Small Unmanned Aerial Systems

CERT - Occupational Certificate


A certificate program to prepare students for careers in the field of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The operations of UAS have a variety of research and commercial uses, with rapid growth and continually evolving applications. A flexible curriculum has been carefully designed to permit either an in-depth or cross-disciplinary approach to the study of geospatial science and aviation, maximizing a student's ability to design his/her academic program beyond the core disciplinary requirements of a degree program. The UAS program emphasizes remote observation with aviation fundamentals and complete knowledge on aviation safety and FAA regulations. The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) concentration prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing area of UAS, including operations, remote sensing, data collection and analysis.

Program Purpose


This certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the Unmanned Aircraft Technology field. The required course work provides the students with the skills to manage and plan flight operations. Students demonstrate the ability to collect and process imagery data for analysis. Students also develop skills that they can apply in multiple applications including agriculture, natural and cultural resources management, emergency response, aerial videography and photography.

Learning Outcomes


  • Aviation fundamentals and complete knowledge on aviation safety and FAA regulations.
  • Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
  • Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
  • Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.
  • Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.
  • Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.
  • Manipulate raw data to enhance interpretation, either on the ground or during remote sensing flights.
  • Merge scanned images or build photo mosaics of large areas, using image processing software.
  • Participate in the planning or development of mapping projects.
  • Prepare documentation or presentations, including charts, photos, or graphs.

Program Map


Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements

The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program.  For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes. 

Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.

First Semester

Course Course Title Credits Area
UAS 100 Introduction to UAS 3 Major Requirement
UAS 101 Aviation sUAS Pilot Ground School 3 Major Requirement
MAT 142 College Mathematics with Applications or approved higher level math 3 Departmental Requirement
GPH 171  Introduction to Meteorology 4 Departmental Requirement
    13  

Second Semester

Course Course Title Credits Area
UAS 102 UAS Image Analysis and Visualization 3 Major Requirement
UAS 103 UAS Flight Operations and Planning 3 Major Requirement
GST 101 Introduction to Geospatial Technology 3 Minor
    9  

Third Semester

Course Course Title Credits Area
GST 102 Spatial Analysis and Modeling 3 Minor
GST 108 Capstone Project 2 Departmental Requirement
    5  
Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.