New four-year degree prepares students for leadership in the booming $82B uncrewed aviation industry through FAA-aligned training, hands-on research, and tactical autonomy partnerships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAMPTON, Va. (May 14, 2025) — Hampton University has launched a pioneering Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management with a concentration in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (AUSM), reinforcing its reputation as a national leader in innovation, STEM education, and autonomous systems research. The program, designed to meet the rapidly growing demand in the $82B uncrewed aviation industry, includes FAA-aligned training, hands-on research, and industry partnerships.
“This new program reflects our commitment to preparing graduates for the future of flight,” said Dr. Betty H. Stewart, Executive Vice President and Provost of Hampton University. “The AUSM concentration is built not just on theory, but on direct industry engagement and applied research, providing our students a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global market.”
Students will learn to operate and evaluate Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), earning their remote pilot licensure, and participating in campus-wide and national research projects and competitions. The program includes 120 credit hours over four years, with a focus on UAS technology and operational systems management.
“Hampton University remains a trailblazer in innovation and education, and their newly launched Aviation Management program, with a specialization in Uncrewed Aerial Systems, positions them at the forefront of cutting-edge technology,” said Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray. “We’re delighted to support Hampton University’s initiatives to advance autonomy, bolster our workforce, and attract high-tech investments to our region.”
As the UAS sector is expected to create 100,000 jobs and contribute over $82 billion to the U.S. economy in the next decade, Hampton’s program prepares students for roles in FAA regulations, flight operations, data collection, and systems integration.
“At Hampton, we’re engineering the future of flight,” said Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean of the School of Engineering, Aviation, and Architecture. “Our new AUSM program, coupled with a proposed Aviation Flight Safety Center (AFSC), puts us at the forefront of aviation innovation and workforce development. We’re not just training students—we’re shaping leaders who will redefine what’s possible in air mobility, safety, and autonomy.”
The program also strengthens the university’s leadership within the national defense research landscape. Hampton is a proud member of the United States Air Force’s University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for Tactical Autonomy. Through HU autonomy research and the HU autonomy infrastructure facilities, many AUSM students will contribute to federally funded projects in AI, remote sensing, and autonomous flight, using real-world tools to explore how uncrewed systems interact with the built environment. These facilities serve as the nerve center for mission planning, data visualization, and interdisciplinary collaboration—equipping students with high-demand skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Additionally, the university is charting the future of aviation safety and workforce training through a proposed Aviation Flight Safety Center (AFSC), strategically planned for the underutilized Flight International Hangar at Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF). Phase I of the proposed AFSC will focus on aviation flight safety research. Hampton University will serve as the Primary Principal Investigator, collaborating and facilitating with other university aviation programs nationwide to advance flight safety standards across the aviation and aeronautical industries.
The AFSC will directly address the national need for professional aviation technicians with a heavy emphasis on flight safety. “This program elevates Hampton’s role in defining what’s next for uncrewed aircraft systems and tactical autonomy,” said John Murray, Assistant Professor of Aviation. “We’re offering students access to real-world challenges, research-grade tools, and a network of partners shaping the future of aviation.”
To build the a highly skilled autonomy pipeline, the AUSM program will prioritize outreach to STEM-based public high schools in Hampton Roads, as well as statewide technical community colleges through 2+2 articulation agreements and summer Uncrewed Systems Education (USE) camps. These efforts reflect Hampton’s vision to broaden access to high-growth STEM careers and create opportunities for all students.
Pending approval as an FAA UAS-CTI institution, Hampton University will join an elite network of academic partners recognized for their rigorous UAS training standards. The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management with a concentration in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (AUSM) program begins in Fall 2025, and enrollment information is currently available .
For more information on Hampton’s Aviation Department, visit: https://home.hamptonu.edu/engineering/aviation/
ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton University is a Carnegie R2-designated research institution, recognized for its groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity. Contributing $530 million annually to the regional and Commonwealth of Virginia economies, Hampton plays a vital role in driving economic development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity. The university was recently named one of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine and recognized as the “Best Private College” by Coastal Virginia.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators, representing 44 states and 32 territories, committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Visit: www.hamptonu.edu.
Professor John Murray is available for media commentary and interviews. For inquiries, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations at 757-727-5987 or mahogany.waldon@hamptonu.edu.
