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The Drone Technology and Applications program at Harper College equips you with the skills and training to use Small Uncrewed Ariel Systems (sUAS or drones). This comprehensive program covers a wide range of concepts including drone operations, aerial photography, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. Whether you're aiming for a career in aerial surveying, agriculture, real estate, or emergency response, this program provides a solid foundation to help you succeed.
Harper College's Drone Technology and Applications Certificate provides foundational drone operations skills and allows you to develop either photography/videography for drone post-production or geospatial technology skills for mapping or GIS applications.
This certificate is closely tied to Harper’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate program which provides students with hands on experience with the latest GIS technology and techniques.
This 16 credit-hour certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use drones (Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) in variety of business and public sector domains working as pilots, drone image specialists, or remote sensing technicians. Drone technology is used in diverse fields including agriculture, ecological monitoring, cinematography, environmental management, insurance, mapping and surveying, military operations, mining, photography, public safety, real estate, search and rescue, and structural inspections.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| ART 250 | Introduction to Photographic Art | 3 |
Description: Employs digital technology as a medium for producing works of photographic art. Basic techniques and processes for using a digital still camera, image editing software and archival print technology are used to investigate straight photography as well as high manipulated images. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit. Limited free camera loans available for duration of the course; contact the instructor for more information. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ART 251 | Intermediate Photographic Art | 3 |
Description: Moving beyond basic tools and techniques for generating digital photographic artworks, students explore varied digital image workflow strategies, studio photography and lighting, and emerging photographic technologies, such as drone aerial photography, video, and camera phones. Artwork output and presentation tactics are stressed. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit. Limited free camera loans and misc. photo equipment available for duration of the course; contact the instructor for more information. Although not a requirement, students interested in an introduction to photography are recommended to begin with ART 250 Introduction to Photographic Art. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| DRO 100 | Drone Pilot Ground School | 1 |
| DRO 101 | Mastering Drone Flight: Essential Skills and Techniques | 3 |
| DRO 102 | Drone Data Acquisition and Analysis | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select three credit hours from the following courses: | 3 | |
| GIS 200 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | |
| MCM 210 | Video Editing and Video Post-Production | |
Description: Focuses on using non-linear editing software to combine visuals and sound for a variety of genres and media types including cinematic storytelling, documentaries, news, and web series. Includes editing theory and techniques; film history; and post-production workflow including ingesting media, editing, sound mixing, color correction, and final delivery. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MCM 212 | Multi-Camera Production | |
Description: Introduces students to the application of fundamental multi-camera production techniques. Includes terminology, conceptualization, basic script writing, audio board operations, editing, shooting and lighting in multi-camera settings including live events, social media streaming and video conferencing. IAI MC 916A Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 16 | |
Want to learn more about Drone Technology and Applications courses? Contact contact Mukila Maitha, Associate Professor, Chair, Geography Department, at mmaitha@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6521 or contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700. You can also submit a request information form.