The Blinn College District proposes adding a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Technician program to our inventory. Successful completion of this program will result in students earning the following stackable credentials:
• Occupational Skills Award after earning 9 Semester Credit Hours (SCH)
• Certificate Level 1 after completing 21 SCH
• Certificate Level 2 after earning 39 SCH
• Associate’s in Applied Science in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems after completion of 60 SCH
This sUAS Program will be implemented in the Fall 2021 term with an anticipated 15 students. Enrollments over the subsequent 2 years are expected to reach 25 students, with a maximum anticipated capacity of 75 students, limited mostly by available instructional facility space. Courses will consist mostly of face-to-face course work with significant hands-on instruction. This program has some potential for distance education, though this modality will not be pursued at this time. Courses will initially be delivered on the Brenham campus, with planned expansion to the RELLIS campus after the completion of a new facility in Fall 2022.
Individuals interested in a career in operation, testing and maintenance of unmanned, automated, servomechanical and electromechanical aircraft will be the primary market for the sUAS. We anticipate these individuals will be specifically interested in the offered training in flight theory, electromechanical systems, drone flight operations and microcomputer control.
Blinn College District is particularly well suited to host the proposed sUAS program in large part as a result of a new facility opening in Fall 2021. Located on the Brenham campus, The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation (STEI) building is designed specifically to address the needs of programs like sUAS. The facility features high-ceilinged spaces for test-flights of remotely operated aircraft, instructional spaces with specialized equipment and generous laboratory spaces to accommodate student and faculty fabrication projects. Additionally, this program enjoys considerable support and enthusiasm from current engineering faculty who have expressed an interest in teaching some courses and assisting in various projects. Finally, The College District service area evinces a lack of similar programs, highlighting a labor market need that would benefit student and industry alike.