CBU Unmanned Aerial Systems Degree Set To Launch This Fall

Drones will be invading California Baptist University this fall. The Department of Aviation Science is set to launch a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Unmanned Systems.

Whether referred to as drones, unmanned aerial systems, or unmanned aerial vehicles, these remote-controlled aircraft require a pilot with specialized aviation knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of federal regulations, said Paul Haley, assistant professor of aviation at CBU.

"The new degree is relevant today due to the rapid increase in worldwide use of the various types of remotely piloted aircraft," Haley said.

Haley said employment opportunities in the unmanned aircraft industry are numerous. For instance, large-scale, piloted unmanned aerial systems currently are being used to assist firefighters, scientists, search and rescue teams and government agencies. Smaller remote-piloted aircraft are being used in the real estate, film, agricultural, medical and oil industries.

"Graduates of the aviation unmanned systems major will enter the workforce as instrument-rated commercial pilots and will help meet the need in this rapidly developing industry for qualified unmanned systems pilots," Haley said.