Published July 01, 2015
SuccessfulStudent.orgβa resource for students looking to find unique degree programs
and career optionsβranked the University of Louisiana at Monroe as one of the β15
Best Drone Training Colleges in America.β Β黨ӰԺβs Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) concentration
was ranked in the nationβs top-10.
Β黨ӰԺ was the only school ranked in Louisiana, and no schools in Texas, Arkansas, or
Mississippi were ranked.
βThe quality of Β黨ӰԺβs academic programs has been well known for years by our students
and alumni, as well as the employers of those people,β said Dr. Eric Pani, vice president
for academic affairs. βThe word is now getting out nationally as evidenced by this
and the other recognitions received from a variety of groups over the past few years.
I want to thank our faculty and staff who make this possible through their diligence
and dedication and our students who work to earn a degree and apply the knowledge
gained at Β黨ӰԺ. They provide the best evidence of our quality.β
Β黨ӰԺ's Robota, LLC βTritonβ droneΒ Β
The group considered each universityβs reputation, ability to provide hands-on training
in piloting and engineering, variation of course offerings, and accreditation. The
rankings were also compiled using student reviews and perspectives.
Β黨ӰԺβs number nine ranking on the list is evidence of the universityβs push toward
offering degrees in the nationβs fastest-growing fields.
βΒ黨ӰԺ continues to explore new and unique programs that will provide opportunities
for our students and enhance our region,β said Β黨ӰԺ President Dr. Nick J. Bruno. βThis
is but one example of that vision as we move forward.β
Β黨ӰԺ students study the history and design of drones along with the various flight
system technologies, remote sensing technologies, applications in agriculture business,
biology, and geography.
Paul Karlowitz, director of Β黨ӰԺβs UAS operations, is constantly expanding on what
students are learning in the classroom as rules and technologies evolve.
βNot only do we teach the design and operation of UAS in compliance with FAA guidelines
and regulations, but also the management of unmanned aircraft systems, their safe
operations and their ethical uses and applications," he said.
According to SuccessfulStudent.org, βThe commercial and military impact UASs will
have in the coming years is very significant, creating more than 100,000 new jobs
by 2025 with an economic impact of $82 billion, according to a 2013 report by the
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Internationalβa group representing 7, 500
individual members and 600 corporations.β
Dr. Ron Berry, dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences said, βBeing ranked
in the top-10 UAS academic programs in the country is exciting and a great testament
to our faculty team leading this innovative program. Their efforts to stay on the
forefront of advancements and applications of UAS technology are providing opportunities
for our students and will have a positive impact on our regional economy.β
The site mentions Β黨ӰԺβs broad-range aviation degree, and the universityβs new post-baccalaureate
certificate in UAS.Β Β黨ӰԺ also has a significant advantage for those looking to use
UASs in agriculture.Β
Β黨ӰԺβs UAS concentration began in fall 2013 as part of the aviation degree offering.
Β黨ӰԺ has a proud history in Aviation. In 1939, Β黨ӰԺ became one of 404 colleges to participate
in the Civilian Pilot Training Program to train pilots for World War II. Flight instruction
was conducted at Selman Field, and classroom instruction was given on campus.
For more information on the ranking, visit
For more information on Β黨ӰԺβs UAS concentration, visitΒ ulm.edu/cbss/aviation/
