Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program prepares students for entry level positions in the UAS industry by providing foundational knowledge and skills in UAS mission planning, applications, maintenance, laws and regulations, data analytics, and project management using UAS platforms. Program content includes an introduction to UAS flight, history, avionics, sensors, communications systems and selectable paths including data analysis and applications such as emergency responders, geographic information systems, precision agriculture, and in commercial and government sectors. Students will prepare for and conduct unmanned flights similar to those commonly performed in the industry observing Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) regulations that govern UAS operations. This program helps prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Certification.
Details
Students wishing to enroll in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems program must complete an application process before being officially accepted into the program.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) proficiently according to Federal Aviation (FAA) Rules and Regulations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the aviation and emerging sUAS environment.
- Employ safety, legal, ethical, and moral standards related to sUAS operations.
- Demonstrate basic radio skills and procedures to communicate with air traffic control (ATC), airport operators, and others as legally required.
- Design flight and mission plans using computer applications and processes associated with sUAS operations.
- Conduct basic maintenance and repair of sUAS.
- Utilize problem solving skills in a dynamic environment for data analysis, evaluation, and reporting.
- Mitigate human factors risks in sUAS operations.
- Prepare for FAA Part 107 Certification.
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
$63,420 Show expanded career information for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
$67,530 Show expanded career information for Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Remote Sensing Technicians
$65,020 Show expanded career information for Remote Sensing Technicians
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
$55,640 Show expanded career information for Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS101 | Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation | Critical course Gateway course | 3 | |
UAS205 | sUAS Instruments and Autopilot Programming and Uses | 3 | ||
UAS107 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Certification | Required for certification to fly sUAS. | 3 | |
UAS206 | sUAS Instrument and Autopilot Flight Lab | 2 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS100 | sUAS Batteries and Electronics | 5 | ||
AET208 | Aviation Safety | 3 | ||
UAS207 | sUAS Dynamics and Design | 5 | ||
UAS208 | sUAS Dynamics and Design Lab | 2 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS211 | sUAS Ground Control Stations, Telemetry, and Comms | 3 | ||
UAS212 | sUAS Maintenance Lab | 2 | ||
UAS215 | sUAS Commercial Flight Training | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS101 | Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation | Critical course Gateway course | 3 | |
UAS205 | sUAS Instruments and Autopilot Programming and Uses | 3 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS107 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Certification | Required for certification to fly sUAS. | 3 | |
UAS206 | sUAS Instrument and Autopilot Flight Lab | 2 | ||
AET208 | Aviation Safety | 3 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS100 | sUAS Batteries and Electronics | 5 | ||
UAS208 | sUAS Dynamics and Design Lab | 2 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS207 | sUAS Dynamics and Design | 5 | ||
UAS211 | sUAS Ground Control Stations, Telemetry, and Comms | 3 |
Term 5
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAS212 | sUAS Maintenance Lab | 2 | ||
UAS215 | sUAS Commercial Flight Training | 3 |
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=140955).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.