Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Science and Applications Certificate

This certificate provides students with foundational knowledge and technical skills in the emerging sector of small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Students will learn the regulatory environment for UASs in the United States, as well as the basics of UAS design and operation, aeronautics and flight theory, requirements for FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, remote sensing and photogrammetric concepts, mission planning, UAS mission flight techniques, and processing techniques for data deliverables. The certificate is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, experience and credentials to participate in the expanding UAS sector as a certified FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, operator, or ancillary ground crew member/observer.

Required Courses:

GEOG 316 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3
or
RGPL 316 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3
or
GEOG 415 - Introduction to Remote Sensing Credits: 3
or
RGPL 415 - Introduction to Remote Sensing Credits: 3
GEOG 460 - Foundations of Unmanned Aerial Systems Science and Applications Credits: 3
GEOG 463 - Unmanned Aerial Systems for Remote Sensing and Spatial Data Acquisition Credits: 3
or
GEOG 493 - Internship Credits: 3-12
200-level or high content course Credits / Units: 3

Total Certificate Requirements: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of federal rules and regulations regarding the operations of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in national airspace and the certification and conduct of UAS pilots in the United States. Assessed using tests, quizzes, and labs in GEOG 316/RGPL 316 and GEOG 415/RGPL 415.
Acquire the necessary knowledge to prepare for the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test, part of the requirements to obtain pilot certification to fly small UASs (sUAS). Quizzes, tests. Assessed in GEOG 460.
Apply skills and techniques to safely launch and fly a UAS, plan UAS flight missions, and acquire and process data. Lab. Assess in GEOG 463.