MSU selected for Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program
By Shawn Touney | Oct 19, 2023
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Murray State University has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program (UAS-CTI).
The FAA鈥檚 UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones.
In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor鈥檚 or associates degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.
Murray State provides a unique experience for students to minor in UAS and/or receive a certificate in UAS, or even to take an elective class across all programs on campus. Through hands on-training and cutting-edge technology, the program focuses on training students to enter the workforce in UAS or a career where they can utilize UAS and drones. In the last two years, the program has seen tremendous growth in program size as trends in drones and UAV鈥檚 become more prevalent in global industry. The program is represented by students across campus from agriculture to engineering and construction to nursing. The program鈥檚 goal is to train responsible, educated pilots with hands-on experience to use drones in their industry or career or choice.
鈥淭hroughout my time as a member of Murray State University鈥檚 UAS program as both a student and a faculty member alike, I have seen exciting growth in our program and more students each semester entering the workforce using drones and UAV鈥檚,鈥� said Drone Coordinator and UAS Instructor Blake Kennedy in Murray State鈥檚 Hutson School of Agriculture. 鈥淚t is truly an exciting time for us and a great honor being selected to participate in this program, which provides a great opportunity for both our students and our University. Education and hands-on training is the goal of both our program and the Federal Aviation Administration鈥檚 UAS CTI program. I am excited to see where this partnership takes us. We are pilots. We are Racers.鈥�
To learn more about the UAS program at Murray State, contact Blake Kennedy at the Murray State Hutson School of Agriculture or call 270-809-6916.