Rhode Island Tech College Offers Drones, Robotics Degree Programs

The institute will prepare students in drone-mission programming, automated manufacturing, research and development and other related endeavors.

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(TNS) -- EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – In a reflection of the growing impact of drones and robotics, New England Institute of Technology is now offering a new associate's degree program in these advanced technologies.

 

"Graduates from this program will be qualified for a wide range of entry-level positions in robotics, drone-mission programming, automated manufacturing, research and development, new-product design, product testing, field service, controls engineering, installation, marketing, and customer service," said Douglas H. Sherman, senior vice president and provost.

Successful completion of the program will lead to an Associate in Science Degree in Electronics, Robotics, and Drone Technology, according to the university. Growth in these industries prompted the school to reach into this new educational area.

"Research shows that the increasing use of robots and aerial drones will dramatically change our economy and everyday life in areas ranging from driver-less cars and medical procedures to automated manufacturing processes and aerial-product delivery," the school said in a media release. "The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates the creation of 100,000 new jobs in the drone technology field. USA Today reports that the use of drones is predicted to boost the U.S. economy by $13.6 billion within the next three years."

Drone program courses will prepare students to take the FAA's Section 107 Commercial Small Unmanned Aircraft System exam for pilot certification, the school said. Other drone, robotics and electronic courses will combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience.

In other news from NEIT, the school is partnering with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) on health sciences, information technology, and marine technology educational programs.

"The partnership will promote student and faculty exchanges, joint faculty research, linked virtual classes and will include scholarships for BTVI students to attend NEIT to complete associate and bachelor degree programs," said institute president Robert Robertson.

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute trains more than 1,600 students at locations in Freeport, Nassau and Abaco.

©2017 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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