Drone Technology and Applications Certificate
Launch your career in a fast growing field as drone pilot or imagery analyst
Program facts 
- Credit hours: 16
- Stackable to degree: No
- Potential job outcomes: Drone pilot, drone image specialist, data technician, remote sensing technician
This certificate provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS or drones) in variety of business and public sector domains working as pilots, drone image specialists, data technicians, or remote sensing technicians.
Drone technology is used in fields as diverse as agriculture, utilities inspection, public safety, search and rescue, mapping and surveying, insurance, mining, real estate, and cinematography.
Proud participant in the FAA’s UAS Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI)
Upon completing this program you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of multi-rotor and fixed-wing sUAS
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding of photography and camera systems
- Apply sUAS operational best practices to mission planning and execution
- Demonstrate flight proficiency and the use of pre and post flight checklists
- Utilize software tools to create basic drone imagery products
- Have the requisite knowledge to take the Part 107 FAA Exam
Harper's program is a proud participant in the FAA's UAS Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) and offers you:
- Part 107 certified and experienced faculty
- Professional and enterprise multirotor and fixed wing drones
- Drone flight zones for classroom training
- Flight training for beginner to experienced pilots
- Computer labs with industry GIS and UAS data processing software
This certificate is closely tied to Harper’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate program which provides students with hands on experience with the latest GIS technology and techniques.
Read more about Harper's drone program.
For more information contact Mukila Maitha, Associate Professor, Chair, Geography Department, at mmaitha@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6521.
Certificate program requirements
This 16 credit-hour certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS or drones) in variety of business and public sector domains working as pilots, drone image specialists, or remote sensing technicians. Drone technology is used in diverse fields including agriculture, utilities inspection, public safety, search and rescue, mapping and surveying, military operations, insurance, mining, real estate, and cinematography.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
Required:
Number | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ART 250 | Fine Art Photography | 3 |
Description: Employs digital technology as a medium for producing works of photographic art. Basic techniques and processes for using a digital still camera, image editing software and archival print technology are used to investigate straight photography as well as highly manipulated images. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit. Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
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GEG 150 | Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
Description: Provides an introduction to geospatial technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing through hands-on computer based exercises. The essential principles of map use and design, and spatial analysis are also included in this course. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed. IAI S4 905 Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
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GEG 160 | 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. Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
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GEG 161 | Introduction to Small Unmanned Aerial Systems | 3 |
Description: Introduces Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) safety procedures, mission planning best practices, maintenance protocols, flight proficiency, and the fundamentals of sUAS image processing. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GEG 160 with a grade of C or better, or valid Federal Aviation Administration Remote Airman Certificate (Part 107). Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
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GEG 162 | sUAS Data Acquisition and Analysis F | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: GEG 161 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
Electives: Select three credit hours from the following courses
Number | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
GEG 250 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: GEG 150 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
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MCM 212 | Multi -Camera Production | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to the application of fundamental multi-camera production techniques. Includes terminology, conceptualization, basic script writing, audio board operations, editing, shooting and lighting in multi-camera settings including live events, social media streaming and video conferencing. IAI MC 916-A Class Schedule: Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 |
Related programs
Next steps
To learn more on potential careers or coursework, contact the Geography Department.
For more information about Drone Technology and Applications courses, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.