Clark State Community College Selected for FAA Training Program, Introduces New UAS Operations and GIS Image Analysis Certificate

Clark State Community College has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative Program, or the UAS-CTI.

“Clark State is excited to be officially recognized as a partner with the FAA under the UAS-CTI program,” said Dr. Aimee BelangerHaas, dean of business and applied technologies for Clark State. “Having this designation recognizes the quality of our program in preparing students for opportunities and careers in the UAS/ drone field.”

The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate 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.

“The Clark State Geospatial program started in 2010 has continued to evolve and innovate relative to our local workforce needs,” said Belanger-Haas. “Our students are prepared to work in various fields, including but not limited to the defense industry, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies. Having this new UAS certificate only enhances our graduates’ capabilities and increases their marketability.”

Dr. Adam John Parrillo, associate professor and GIS/ Geospatial program coordinator at Clark State, said the FAA has introduced a new way to coordinate communication between educational institutions that has endeavored to educate and train UAS professionals.

“This network will assist institutions to share experiences and hone their programs with best practices as the commercial industry continues to develop," he said.

In addition to the partnership with the FAA, Clark State has also introduced a UAS Operations and GIS Image Analysis certificate that is designed to provide the technical background necessary to begin a successful career in UAS operations and data handling. UAS and GIS have been identified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor as high-growth industries.

This certificate is designed for those students who seek to enhance their job-related skills in becoming a UAS operator with the ability to manage and analyze data products. This certificate is one year in length in order to develop foundational skills and knowledge necessary for the workforce.

"There's been much interest in the commercial drone marketplace, from larger global companies like Amazon to small startups looking to serve local demand,” said Parrillo. “Added to this, government agencies at many levels are looking to facilitate the growth of this multi-billion-dollar industry."

Students enrolled in the UAS Operations and GIS Image Analysis certificate program may already have an associate or bachelor’s degree; however, this program is also an entryway for more traditional college-age students. Coursework included in a certificate program may ultimately be applied for the associate degree in GIS/ Geospatial Technology.

“While piloting drones is a dynamic profession, the data collected is the pivotal outcome,” said Parrillo. “With our first UAS certificate, we want to foster the development of professionals that straddle these activities.”

An additional eight-week section of Introduction to UAS at Clark State started October 19 so students can begin working toward the new certificate. Since it is a topical lecture class, it can be taken fully online.

The UAS Operations and GIS Image Analysis certificate program is available at the Clark State Springfield and Beavercreek locations.