HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is pleased to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected HU’s Geospatial Technology program for inclusion in the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI).
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. To qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum content covering various aspects of UAS training – including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning unmanned aircraft.
Harrisburg University’s participation in the FAA UAS-CTI program will benefit currently enrolled and future students alike. It also perfectly complements HU’s founding mission of building the workforce of the future by introducing students early in life to the wide variety of STEM careers open to them, including those in UAS.
John W. Friend, Vice President for Secondary Schools at Harrisburg University, noted the importance of this designation, stating, “HU’s partner high schools participating in our College in the High School (CiHS) program, with trained teachers in our FAA Drone Certification course, can also offer college credits (3 credits) for their high school students. In turn, these students will have a jumpstart as they enter college or university studies and will increase the probability of their placement as a stronger candidate in the workforce.”
Professor Albert Sarvis, Program Lead for Geospatial Technology, added, “Harrisburg University’s Geospatial Technology program has continually integrated the latest technologies into its curriculum. Drone technology – particularly focused on the numerous remote sensing and mapping capabilities – has provided valuable high-resolution data for class exercises, as well as faculty and student research. The interdisciplinary application of UAS technology has contributed to several different academic programs at Harrisburg University, including Environmental Science & Sustainability and Forensics. Harrisburg University’s acceptance into the FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes our commitment to high-quality degree programs and highly relevant career readiness curricula.”
The Geospatial Technology curriculum at Harrisburg University is one of only a handful of programs of its kind in the nation, offering a mix of Drone Applications and Spatial Analysis skills. As a result, Harrisburg University graduates are in high demand. HU prioritizes experiential learning with a focus on using and designing geospatial software, engaging in value-adding data analysis, deploying drone technology, and supporting critical thinking in the geospatial technology industry.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
