AUGUST 8, 2023 — U.S. Naval Community College, in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, began its first classes for the Associate of Science in Uncrewed Systems August 7, 2023.
This is the second associate degree program offered by USNCC in consortium with ERAU, which provides active duty enlisted Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen an opportunity to earn a naval-relevant associate degree.
“Uncrewed systems are a critical component of our naval advantage today and into the future,” said USNCC’s President Randi R. Cosentino, Ed.D. “Having Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen with more knowledge in the maintenance and operation of uncrewed systems is paramount to the success of naval forces. The combination of cutting edge technology and educated service members gives our nation the warfighting advantage over our adversaries.”
The USNCC’s consortium model of education means USNCC teaches the five-course, 15-credit Naval Studies Certificate courses while the partner institution teaches the rest of the courses that make up the associate degree. This allows the naval services to have a flexible, scalable model of education to meet the needs of the services while providing a quality education to the Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who earn their degree through the consortium.
“The College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is excited to welcome the first class of USNCC students pursuing a degree in the exciting and dynamic discipline of uncrewed systems,” said College of Aviation Dean Kenneth Witcher, Ph.D. “Congratulations on taking the first step down this path of aviation education.”
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed Systems has the Naval Studies Certificate embedded into the program, along with the Uncrewed Systems Technology Certificate.
The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www.usncc.edu. Click on the Inquire Now link to learn how to be a part of the USNCC Pilot II program.
Story by Senior Chief Petty Officer Alexander Gamble
U.S. Naval Community College