This certificate 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.)
Core Requirements (12 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 |
Electives: Select two (6 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AVIA030E | Drone Videography and Photography | 3 units |
| GIST016A | Introduction to Geospatial Technology | 3 units |
| GIST016G | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 units |
Total Certificate Units: 18 units
To be awarded a certificate, a student must:
- Complete all the program requirements.
- Earn a grade of “C” (or "P") or better for all required courses.