Commercial sUAS (Drones) Data Collection Certificate
This certificate program prepares students for careers in the application of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) with a specialized focus on aerial data collection for analysis and data management. This credit program offers hands-on instruction in the operation of sUAS, advanced sensor technologies, geospatial data analysis and management, and data processing.Students will gain experience in using passive and active sensors and interpret data for applications in industries such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, land surveying, and infrastructure inspection. The program also covers foundational concepts in geodesy, geographic information systems (GIS), and data security techniques, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data.
This program provides students with practical knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be directly applied in the workforce. Whether entering the job market or advancing in their careers, graduates will be prepared for roles such as remote pilot, data technicians, remote sensing technician, and GIS specialists in a variety of high-demand sectors.
For additional information, please contact faculty advisor, Anthony Esposito, or department chair, Dr. Otto Hernandez.
Upon completion of this program students will be able to:
- Safely operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and apply remote sensing techniques to collect geospatial data using advanced sensor technologies;
- Validate and manage spatial data using geographic information systems (GIS) and geodesy principles, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of aerial data;
- Perform image basic analysis and data assurance by applying photogrammetry and image processing techniques to achieve high-quality results for various applications;
- Demonstrate proficiency in sUAS operations, data collection, and the communication of technical findings through the completion of a comprehensive capstone project.
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES - 6-7 credits | |
| Communication (3 credits) | |
| ENGL101-Composition I |
3
|
| Mathematics-Science-Technology (3-4 credits) | |
| General Education Technology course |
3-4
|
| TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION CREDITS |
6
|
| PROGRAM COURSES - 26 credits | |
| AVIT140-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations-Multi-Rotor |
3
|
| AVIT185-Remote Sensing Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems |
4
|
| AVIT290-UAS Capstone Project |
1
|
| GIST101-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
4
|
| GIST202-Geodesy |
4
|
| AVIT227-Aerial Image Analysis |
3
|
| AVIT257-sUAS Data Assurance and Cybersecurity |
3
|
| AVIT285-Advanced Aerial Data Collection |
4
|
| TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS | 26 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATE |
32-33
|
| (CUDC) EFFECTIVE FALL 2025 |