CF Launches Exciting New Programs for Future Innovators in Ocala!

Ocala, USA - Exciting developments are taking shape at the College of Central Florida (CF). On June 9, 2025, the college announced two innovative programs aimed at enhancing the academic landscape for its students. Among the highlights is a new partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which is expected to provide Agribusiness Management students with access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on experiences with the industry’s latest equipment. This collaboration promises to enrich students‘ learning and bring real-world insights into the classroom.

Moreover, CF unveiled a new Hospitality and Tourism Management program. This initiative seems well-timed as the industry is rebounding and looking for skilled professionals. With tourism returning to Florida in full swing, the program aims to prepare students to navigate the complexities and opportunities within the hospitality sector.

Broadening Horizons with Uncrewed Systems

The college’s forward-thinking approach goes beyond traditional areas of study. A growing focus on uncrewed systems is evident at various educational institutions, including Embry-Riddle. The school provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree in Uncrewed Autonomous Systems, where students partake in courses that cover everything from air traffic control to uncrewed aircraft operations. This program reflects the increasing demand for expertise in a sector that is on the rise.

Uncrewed systems are making waves across industries, impacting both defense and commercial markets. As Capitol Technology University notes, the market for uncrewed aerial vehicles is set to grow impressively, escalating from USD 19.3 billion in 2019 to an estimated USD 45.8 billion by 2025. This boom translates into significant career opportunities as over 100,000 new jobs are projected in the unmanned aircraft industry, with annual salaries ranging from $60,000 to $145,000.

Today’s students are not just preparing for jobs but are carving paths in exciting fields. Graduates from programs like the Bachelor of Science in Uncrewed Autonomous Systems will be keenly aware of the multifaceted challenges surrounding technology. They’ll be adept at addressing everything from legal to environmental aspects of uncrewed systems, making them highly sought after in the job market.

Future-Ready Education

The educational structure around uncrewed systems is equally compelling. Aspiring professionals will need to navigate a total of 66 credits, including core courses that tackle various operational areas of uncrewed systems—ranging from aerodynamics to mission planning. Those looking to take their studies further can even enroll in a B.S. to M.S. program, allowing exceptional students to complete both undergraduate and graduate work in as little as five years.

Such programs prepare students for a dynamic job market where uncrewed systems are increasingly identified as crucial tools for a range of functions. The demand for these technologies in military applications, coupled with commercial uses like transportation and food delivery, indicates that learning about these systems is more essential than ever.

CF’s initiatives, along with the expansion of programs related to uncrewed systems, illustrate an educational commitment to advancing student readiness in this fast-evolving landscape. There’s certainly something to be said for institutions that look toward the future, creating pathways for students to thrive in a world of opportunities.