Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers a groundbreaking Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—the first program of its kind in Kentucky and among the few nationwide. This innovative concentration equips students with hands-on flight training, mission planning skills, and a deep understanding of FAA regulations and drone safety. The curriculum goes beyond the cockpit, preparing students to apply drone technology across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, engineering, and public safety. Graduates leave ready to take on roles in both the private sector and government, where the demand for skilled UAS professionals continues to soar. 

Union County College’s Drone Design and Remote Piloting program offers both an Associate of Applied Science degree and a technical certificate designed to prepare students for real-world drone careers. Participants learn everything from designing and building drones and integrating AI, to mastering remote sensing, flight operations, data analysis, and autonomous systems—all with a hands-on, IoT-focused approach ucc.edu. Graduates are ready for roles like drone pilot, maintenance technician, or quality control specialist in sectors ranging from manufacturing to drone technology firms, with strong pathways for transferring to four-year institutions. 

Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI), AK

DESCRIPTION: The University of Alaska Board of Regents established the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) in 2012 to lead all unmanned aircraft programs for the entire University of Alaska system. ACUASI oversees flight test range facilities in sixteen states and territories. ACUASI supports research and test activities related to public operations, civil/commercial operations, mixed manned and unmanned operations, high altitude long endurance (HALE), and high-altitude balloon operations.