Drones and Autonomous Systems, Department of Applied Sciences and Professional Studies - Adjunc

Adjunct Faculty – Drones and Autonomous Systems

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) seeks adjunct faculty to teach remotely in the Drones and Autonomous Systems program. The primary course is Unmanned Aircraft Certification (DRON 320), which prepares students to take the FAA Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Knowledge Test. The course covers regulations, airspace, operating requirements, weather, weight and balance, radio communications, airport operations, emergency procedures, aeronautical decision making, physiology, and maintenance and inspection procedures.

• Actively engage students through frequent interaction, motivating them to succeed.
• Guide students in collaborative and problem‑based learning projects.
• Provide rich and regular constructive feedback, using rubrics for assessment and acknowledging student accomplishments.
• Demonstrate relevant and current subject‑matter expertise and help students connect concepts across their program.
• Provide feedback to the program chair on possible curricular improvements.

• Minimum Master’s degree in Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Professional experience and knowledge about UAV and drone operations, FAA regulations, emerging technologies, and related emergency management, public safety, and commercial applications.
• Experience teaching adult learners online and in higher education is strongly preferred.
• Ability to prepare teaching materials for students and community members from non‑technical backgrounds.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae and cover letter required; international degrees may require a translation/degree evaluation from a NACES approved vendor.

• Terminal degree in Homeland Security, National Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, or related field.
• Five‑to‑ten years of professional, managerial, operations, and/or staff experience in the related field.

Applicants should submit a resume/CV and a cover letter. Selected candidates with international degrees may need to provide a translation or evaluation from a NACES approved vendor.

UMGC is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. UMGC is committed to providing an inclusive environment for people of all abilities and offers reasonable workplace accommodations. Applicants who need accommodations may contact Employee Accommodations at employee‑accommodations.

• Health Coverage:
  Health, medical, vision, dental, and prescription plans for individuals and families effective the first of the month following hire. Adjuncts are responsible for full cost if enrolled; state subsidized rates are not available.
• Insurance Options:
  Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and Roth options (no matching funds).
• Salary ranges by rank and degree (per credit hour):
  • Instructor (no terminal degree): $806 – $1,050
  • Assistant Adjunct Professor (no terminal degree): $877 – $1,127
  • Assistant Adjunct Professor (terminal degree): $1,023 – $1,288
  • Associate Adjunct Professor (no terminal degree): $947 – $1,205
  • Associate Adjunct Professor (terminal degree): $1,202 – $1,483
  • Adjunct Professor (no terminal degree): $1,023 – $1,288
  • Adjunct Professor (terminal degree): $1,347 – $1,645