Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Fundamentals, Certificate of Achievement

School of Applied Technologies (AT)

This certificate provides students with the fundamental skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully implement a UAS project.  Topics include safety, regulations, flight skills and practice, and use of UAS-based data to generate products such as topographic models or imagery.  This certificate is appropriate for professionals currently working in construction management, surveying, mapping, marketing, and other fields utilizing UAS technology.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Educational Option Information

• This educational option is a Certificate of Achievement.
• This educational option can be completed:  One Term.
• This educational option is designed for: Students including professionals, who wish to learn the basics of UAS regulations, safety, flight skills, and work flows. 
• This educational option can be started:  Fall and Spring terms.
• Primary course location:  CNM Advanced Technology Center Campus.
• Special requirements for this educational option:
• The cost of a basic UAS is included as a $50 course fee on UAS 1010.
• Students completing UAS 1011 (UAS Standards, Regulations and Law and Exam Prep) can sit for the FAA Part 107 Exam.  The exam itself is not included as part of this educational option.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This program is NOT  financial aid eligible.
  • FA Ineligible Programs at CNM
  • Although the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, there are some possible outside funding options (i.e. VA, DVR, institutional funding, etc.). For more information go to http://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid.

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Certificate of Completion  is pending Financial Aid eligibility.

Educational Opportunities

Students completing this certificate can complete the UAS Certificate of Completion with one additional term.

Career Opportunities

UAS is a growth area with applications in a variety of fields.  New Mexico employers currently utilizing this technology represent construction and design, mapping, public safety, government and film industries.  According to the FAA, sales of UAS for commercial purposes are expected to grow from 600,000 in 2016 to 2.7 million by 2020 (https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=85227).  UAS also provides excellent entrepreneurial opportunities.

Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses

Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.