Single-course enrollment
Hands-on. 4, 5, or 8 weeks. No full program required.
Whether you’re building on your gunsmithing experience or exploring uncrewed tech, SDI’s single-course enrollment gives you focused, hands-on training without the full program commitment. These are the same student-favorite courses from our degree and certificate programs—now available individually.
What makes SDI’s courses different?
- Hands-On Kits – Many courses include materials shipped directly to your home or FFL
- Flexible Scheduling – Monthly start dates, weekly goals, no set login times
- Online Convenience – Coursework available 24/7, study from anywhere
- Accelerated Formats – Complete in just 4, 5, or 8 weeks
- Course Variety – 20+ options across firearms and drone tech topics
Tuition and Payment Info
SDI’s single-course enrollment offers straightforward pricing with no commitment to a full program.
Tuition and Fees
For students taking individual courses (non-grad pricing):
- $360 per credit hour for most courses
- $455 per credit hour for Handgun Specialist courses (FTT 101, FTH 202, FTH 212, FTH 223)
- $0 Educational Resource Fee (ERF) if tuition is paid in full and enrolled before 12/31/2025
- (ERF is normally $700 per semester)
SDI Graduate Tuition and Fees and Friend/Family Referrals
Available when students enroll in their course and pay in full before 12/31/2025:
- $250 per credit hour for most single courses
- $350 per credit hour for Handgun Specialist courses
- $0 Educational Resource Fee (ERF) if tuition is paid in full and enrolled before 12/31/2025
- (ERF is normally $700 per semester)
- Available to:
- SDI Degree and Certificate Programs graduates
- Friends and family referred by SDI Degree and Certificate Programs graduates
Note: Firearms, which will be shipped to the student’s selected Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), will be subject to the selected FFL’s handling fee.
Apply NowCourse Materials and Kits
Included Tools & Kits
Many courses include tools, components, or firearms shipped to students or their FFLs.
Handgun Specialist Courses – Optional Materials Fee
- Option 1 – SDI-Managed Materials: Pay $500 and SDI ships all tools/firearms to you.
- Option 2 – Source It Yourself: Use SDI’s official list to acquire approved tools/firearms independently.
How To Get Started
1 – Choose Your Course
Browse the course schedule and find the course that interests you. Click the ➤ icon next to any course to expand important info:
- Prerequisites (if required)
- Course objectives
- Upcoming start dates
- Pricing
2 – Apply and enroll
When you’re ready, click here to complete your application and secure your seat.
Most Popular Courses
Gunsmithing Platform Courses
Covers 1911 parts, maintenance, tuning, customization, and full pistol builds. Students receive a 1911-style handgun, gauges, tools, and materials to complete hands-on assignments.
4 Credit Hours, 8-weeks, Firearm included – FFL transfer required
Covers AR-15/AR-10/AR-9 platform builds, function, tools, and techniques. Students receive a full tool kit and choose one AR build kit (AR-15, AR-10, or AR-9) to complete hands-on projects. CA/NY-compliant kits available
4 Credit Hours, 8-weeks, Firearm included – FFL transfer required
Covers pump shotgun builds, function, teardown, and gunsmithing techniques. Students receive a pump-action shotgun and a complete tool kit for lab assignments and hands-on work.
4 Credit Hours, 8-weeks, Firearm included – FFL transfer required
Handgun Specialist Courses
Covers revolver function, parts, history, troubleshooting, and customization techniques. Students may purchase an optional materials kit from SDI, which includes a double-action revolver and tools needed to complete hands-on assignments.
Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTH 202 course.
4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks
Covers striker-fired pistol builds, function, stippling, and performance customization. Students may purchase an optional materials kit from SDI, which includes a stripped frame, pistol parts, tools, and supplies for hands-on work.
Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTH 212 course.
4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks
Covers hammer-fired pistol function, malfunctions, upgrades, and hands-on gunsmithing projects. Students may purchase an optional materials kit from SDI, which includes a complete pistol and components for diagnostic and performance work.
Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTH 223 course.
4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks
Explore More Courses
Labs and finish work
FTT 101: Mechanics in Firearms
Covers firearm fundamentals, operating systems, and the mechanics behind various platforms. Students apply concepts through hands-on identification and function exercises using a supplied tool kit. Access to a firearm is required for labs. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
FTT 104: Gunsmithing Tools Lab
Covers essential gunsmithing hand tools, techniques, and maintenance. Students perform detailed disassembly and practice precision work using the provided tool kit. Requires access to a firearm that can be disassembled. 2 Credit Hours, 4 Weeks.
FTT 114: Custom Kydex Lab
Covers holster design and thermoforming techniques using modern materials. Students create one- and two-piece holsters from supplied Kydex kits. 2 Credit Hours, 4 Weeks.
FTT 201: Finishes and Engraving
Covers metal preparation, polishing, and finishing processes including bluing, Parkerizing, spray finishes, and hydrographics. Introduces engraving and customization methods. 4 Credit Hours, 8 Weeks.
FTT 210: Customizing and Woodworking
Covers stock selection, shaping, and custom fitting for firearm applications. Students repair, inlet, and install new stocks to match customer specifications, including recoil pad installation. Materials and tools provided for hands-on projects. 4 credits. 8-weeks, Firearm included – FFL transfer required
FTT 214: Hand Checkering Lab
Covers the process of hand checkering wood stocks and pistol grips using precision cutting tools. Students practice layout, groove cutting, and pattern techniques with all materials supplied. Checkering tool kit with replaceable heads, wood stock, and gauge provided. 2 Credit Hours, 4 Weeks.
FTT 221: Sights, Optics, and Accuracy
Covers rifle accuracy fundamentals, sight installation, and optic mounting. Students learn rifle bedding techniques, trigger upgrades, long-range maintenance, and precision inspection methods. Scope base, rifle scope, rings, and lapping kit provided. 4 Credit Hours, 8 Weeks.
Business and management
FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan
Covers the steps to research, outline, and present a professional business plan for a firearms-related venture. Includes marketing, financial, and operations considerations. 4 Credit Hours, 8 Weeks.
FTT 240: Shooting Sports Management
Covers the foundations of launching and managing a firearms-related business. Students explore FFL rules, business operations, recordkeeping, marketing, and industry-specific bookkeeping. 3 Credit Hours, 8 Weeks.
Uncrewed systems
UAS 101: UAS Fundamentals
Covers the history, design, and operation of uncrewed aerial systems. Students explore flight principles, FAA regulations, and major UAS components using a programmable drone kit. Small programmable drone kit with controller and batteries provided. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
UAS 202: UAS Aviation Management
Covers safety, operations, maintenance, and organizational culture in UAS aviation. Students explore risk management, pilot responsibilities, and FAA commercial regulations for operating in national airspace. Fleet management software access provided. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
UAS 205: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
Covers UAV-based GIS data collection, post-processing, and analysis. Students conduct flight operations and process aerial data using GIS software tools and real drone-collected datasets. Access to ArcGIS Pro software and multiple GIS datasets provided. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
UAS 213: sUAS Design, Build, and Fly
Covers assembly and configuration of a small uncrewed aircraft system. Students build a quadcopter, install flight components, and conduct stable flight testing. Full quadcopter kit and Pixhawk autopilot components supplied. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
UAS 234: sUAS Thermography Level 1
Covers the science and application of aerial infrared imaging. Students use a handheld thermal camera to capture and analyze thermal data for real-world inspection projects. Handheld thermal sensor provided. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
UAS 250: FAA sUAS Professional Remote Pilot
Covers flight operations, airspace regulations, navigation, and risk management. Prepares students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam using a simulator and compact drone. Compact drone, controller, and simulator access provided; prepares for FAA knowledge exam. Prerequisite: UAS 101. 4 Credit Hours, 5 Weeks.
View Full Materials ListAdditional Notes
- Single-course enrollments are not eligible for Title IV, VA, TA or GI Bill® funding.
- Tuition is locked in at the time of enrollment if the student remains continuously enrolled.
- Tuition rates are subject to change.
- These courses may count for credit toward the full program.
- Courses that include firearms or serialized components are subject to state-specific restrictions. Students are responsible for ensuring legal eligibility to receive these items in their state.
- Course space may be limited due to enrollment capacity or availability of materials. Not all start dates may be open.
- Other payment options may be available:
- SDI accepts funds from 529 college savings plans and employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs. Contact Admissions for details.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.