ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ was the only school ranked in Louisiana, and no schools in Texas, Arkansas, or Mississippi were ranked.
βThe quality of ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯βs 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 ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯. They provide the best evidence of our quality.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.
ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯βs number nine ranking on the list is evidence of the universityβs push toward offering degrees in the nationβs fastest-growing fields.
βΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ continues to explore new and unique programs that will provide opportunities for our students and enhance our region,β said ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ President Dr. Nick J. Bruno. βThis is but one example of that vision as we move forward.β
ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ 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 ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯βs 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 ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯βs broad-range aviation degree, and the universityβs new post-baccalaureate certificate in UAS.Β ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ also has a significant advantage for those looking to use UASs in agriculture.Β
ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯βs UAS concentration began in fall 2013 as part of the aviation degree offering.
ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ has a proud history in Aviation. In 1939, ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯ 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 ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΏͺ½±Φ±²₯βs UAS concentration, visitΒ ulm.edu/cbss/aviation/