Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Certificate of Completion

School of Skilled Trades & Arts (STA)

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones, have become an important tool across a range of industries.  This program introduces the fundamentals of UAS safety and regulation, and emphasizes the use of UAS for high-precision measurement and mapping and other applications including construction management, surveying, marketing and others. Students will log flight hours using both fixed wing and multi-rotor airframes.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Educational Option Information

• This educational option is a Certificate of Completion.
• This educational option can be completed:  2 Terms.
• This educational option is designed for: Students including professionals, who wish to learn the basics of UAS regulations, safety, flight skills, and work flows.  More advanced applications to specific areas including mapping and surveying, and construction are also options for this certificate.
• This educational option can be started: Fall Term.
• 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 is a financial aid eligible program.
  • Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule
  • Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.

Educational Opportunities

This certificate is not intended for transfer.  It does include coursework included in CNM’s GIT program.

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.