Drone Technology Associates Degree

Learn to design, build and pilot unmanned aerial vehicles.

Drone technology is poised to be a game-changer for industries from agriculture to retail sales. Learn to design, construct and deploy commercial-grade civilian drones in this associate degree program in technical studies at California University of Pennsylvania.

Launch your career with a degree focused specifically on unmanned aircraft systems, and prepare to earn your FAA license as a certified UAS operator.

Courses for this on-campus degree program also give you a jump-start on a Cal U bachelor's degree in computer, electrical or mechatronics engineering technology.

Seek answers to some of life's most challenging questions.

The 60-credit UAS/drone technology program at Cal U can help you land a job in this emerging field estimated to have an economic impact of $90 billion or more over the next decade. The associate degree program includes:

Courses specifically focused on the knowledge and skills required to succeed as a technician in the UAS/drone industry in Pennsylvania and across the United States.
Instruction in aviation law, safety considerations and federal regulations governing small unmanned aircraft.
Hands-on learning in Cal U labs, plus mission-based field trips for UAV test flights and data collection using unmanned aerial vehicles.
A 1-credit optional course that prepares you to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Part 107 licensure exam and earn your UAS operator certificate.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: UAS/Drone Technology

Focused coursework: Cal U's UAS/drone technology degree program is one of the first in the country to concentrate specifically on commercial-grade unmanned aircraft systems for civilian use. Develop career-focused knowledge and skills in:

Aviation principles and drone avionics.
Design and construction of UAS platforms.
Safe and purposeful drone operations.
Acquisition and analysis of UAV-acquired imagery and data.

Accelerated schedule: Complete the 60-credit associate degree program in two years of full-time study, or add summer courses to finish in just 15 months. Part-time options are available.

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7

Number of specialized courses developed for Cal U's drone technology program.

$85,000

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International reports that drone operators earn average salaries of $85,000 to $110,000 per year.

Degree Benefits

Cal U's associate degree program in UAS/drone technology prepares you to enter a rapidly growing career field with the potential to change business, industry and our day-to-day lives.

Earn a degree that sets you apart from others in this emerging field.

Gain the flexibility to start a career as a UAS technician, or take the exam to become an FAA-certified drone operator.

Enter the workforce or use your A.S. degree courses as a starting point for a Cal U bachelor's degree.

Gradute Outcomes

The jobs outlook is excellent: Drone technology is estimated to generate more than 100,000 jobs nationally in the next 10 years. Projections show that 10 states, including Pennsylvania, are most likely to benefit from the integration of UAVs into commercial airspace. UAS/drone technology graduates can expect to be employed in a wide variety of fields including:

Agriculture
Conservation
Delivery/fulfillment.
Disaster mitigation and relief.
Energy exploration.
Filmmaking and photography.
Geographic information systems.
Law enforcement/security.
Real estate.
Research

Associate of Science in Technical Studies: Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drone Technology

Faculty Expertise

Professor Jeff Sumey, director of the drone technology program, has worked on grant-funded projects in association with the Department of Defense, the Office of Naval Research and NASA.

Students get hands-on experience flying and building drones.

Hands-on Learning

Lab courses in the drone technology program meet for two hours of lecture and three hours of hands-on laboratory activities each week. You'll gain experience with all aspects of drone technology, including design, construction and data acquisition.

Get Ready to Fly

The one-credit UAS Certification Prep course gets you ready to take the FAA Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test. Pass the test and the required TSA background security screening to receive your remote pilot certificate with a small-UAS rating.

A.S. in Technical Studies: Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drone Technology Courses

Tailor the associate degree program to complement your career objectives by adding your choice of approved technical electives to the professional technical core and general education courses.

Example Courses