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News Release
Gulf Coast State College's Unmanned Vehicle Systems program earns accreditation
Panama City, FL – Gulf Coast State College has received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to offer an Associate in Science in Unmanned Vehicle Systems, the first to receive that designation in the Florida College System/FCS. SACS is the regional accrediting body for GCSC and other institutions throughout the South. This required approval allows students to receive financial aid assistance, including the G.I. Bill, and ensures that credits will transfer to any state college or university in Florida.
The program is designed to prepare students in the repair, use of sensor data and operations of unmanned platforms, and they will receive their “Remote Pilot” airman certificate allowing them to operate drones commercially. The number of students enrolling in the program is expected to increase in the coming semesters as high school students in Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties participate in dual enrollment courses through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
“Students in the program will perform hands-on training exercises to simulate real-world scenarios and they will be guided to earn various industry certifications that fit their educational goals,” said José Lopez-Baquero, GISP, GEOINT, UVS Program Manager. “In addition, we are also forming various partnerships with companies locally and out-of-state to keep our training in-line with industry requirements and develop internship opportunities.”
The UVS program is focused on land, air and sea vehicles covering Autonomous System Design, Drone Pilots, Drone Geospatial Intelligence and Drone Maintenance and Repair. Based on the strength of the curriculum, instructors are also working to develop professional certificates for industries that can benefit from UVS including law enforcement, firefighters and emergency operations, surveyors, engineers, imagery analysts, cartographers and cinematographers.
For questions or additional information about the UVS program, please contact Lopez-Baquero at 769.1551, ext. 4012 orjlopezbaq@gulfcoast.edu.
