Drone Operations

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


This certificate is intended for working professionals who want to update their skills and/or students who will be entering a field that uses drones. This program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS or drones) in a variety of business and public sector domains working as drone image specialists. Drone technology is used in diverse fields including commercial photography, law enforcement, agriculture, utilities inspection, public safety, search and rescue, mapping and surveying, military operations, insurance, mining, real estate, and cinematography.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Produce professional quality photographs and videos using Small Unmaned Aerial Systems (sUAS or drones).
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester

Term 1

3.5 units

PHOTO 6
Digital Imaging Fundamentals

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
In this beginner-friendly photography course, the fundamentals of creating images with digital cameras will be explored. The significance of photography in our diverse society and its evolution over time will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on essential skills such as operating a digital camera manually, understanding light, and using visual elements to convey messages through photos. The focus is on expressing ideas creatively through photography. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course
      1. C - Humanities

      PHOTO 67
      Drone Multimedia I

      0.5 units
      Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
      In this course, students will be introduced to aerial still and motion capture, covering both photography and video elements. Topics include safety protocols, regulations, industry applications, storytelling techniques, and software output. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
      1. Advisory: PHOTO 6
        1. CSU Transfer Course

          Term 2

          6 units

          GRC 23
          Video Editing - Adobe Premiere Pro

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
          This course covers the concepts, theories, and techniques of nonlinear digital video editing. This includes organization of the editing process, working on the timeline, audio editing, basic titles, and basic visual effects using Adobe Premiere Pro. Emphasis will be placed on identifying general principles of editing as well as different aesthetic techniques for source material. (A, CSU)
          Course Details:
          1. Advisory: GRC 22
          2. Advisory: GRC 322
          3. Advisory: GRC 27
          4. Advisory: GRC 327
          5. Advisory: GRC 32
          6. Advisory: GRC 332
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              PHOTO 77
              Drone Multimedia II

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
              In this course, students will learn about intermediate uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for digital imaging. Through hands-on activities, and explore high-resolution video capture, aerial imaging, and intelligent mission planning for image capture. Additionally, this course will cover editing, mapping, and other related applications of UAV technology. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:
              1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 67
                1. CSU Transfer Course
                  Total: 9.5 units