Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Drone Technology

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

Build skills in flying drones for commercial and recreational purposes with an emphasis on safe and legal flight practices. Learn techniques in aerial photography, video recording, live streaming for social media, and basic mapping applications. Topics include FAA regulations, drone registration, preflight procedures, and problem-solving flight situations. Explore career opportunities requiring drone skills in public safety, construction, engineering, inspections, real estate, marketing, media, and delivery. Understand how AI is integrated into drone applications such as emergency response, construction, and data analysis, and gain the option to expand skills in drone mapping and cloud-based GIS using ArcGIS Online. Learn how to professionally capture and edit aerial photos and videos using Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.

This program includes preparation for the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) completion certificate, the FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot certification, and Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams in Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. It provides a clear pathway to the Drone Technology A.S. Degree, as well as the Digital Publishing, Adobe Applications for Business, and Digital Design for Business certificate and degree programs.

Prepare for the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, and Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams.

Identify how drones are used across industries such as construction, real estate, public safety, marketing, and inspections.

Demonstrate knowledge of drone registration, preflight procedures, and FAA Part 107 operational standards.

Apply AI tools and creative techniques to enhance aerial imagery, mapping, and digital media projects.

Capture and edit professional aerial photos and videos using Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.

Fly drones safely and legally for commercial and recreational purposes following FAA regulations.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

13.5 units
BA 158
Introduction to Drones
Build skills in flying drones for commercial and recreational purposes with an emphasis on safe and legal flight practices. Practice techniques in aerial photography, video recording, and live streaming for social media. Topics include FAA regulations, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot license and exam information, drone registration, preflight procedures, and problem-solving flight situations. Explore career opportunities in public safety, construction, engineering, inspections, real estate, marketing, media, and delivery. Understand how AI is integrated into drone applications such as emergency response and construction. Earn the FAA TRUST Recreational Certification during this course. Designed for both new and experienced drone users. Drones are provided in class.
    BA 159
    Drones for Mapping
    Discover how drones are transforming industries with hands-on training in terrain modeling, topographic mapping, and site development. Learn how to plan and fly automated missions, collect precise GPS data, and follow FAA Part 107 safety regulations. Process drone imagery with industry-standard photogrammetry software to create accurate maps and 3D models. Build real-world skills in flight planning, image capture, and data analysis. Gain awareness of how AI tools are beginning to enhance drone mapping by automating image analysis and pattern recognition. This course pairs with BA 162 Cloud GIS with ArcGIS Online, focusing on the flight and fieldwork side of professional drone mapping. Drones are provided in class.
      DM 170
      Drone Pilot License Test Prep
      This class prepares students to become professional drone pilots. The class preps students to take the FAA Drone Pilot test, and other knowledge tests required by the FAA. To fly drones commercially, students need to pass an FAA drone pilot knowledge test.
        BA 161
        Drones & The Law
        Explore the rules and real-world situations that affect drone pilots in this informative short course. Taught by a drone pilot police officer or a drone attorney, the course explains how federal, state, and local laws apply to recreational, commercial, and public safety drone users. Topics include FAA regulations, FAA TRUST Recreational and FAA Part 107 certifications, privacy and liability issues, drone insurance, and examples from actual drone-related legal cases. Discover how new technology, including AI-assisted drones, is raising new questions about privacy and responsibility. This is an informational course with no drone flying activities.
          BA 164
          Adobe Photoshop
          Learn to use Adobe Photoshop for professional image editing to enhance business, marketing, and creative projects. Apply photo correction, repair, and restoration along with proper file setup, masking, filters, and special effects using current standards. Use AI tools such as Generative Fill, Content-Aware, Neural Filters, and advanced selections to work faster and more effectively. Emphasis is placed on professional projects for print, web, and social media. Includes preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) Photoshop exam, earning an industry-recognized certification that strengthens career opportunities.
            BA 171
            Adobe Premiere Pro – Video Editing
            Develop professional video editing skills in Adobe Premiere Pro for business, social media, and digital marketing videos. Apply editing techniques to import, trim, sequence, and export video while adding audio, graphics, titles, and effects. Use AI tools including auto-reframe, speech-to-text captioning, and Firefly effects to speed up editing, generate captions, and enhance visual quality. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, pacing, and producing polished content for professional video production, marketing campaigns, and workplace presentations. Includes preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) Premiere Pro exam, earning a certification valued by employers.
              BA 172
              Adobe After Effects
              Create eye-catching motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects for business, digital marketing, and professional video projects. Apply techniques in animation, text effects, compositing, and special effects to produce professional-quality media that captures attention. Use AI tools such as Adobe Firefly to generate visuals, automate effects, and accelerate motion design workflows. Emphasis is placed on timing, visual storytelling, and integrating projects with Adobe Premiere Pro for polished video production. Includes preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) After Effects exam, earning a certification that strengthens career opportunities.

                Second Semester

                2.5-7 units
                CHOICE: Drone Technology Elective
                CHOICE: Drone Technology Elective