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This certificate provides learners with the essential competencies and understanding required for the efficient and safe utilization of drones (Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) across numerous business and public sector domains, as drone pilots or operators. Drone technology is used across a spectrum of industries, such as agriculture, cinematography, ecological monitoring, environmental management, insurance, mapping and surveying, military operations, mining, photography, public safety, real estate, search and rescue, and structural inspections.
Harper's Drone Essentials Certificate program offers you the opportunity to quickly break into the field of drone technology and piloting. You will learn about FAA regulations, legal requirements, procedures and best practices involved in sUAS operation. Students are prepared for the FAA Part 107 airman knowledge test for Remote Pilot Certificate with a sUAS rating.
Students also learn how to pilot a drone safely, how to plan drone missions, and how to capture, process, analyze and present images and other data collected through drone missions.
This 7 credit-hour Drone Essentials Certificate Program provides learners with the essential competencies and understanding required for the efficient and safe utilization of drones (Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) across numerous business and public sector domains as drone pilots or operators. Drone technology is used across a spectrum of industries, such as agriculture, cinematography, ecological monitoring, environmental management, insurance, mapping and surveying, military operations, mining, photography, public safety, real estate, search and rescue, and structural inspections.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DRO 100 | Drone Pilot Ground School | 1 |
Description: Provides knowledge about the regulations and procedures governing the legal operation of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in the United States of America. Course content aligns with knowledge areas in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Part 107 airman knowledge test for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a sUAS rating. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 1 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| DRO 101 | Mastering Drone Flight: Essential Skills and Techniques | 3 |
Description: Introduces the fundamentals of flying drones (or Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) with a focus on flight proficiency skills, safety procedures, mission planning best practices, and image acquisition procedures. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| DRO 102 | Drone Data Acquisition and Analysis | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to the methods used to capture, process, analyze, and present drone (or Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) data. Includes drone data applications, image and sensor characteristics, mission planning, data acquisition, post processing, and data analysis fundamentals. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed. Prerequisite: DRO 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 7 | |
After completing the Drone Essentials Program, you'll have a solid foundation of skills the enter the growing drone technology profession. You can continue to build on your skills by completing the Drone Technology and Applications Certificate with 9 additional credit hours of coursework.
To begin your career in drone technology with the Drone Essentials Program, Apply Now to Harper College. To learn more, fill out our request information form.