Drone and Autonomous Systems
Associate in Science
Program Details
The Drone and Autonomous Systems Associate in Science Degree is designed to develop the skills necessary to facilitate transfer to a university and provide a comprehensive understanding of operations and development work with uncrewed aircraft systems across a wide range of industries, such as inspection, mapping, public safety, agriculture, and others. It also prepares students for upper division curriculum at a university in technical fields. Students complete a set of core requirements and a set of electives in their chosen area of emphasis. This degree requires a total of 22-26 units, in addition to other graduation requirements.
Drone and Autonomous Systems Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026.
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Certificate after high school, Associate's degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 53,730
- High salary: 120,440
- Average salary: 79830
Aerospace Engineers
Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 85,350
- High salary: 205,850
- Average salary: 134830
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Certificate after high school, Associate's degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 47,790
- High salary: 120,080
- Average salary: 78680
All Careers in Drone and Autonomous Systems (7)
| Aerospace Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 134,830 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training | Rising | 106,120 |
| Avionics Technicians | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 81,390 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Rising | 79,830 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Stable | 78,680 |
| Mechanical Drafters | Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree | Declining | 68,510 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school | Declining | 61,680 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Create a simple 3D scan or map from data collected by a drone.
- Define the basic laws established by the Federal Aviation Administration regarding drones.
- Execute a safe and proper takeoff and landing of a drone.
- Identify the five different types of airspace defined by the FAA