The College of Southern Nevada is developing a new discipline in unmanned aviation systems, thanks to a grant from the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The grant, totaling $195,924.88, helped cover the cost of equipment and supplies needed to fund the program.
Governor Brian Sandoval has identified the unmanned aerial vehicle industry as one of the keys to diversifying Nevada’s economy. Commercial applications of unmanned aviation systems, commonly referred to as drones, are expected to expand as much as tenfold in the next five years, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration. CSN’s will be the first such discipline available as an associate degree in southern Nevada.
The college expects to launch the full degree discipline in the fall of 2018 within its existing Engineering Technology program in the Applied Technology Department. It will combine coursework from Aviation Technology, Computing and Information Technology and Engineering Technology. It is being developed in close consultation with industry leaders and experts.
“Our students can expect to graduate with the full array of knowledge necessary to enjoy fulfilling careers focused on unmanned aviation systems,” said Arthur Eggers, CSN Engineering Technology Professor and Lead Instructor. “They will learn much more than how to fly these vehicles. Courses will cover a variety of topics, including electronic fundamentals, component repair, programming, FAA safety regulations, videography and more.”
Students enrolled in the discipline will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with a focus in unmanned aviation systems. The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities would have to approve it before it is implemented.
About CSN:
Founded in 1971, the College of Southern Nevada is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and specializes in two-year degrees and workforce development that lead directly to high-demand careers or transfer to a university. It also offers four bachelor’s degrees in specialized fields and is the state’s largest provider of adult basic education and literacy training. CSN is a Minority Serving Institution and Nevada’s first Hispanic Serving Institution.
CSN’s students create flexible schedules with day, evening and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada or online. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more, visit www.csn.edu.