Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Design and Integration

Overview

With a renowned unmanned aircraft systems program first established in field and flight operations and an engineering technology department that dates back to the campus's inception, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus has created an area of study that utilizes both of these strengths as well as meets the industry's growing demands. The engineering technology with a UAS option degree gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating technologies of unmanned systems, or commonly known as drones while focusing specifically on their design and implementation – no flight ratings are required.

Through coursework tailored to combine computer science, electronic engineering and mechanical engineering with unmanned systems, students in this program will explore the intricacies of UAS subsystems and components, such as software design, computer networking, firmware and hardware, sensors and actuators, and camera systems and other payloads. Students will be expected to execute critical problem-solving and research skills while engaging in classes about electronic circuits, communication systems, control systems, machine design, manufacturing technology, materials technology and fundamentals of UAS operations.

With a renowned unmanned aircraft systems program first established in field and flight operations and an engineering technology department that dates back to the campus’s inception, Kansas State Polytechnic has created an area of study that utilizes both these strengths as well as meets the industry’s growing demands. The engineering technology degree with an option in UAS gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating technologies of unmanned systems or commonly known as drones while focusing specifically on their design and implementation – no flight ratings are required. Through coursework tailored to combine computer sciences, electronic engineering and mechanical engineering with unmanned systems, students in this program will explore the intricacies of UAS subsystems and components, such as software design, computer networking, firmware and hardware, sensors and actuators, and camera systems and other payloads. Students will be expected to execute critical thinking, problem-solving research skills while engaging in classes about electronic circuits, communication systems, control systems, machine design, manufacturing technology, materials technology and fundamentals of UAS operations. Within the first three years of integration into the National Airspace Systems, according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, more than 70,000 jobs in the UAS industry will be created in the United State, with an economic impact of more than $136 billion. No longer are employers in this exponentially growing field only looking for pilots or operators; graduates with the engineering technology with a UAS option degree will provide the industry with the source it needs in developing and implementing technologies for interoperability, autonomy, propulsion and power, and communication. Careers, found in both the commercial and defence applications of UAS, are already available in a variety of areas such as wildfire mapping, agriculture monitoring, disaster management, law enforcement, weather monitoring, oil and gas exploration and filmmaking.

Engineering Technology UAS Careers

Within the first three years of integration into the National Airspace System, according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, more than 70,000 jobs in the UAS industry will be created in the United States, with an economic impact of more than $13.6 billion. No longer are employers in this exponentially growing field only looking for pilots or operators; graduates with the engineering technology with a UAS option degree will provide the industry with the source it needs in developing and implementing technologies for interoperability, autonomy, propulsion and power, and communication. Careers, found in both the commercial and defence applications of UAS, are already available in a variety of areas such as wildfire mapping, agriculture monitoring, disaster management, law enforcement, weather monitoring, oil and gas exploration and filmmaking.

Application Deadlines

Fall (August) Semester: February 1 (selective admissions)

June 1 (regular admissions)

Spring (January) Semester: October 1

Summer (June) Semester: March 1