Oct 03, 2024  
2023-2024 SLCC General Catalog 
    
2023-2024 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems: CP (CTE)


Certificate of Proficiency | 22 credits

Program Website
Academic Advising

Program Description
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) includes unmanned aircraft as well as other software and hardware components required for the operation of that aircraft. This certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the fast-growing sUAS market and industry. The required coursework provides students with the skills to manage and plan flight operations, collect and process imagery data for analysis, and develop skills that can be applied in multiple applications including geographic information systems, agriculture, natural and cultural resources management, emergency response, aerial videography, and photography, and more.

Career Opportunities
Students completing the Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) Certificate of Proficiency will be highly qualified for most entry-level geospatial technology positions, specifically using sUAS and related technology. sUAS industries are growing exponentially nationally and internationally. Many of these industries will be directly connected to sUAS technology, while other industries will be indirectly impacted.

Career pathways in sUAS technology include, but not limited to local, state, and federal governmental agencies; nonprofit organizations; transportation; public utilities; energy sector; military and homeland security; law enforcement and public safety; delivery and fulfillment; journalism; photography and video making; scientific research and exploration; disaster response and recovery; natural resource, wildlife management, forestry, agriculture, and environmental conservation; surveying and engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), and more. 

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Books: courses use Open Education Resources (OER) material.
Course Fees: $40

NOTE: Fees may vary based upon specific registration and are subject to change.

Program Requirements


Time to Completion & Graduation Map


  • Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) CP: Part-time  
  • Time to completion is 3 semesters based on part-time enrollment of 6-9 credits per semester. Course sequence pathway alignment includes summer so students can complete the program of study within one year.

Program Learning Outcomes


Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes  in brackets.

  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, including airframe, flight instruments, and navigation. [1,4,9]
  • Compare and contrast various types of sUAS for fixed-wing and rotar-wind aircrafts. [1,4,5,9]
  • Apply image acquisition and analysis techniques from images acquired by sUAS.  [1,3,4,9]
  • Select the type of sUAS for a specific mission and identify the types of payloads to be carried and sensors needed to complete a flight mission. [1,2,4,7,8]
  • Demonstrate competency to pass the FAA Part 107 flight exam successfully. [1,4]
  • Compare and contrast the elements of geospatial data quality, including geometric accuracy, thematic accuracy, resolution, precision, and fitness for use. [1,4,5,9]
  • Use the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum to explain the difference between sensors (e.g., optical, microwave, multispectral, hyperspectral, etc.) across multiple remote sensing platforms. [1,4,9]
  • Differentiate the several types of resolution that characterize remotely-sensed imagery, including spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal across multiple remote sensing platforms. [1,4,9]
  • Demonstrate foundational skill sets on which geographic information systems (GIS) are based, including the problem of representing change over time and the imprecision and uncertainty that characterizes all geographic information.  [1,3,4,8,9]
  • Acquire and integrate a variety of field data, image data, vector data, and attribute data to create, update, and maintain GIS databases. [1,3,4,8,9]
  • Use geoprocessing software to perform essential GIS analysis functions. [1,3,4,9]
  • Apply Earth geometry and geodesy techniques such as datums, coordinate systems, and map projections to geospatial applications. [1,2,3,4,9]
  • Develop professional, networking, critical thinking, ethical, and teamwork skills related to the discipline of geospatial technology. [1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9]
  • Determine trends in geospatial technology and applications including mobile apps, sUAS/drones, cloud applications, and web-based mapping. [1,4,6,7]