Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Certificate of Achievement Aviation and Aerospace Sciences · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The program curriculum allows students to explore the entirety of unmanned aircraft systems. Courses highlight specific characteristics of different aircraft, how they are built, and the fundamentals of control and propulsion systems. Students will explore how unmanned aircraft systems integrate into the larger aviation systems, including safety policies, regulations, and automation procedures.
The program can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students without any prior unmanned aircraft systems operating experience. Upon completion of the program students will be prepared to become commercial FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems operators, technicians, and programmers, or photo/videographers in various industry sectors in a broad range of applications.
Program Outcome
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for completion of UAS training and successful completion of federally administered knowledge examinations for remote pilot certification.
Requirements
Review Certificate Requirements.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| APT A131 | Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems | 3 |
| APT A160 | Introduction to UAS Automation | 4 |
| ELEC A100 | Electronic Problem Solving | 3 |
| FILM A228 | Photogrammetry and Volumetric Image Capture | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select six units from the following: | 6 | |
| APT A151 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Lab | |
| APT A152 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advanced Lab | |
| ELEC A111 | D.C. Circuits | |
| ELEC A223 | Embedded Control Systems | |
| FILM A110 | Film Production 1 | |
| PHOT A180 | Introduction to Professional Photography | |
| Total Units | 19 | |
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| APT A131 | Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems |
| FILM A228 | Photogrammetry and Volumetric Image Capture |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| APT A160 |
| ELEC A100 |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) |