PENDLETON — Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton recently announced it received approval for a new unmanned aircraft systems associate of applied science degree program.

Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission on June 8 reviewed and approved the college’s application for the program, according to a press release from BMCC.

Years prior, Blue Mountain offered two noncredit certificates, which were not eligible for financial assistance. The college was the first cohort of 27 colleges nationwide to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative in 2020.

Starting with the fall term, students will be able to enroll in the two-year program and progress to a degree in unmanned aircraft systems, which the U.S. Department of Education classifies as a “Remote Aircraft Pilot” certification.

Students who indicate intent to pursue the UAS two-year degree can apply for federal, state and local financial aid and scholarships.

BMCC will continue to offer the noncredit certificate options as well.

For more information on how to pursue a degree and career in UAS, contact Tammy Krawczyk, dean of Regional Workforce and Community Education for Blue Mountain, at tkrawczyk@bluecc.edu or Philip Schmitz at pschmitz@bluecc.edu.