Morningside University Introduces Drone Minor Program for Agriculture Students

Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, is expanding its agricultural technology curriculum by launching a new unmanned aircraft system minor program focused on drone applications in agriculture and food studies.

Meeting Industry Demands

With over 700,000 registered drones in the United States according to FAA data, the agricultural sector is experiencing a surge in demand for certified UAV pilots. The program aims to equip students with essential skills in drone operation, data management, and the application of technology for sustainable farming practices.

Program Details and Implementation

Professor Thomas Paulsen, who leads the agriculture and aviation initiatives at Morningside, emphasized the program’s established foundation:

“Our drone program has been here really since the inception. We’ve always had a drone course its been a very important part in our agronomy minor.”

The program has been strategically designed to integrate Drone Technology into various aspects of agricultural studies, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern farming operations. Students will develop comprehensive skills through hands-on experience in drone operation fundamentals, agricultural data management, sustainable farming applications, and advanced technology integration practices.

Enrollment Information

The university is currently accepting enrollments for the program, with the inaugural courses scheduled to begin in the spring 2025 semester.

DroneXL’s Take

The introduction of specialized drone programs in agricultural Education represents a significant step forward in modernizing farming practices. This aligns with the growing trend of drone technology integration across various industries. The focus on data management and sustainable practices particularly resonates with current industry needs, as discussed in our coverage of drone inspection applications in agriculture.

Share your thoughts on this educational initiative in the comments below. How do you think Drone Education in agriculture will evolve over the next few years?

Photos courtesy of Morningside University