SALINA, Kansas — With the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), also known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, growing at a rapid pace, Kansas State University Salina will add a new bachelor’s degree and minor beginning this fall.
Combining RPA technology with coursework in computer science, electronic engineering and mechanical engineering, K-State Salina is offering a Bachelor of Science in engineering technology with an unmanned aircraft systems option.
The new course of study complements the already existing aeronautical technology bachelor’s degree in UAS, which is centered around piloting and field operations, by concentrating on the design and implementation of unmanned systems.
The university also is adding a UAS minor with both a flight operations focus and a data acquisition and management focus. Doctoral-level faculty members are leading the program.
Students enrolling in the engineering technology with an unmanned aircraft systems option degree will not have the requirement of flight ratings. Instead, they will explore the intricacies of how RPA function, such as their software and data, sensors and actuators, and camera systems and other payloads that are critical to accomplishing any task during missions. Courses will focus on different areas of electronic circuits, communication systems, control systems, machine design, manufacturing technology, materials technology and fundamentals of UAS operations.
“When most people think of an unmanned system they usually envision the pilot, not the engineers who design, build and keep it operating properly,” said Saeed Khan, K-State Salina engineering technology associate professor and lead of the new program. “But the growing UAS industry needs graduates who have technical expertise and a passion for problem-solving. Previously, students would have to double major if they wanted to focus on the engineering side of unmanned systems, but this new program will give them an integrated education without added hours or costs.”
Additionally, K-State Salina has created an unmanned aircraft systems minor for students outside of the UAS program and from other universities who are looking to supplement their education. The minor has two areas of emphasis: the air vehicle operations focus for those interested in flying unmanned aircraft, requiring the minimum of an FAA-issued private pilot certificate with an instrument rating; and the data acquisition and management focus for students driven by mission planning, gathering and processing information, and leadership techniques.