This AS degree in Drone Technology is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce with new skills to enhance their current capabilities and create new career prospects in the field of Drone Technology. Students have the opportunity to learn and apply skills through hands-on experience working directly in both public and private sector organizations. Coursework emphasizes mission planning, flight operations management, and the collection and processing of aerial imagery and sensor data for analysis. Students develop practical skills applicable to a variety of industries, including agriculture, natural and cultural resources management, Drones for First Responders (DFR), construction, utilities, aerial videography, and photography. The program also includes preparation for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Examination. Potential careers for students upon completing the certificate are: Drone Remote Pilot, Drone Maintenance Technician, Drone Avionics Technician, Drone Videographer, Drone Image Analyst Technician, and Drones for First Responders (DFR). (Drone Technology is synonymous with UAS Technology, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems.)
Major Core Requirements (21 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AVIA030A | Aviation - Pilot Ground School | 3 units |
| AVIA030B | Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems | 3 units |
| AVIA030C | UAS Image Analysis and Visualization | 3 units |
| AVIA030D | UAS Flight Operations and Flight Planning | 3 units |
| GIST016A | Introduction to Geospatial Technology | 3 units |
| GIST016G | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 units |
| PMGT020A | Employment Preparation | 1 unit |
| PMGT020B | Internship | 2 units |
Major Electives: Select three. (9-11.5 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS062A | Basic Photography | 3.5 units |
| AVIA030E | Drone Videography and Photography | 3 units |
| BIOL012 | Introduction to Ecology and Wildlife | 4 units |
| BUSN015 | The Entrepreneurial Mindset | 3 units |
| ENGR010 | Introduction to Engineering | 4 units |
| ENGR010H | Honors Introduction to Engineering | 4 units |
| GIST016C | Spatial Analysis for GIS | 3 units |
| PMGT026 | Regenerative Agriculture for Parks | 3 units |
| PSCI020 | Weather and Climate | 3 units |
| THEA024 | Single Camera Production | 3 units |
Total Major Units: 30-32.5 units
To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
- Completion of WVC or Cal-GETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the Cal-GETC General Education pattern.
- Complete additional degree-applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.