Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Small Unmanned Aircraft System Flight Operator (Drones)

Career Studies Certificate

Laurel Ridge Community College

This career studies certificate is designed to prepare students for a career as a commercial remote pilot and sUAS flight operation technician. Upon completion students have basic proficiency in the areas of operations, general maintenance, collection and processing of aerial images, videos, and geospatial data.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	This career studies certificate is designed to prepare students for a career as a commercial remote pilot and sUAS flight operation technician. Upon completion students have basic proficiency in the areas of operations, general maintenance, collection and processing of aerial images, videos, and geospatial data.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Primary coursework aligns the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General-Small (UAG) aeronautical exam to become a Remote Pilot. Additional knowledge areas include mission planning, ground control operations, crew management, emergency procedures, safety, sensor selection, advanced maintenance, drone programming, flight data management, geospatial technology, geospatial data, and industry certifications. sUAS drone operation technicians are in demand within a variety of industries with potential commercial uses such as disaster responses, public safety, research, surveying, agriculture, real estate, mapping, pipeline and power line inspection, industrial and residential inspection, delivery, aerial photography and cinematography. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	This program is G3 eligible. IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship.
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Related Programs & Certifications

On Completion You Are Ready For

Credential

Technical Studies

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Program Credit Requirements

Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

Requirements

Required Credits

Career Studies Certificate in Small Unmanned Aircraft System Flight Operator (Drones)

Course Grad Req 221-810-06

Core Requirements

GIS 101 Requirement

Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:

UMS 107 Requirement

Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:

UMS 111 Requirement

Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:

UMS 177 Requirement

Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:

ITD 145 Requirement

Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:

UMS 211 Requirement

Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:

Residency

Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 13 credits may be applied to this program.

GPA

This requires a minimum GPA of 2

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Averett University	Bachelor of Arts in Aerospace Management	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Management	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
11-3071.04	Supply Chain Managers	Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.	Management Occupations
11-3071.00	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 16 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Small Unmanned Aircraft System Flight Operator (Drones) at Laurel Ridge Community College These costs are based on an estimated 1 semesters or 0.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$168	Per Credit	$2,688	$0	$2,688
Fees
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$48	0	$48
Auxiliary Fee	$4	Per Credit	$64	0	$64

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.