Emergence of Degrees In Unmanned Aircraft Specialization

The appearance of new degree specializations in unmanned aircraft systems corresponds with the recently announced growth forecasts of unmanned markets (see related blog post; Sanford, 2012; Zaloga & Rockwell, 2011). Liberty University's School of Aeronautics just joined the ranks of Kansas State University Salina, the University of North Dakota, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Northwestern Michigan College (Williams, 2012). The development of these programs by Universities with ties to industry, bodes well for future research and career opportunities.

My Alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, started their unmanned program as a minor in the fall of 2010 (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2010; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2012b) and are preparing to offer their first related B.S. major in Unmanned Aircraft System Science this fall (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2012). Their program will feature two specialization concentrations, a pilot and a non-pilot track (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2012). The pilot track will be focused on training students to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operational requirements for public and restricted airspace (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2012). The direction of the non-pilot track will be placed on support roles, such as sensor or payload operation (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2012). At this time, the degree is only available to U.S. citizens to meet International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) rulings (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2012).

18 July Update: Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS has announced four courses for UAS pilot training starting this August (College to offer unmanned aerial vehicle training, 2012).

REFERENCES

College to offer unmanned aerial vehicles training. (2012, July).Fox40tv.com. Retrieved from http://www.fox40tv.com/news/local/story/College-to-offer-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-training/fS7Sz9AAT0OY11_PvXP5Cw.cspx

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (2010, Feb). Embry-Riddle to train unmanned aircraft pilots [News Release]. Daytona Beach, FL: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Retrieved from http://www.erau.edu/er/newsmedia/newsreleases/2010/uasminor.html

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (2012a). Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science [Program Description]. Daytona Beach, FL: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Retrieved from http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/coa/aeronautical-science/undergraduate-degree/unmanned-aircraft-systems-science/index.html

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (2012b). Minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Applications [Program Description]. Daytona Beach, FL: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Retrieved from http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/degrees/minors/unmanned-aircraft-systems/index.html%20

Sanford, B. (2012, June). Unmanned aircraft systems market to hit $51 billion by 2018 says report. ReportBuyer. Retrieved from http://meshpress.com/unmanned-aircraft-systems-market-to-hit-51-billion-by-2018-says-report/123854.html%20

Williams, B.J. (2012, June). New unmanned aerial systems specialization jumpstarting careers. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University. Retrieved from http://www.liberty.edu/news/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=58003

Zaloga, S., & Rockwell, D. (2011). UAV market set for 10 years of growth. Earth
Imaging Journal. Retrieved from http://eijournal.com/uncategorized/uav-market-set-for-10-years