New AAS degrees in Simulation and Game Programming and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician

Blinn Launches New AAS Degrees in Simulation and Game Programming and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician

Both programs opened on the Brenham Campus in the fall and are coming to the RELLIS Campus

The Blinn College District’s Division of Engineering, Computer Technology, and Innovation launched two new high-tech degrees in fall 2021.

Pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Blinn will introduce Associate of Applied Science degrees in Simulation and Game Programming and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician. Both degrees launched on the Brenham Campus and are coming to the RELLIS Campus.

These new, cutting-edge degrees will prepare Blinn College students for the fast-growing technological careers that are defining the future. With the introduction of these degrees and the opening of the new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation Building on the Brenham Campus, Blinn offers an unparalleled environment for students ready to pursue the next generation of high-tech careers. Mary Hensley, Ed.D.

Chancellor of the Blinn College District

Jay Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, Technical Education, and Community Programs, said, “This is another success story of the Blinn College District adding high-wage, high-demand, high-technology programs to the offerings of occupational pathways to our district, making Texas stronger as it attracts new business through economic development.”

Both programs are offered in the new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation Building on the Brenham Campus.

SIMULATION AND GAME PROGRAMMING

The 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science Degree in Simulation and Game Programming is designed for students seeking careers in video game design and testing, television and film production, medical and scientific simulation, industrial animation and training, aeronautic and transportation industries, architecture and landscape design simulations, forensics, engineering simulations, education, government, and much more.

Through this program, students learn modern game programming languages, game prototyping, game design, game production, game maintenance, iOS development, APIs and libraries, operations analysis, and critical thinking. Proposed courses include Introduction to Game Design and Development; Programming Fundamentals I and II; Level Design I and II; Game and Simulation Programming I, II, and III; Project Development I and II; Project Development I, iOS Application Programming; Game Scripting, and Portfolio for Game Development.

Blinn has named Dr. Bruce Gooch the Program Coordinator. Gooch was a Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University from 2003 to 2006 and has been a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Victoria since 2006. He has published more than 50 research papers on computer graphics and is the author of the first book on non-photorealistic rendering. Gooch and his students have started 21 companies, including four that have generated multi-milliondollar revenues: Insatiable Genius, Toon-FX, GasLamp Games, and DJ Arts Games.

This robust curriculum prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities and immediately makes Blinn’s program one of the most comprehensive in the state. Max Hibbs

Dean of Engineering, Computer Technology, and Innovation

SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

The 60-credit-hour Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree provides instruction in the maintenance, customization, acquisition, and commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), or drones. Students learn the concepts required to become a professional in the field, including electronics, mechanical design, and programming, and obtain specialized knowledge in unmanned aircraft systems, including flight, design, policy, and mission planning.

This is an emerging, cutting-edge career path and Blinn is the only institution in the state offering a program of this type that incorporates both technician and flight training. Max Hibbs

Dean of Engineering, Computer Technology, and Innovation

Through this program, students learn design and fabrication; drone flight skills and operations; electronics; aerodynamics; flight theory for small unmanned aircrafts; the operation of digital systems; anti-collision sensors; vision and GPS systems; 3D printing; drone customization; field repairs; design and flight safety; and explore business opportunities. Courses include Special Topics in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Technology, Introduction to Computer Programming (Python), Flight Theory: Small Unmanned Aircraft (Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Certification Training), Aerodynamics, Engineering Graphics I, Information Technology Security, Electromechanical Systems, Digital Systems, Microcomputer Control, Sensors, and Vision Systems.

Professionals trained in the maintenance and operation of sUAS are employed across a wide range of fields. Students can choose electives in a field of interest, including aerial photography, air and rescue, agriculture and forestry, construction, facilities and structure inspection, firefighting, law enforcement and disaster response, military and defense, oil and gas, and transport and delivery.