Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certificate

Program Coordinator/Contact

Bob Watrel, Department Head
Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences
109 Wecota Hall
605-688-4511

Program Information

The certificate in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will provide a credential to students and/or individuals who have demonstrated competency in the planning and operation of UAS. The certificate will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to apply this technology to a field of study or field of work. This certificate will also provide the knowledge necessary to attain the FAA Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems license. UAS is a technology with many applications, some of which include remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), precision agriculture, construction, resource management, engineering, cinematography, and emergency services.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems certificate, graduates will be able to:

• Describe small UAS design, component and current applications.
• Describe and apply small UAS laws, safety and ethical considerations.
• Demonstrate relevant knowledge to pass FAA 107 small UAS commercial pilot test.
• Plan and execute small UAS mission in order to collect, process, and analyze small UAS data.
• Identify, discuss and summarize research applications, commercial applications, and limitations of small UAS.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, and as part of a team.

Course Delivery Format

The program includes lecture, discussion, laboratory research, fieldwork, and with limited online coursework.