. Course will include review of air mass characteristics, frontal weather, and pressure system structure. Prereq: AVN 1020 and MATH 1220 or equivalent, course must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semester)
AVN 3150 Aviation Law (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to increase the student’s knowledge of aviation law and regulations. Particular attention will focus on the American legal system; important legal concepts, regulators of the industry and international aviation law. Case studies will be discussed throughout the course. Prereq: AVN 1000 and junior standing, course must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered spring semester)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Concentration
AVN 1500 Intro to UAS Operations (3 credits)
This course is designed to give students a broad understanding of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) environment. The course will explore the history and development of the UAS industry, the legal and regulatory framework to include operations, certification, and exemptions. Students will also receive information regarding career opportunities within the industry and a study of analytical techniques and managerial tasks associated with developing and executing business plans for small firms and start-ups. Prereq: AVN 1000 and 1020 with a C- or better
GEOG 1090 Intro to Geospatial Sciences* (3 credits)
An introductory lecture/lab that has students learn and apply the principles of geospatial science within the frameworks of Geographic Information Science (GISc), Remote Sensing, Aerial Photography, Photogrammetry, Global Positioning Systems and Cartography/Visualization. The course focuses on the underlying scientific basis that is shared across all of these frameworks. Students will produce both maps and spatial analysis by the end of the course using all of the above frameworks.
AVN 2500 UAS Flight System (3 credits)
This course will focus on the flight training and systems of the aircraft. Students will operate in a single pilot and crew environment. They will participate in missions which the aircraft needs to be operated autonomously, through direct control, and waypoint navigation. Additionally, students will be introduced to mission planning and will work with different payloads based on the mission's operational need. Flight operations utilizing UAS and the flight simulation lab are required. Prereq: AVN 1500 with a C- or better.
JMC 2320 Video Field Production (3 credits)
The class provides in-depth, hands-on theory and practice of field production and editing principles and techniques. It expands from single-camera to multi-camera projects. The goal is for students to leave this course with a strong understanding of aesthetic shooting principles, audio and video equipment, and a solid working knowledge of field production and post-production practices.
AVN 3040 Human Factor in Aviation Safety (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of human factors as it applies to pilots and administrators. Topics will include pilot physiological and psychological issues, work station design, crew resource management, and related public sector issues for managers. Prereq: AVN 1160, must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered fall/spring semester)
AVN 3700 Transportation Analysis (3 credits)
This course if an extension of introductory financial courses; special emphasis on service characteristics of air carriers. Review of airline revenue and expense streams, pricing and fares, understanding the monetary forces that underlie the business practices of domestic and international passenger and cargo airlines. Prereq: ECON 2200 or higher, junior or senior standing, course must be completed with a C- or better (Offered fall semester)
GEOG 4050 Geographic Information Systems 1 (3 credits)
An introduction to the history and principles and geographic information systems (GIS). Emphasis will be placed on geographic data input, manipulation, analysis, and output functions. Exercises introduce students to GIS software and applications.
AVN 4500 Advanced UAS Procedures (3 credits)
This course will bring together the concepts and skills developed by the students in preparation for their capstone experience. Scenario based training sessions will look at all facets of the operation. The deliverable produced through these sessions will be added to the student's portfolio. Students will also develop emergency procedures for inflight operations, a risk assessment tool, and emergency response plan to include in their portfolio. There will be a focus on advanced procedures as they relate to weather, maintenance, airport operations, communication and integration into the National Airspace System. Prereq: AVN 2500 with a C- or better.
GEOG 4630 Environmental Remote Sensing (4 credits)
Introduction to remote sensing science and technology. Emphasis will be placed on multispectral data, matter/energy interactions, sensor system characteristics, photogrammetry, image interpretation, digital image processing and environmental applications. Formal laboratory instruction will provide students with problem-solving skills and hands-on experience with remote sensing and GIS software.
ENTR 4730 New Venture Formation (3 credits)
This course is a comprehensive study of the interrelationships between functional business areas in a start-up or small firm. These interrelationships will be taught through the development of a complete business plan for a start-up or small business.
AVN 4990 Air Transportation (3 credits)
This course fulfills the Aviation Institute capstone projects for undergraduates. Lectures and readings will cover contemporary issues and problems in air transportation, as well as material related to research design and implementation. Prereq: AVN 3700 and junior or senior standing, course must be completed with a C- or better. (Offered spring semester)
AVN 4200 Internship in Aviation (3 credits)
Students are required to complete an Internship with a UNO partner or other approved organization. Students may also apply to the director for special permission to take AVN 3200. Please see internship coordinator for more information. Prereq: AVN 3060, junior or senior standing, aviation major, instructor permission, course must be completed with a C- or better (Offered every semester)
Open Electives (As needed)
Students will fill their open electives as needed with courses selected from a variety of disciplines within the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
- Each student’s open elective hours will vary.
- They fill as needed to reach 120 credit hours.