Eastern Kentucky University students will have the opportunity to become a leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, after being approved as a major concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Aviation program. Classes will begin in the fall 2022 semester.
EKU’s innovative program will prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding area of UAS, including detailed knowledge of UAS-specific operations, safety, technology, regulations and industry uses. The demand for certification in this area is high as there were more than 488,000 commercial UAS registered in the United States by the end of 2021.
Industries that utilize drone technology include agriculture, construction, law enforcement and more. EKU aviation officials said a variety of campus departments have demonstrated interest in partnering with them so students can learn how UAS can complement their discipline. Students can complete a minor in UAS by completing 18 hours of courses.
“As the only four-year aviation program in the Commonwealth, we are committed to innovating our programs to fit the needs of industry,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Offering the unmanned aircraft systems concentration allows our students to become leaders in this area and enhances the profile of our aviation major.”
For more information about the new unmanned aircraft systems concentration or the other three aviation major concentrations, visit aviation.eku.edu/.