EDUCATION THAT LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE UAS INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Program Details
Convenient Online Coursework
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology (ASUT) program at Sonoran Desert Institute offers a dynamic and comprehensive education for those passionate about the rapidly growing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) field. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for various commercial, public service, and military roles. Our mix of online and hands-on classes allows students to learn and practice efficiently and conveniently.
Coursework
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology Degree program consists of 60 semester credit hours divided into four 20-week semesters. Thanks to our flexible learning options, students can study at any time of day that suits them best. However, they will still engage with other online learners and SDI instructors as part of the weekly assignment requirements.
Course availability may vary each semester. Not all courses may be offered each term.
Uncrewed Technology Discipline
32 credit hours
Courses
UAS 101: UAS Fundamentals*,
UAS 201: sUAS Sensors and Remote Sensing,
UAS 213: sUAS Design, Build, and Fly,
UAS 231: UAS Flight Test & Evaluation
UAS 234: sUAS Thermography Level I,
UAS 250: FAA sUAS Professional Remote Pilot,
UET 102: Fundamentals of Electronics,
SYS 212: Project Management for UAS Engineering and Technology
*UAS 101 is a prerequisite to all other discipline-specific courses in the Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology Degree.
General Education
15 credit hours
Course
MAT 101: Mathematics for the Technical Trades,
AGT 100: American Government,
SCI101: Introduction to Physical Science,
ENG 101: English Composition I,
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
Student Success
1 credit hour
Course
SDI: 101 Success in Distance Learning
Major Elective Options
12 credit hours
Courses
UAS: 202 UAS Aviation Management,
UAS: 205 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems,
SYS: 201 UAS Systems Engineering Management
To view a full list of course descriptions, click below.
View CourseworkTuition & Funding
This program is approved for use of the GI Bill® and other Veterans Assistance and military benefits, as well as Federal Student Aid (FSA), based on eligibility. Click on the links below for more details regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid. Please contact the Admissions department for more info at admissions@sdi.edu or 480-999-4767.
Program Outcomes
Learn what you love from the comfort of your home
The Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology degree program offers SDI students the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and how to navigate the dynamic and rapidly growing UAS industry without traveling or relocating. Upon completion, students will have a solid foundation in UAS technology, positioning them for success in various advanced educational or career pathways.
With the successful completion of this program, a student will be able to do the following:
- Describe the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to contribute to UAS operations in roles such as remote pilots, sensor operators, technicians, data analysts, mission planners, or program/project managers.
- Demonstrate proficiency in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting uncrewed aircraft systems.
- Discuss important system elements of UAS technology, including airframes, flight controls, propulsion, sensors, and communication systems.
- Explain the multidisciplinary nature of UAS technology with respect to regulations, aviation principles, aeronautics, electronics, remote sensing, wireless communications, data analysis, and computer science, enabling them to approach UAS operations from a comprehensive perspective.
- Plan UAS missions to collect data for post-flight analysis.
- Analyze UAS mission data using industry-standard tools/software to make informed recommendations or decisions.
- Demonstrate professional integrity and ethical conduct in all UAS-related work and explain federal regulations, industry standards, and ethical guidelines for UAS operations in the U.S. National Air Space.
- Use effective verbal and written communication skills to clearly and concisely articulate technical concepts to supervisors, team members, stakeholders, and customers, and compose well-written findings, recommendations, and reports.
- Demonstrate a safety focus to identify and assess potential risks, implement appropriate safety protocols, and effectively manage risks associated with all UAS operations.
- Explain aviation authorities’ legal requirements and guidelines and apply their knowledge to design compliant missions for legal operations throughout the United States.
- Practice problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to analyze operational scenarios, identify issues, and devise solutions for UAS operations; demonstrate adaptability to unexpected challenges, including making justifiable decisions during real-time scenarios.
- Advocate “Drones are Good” concepts and defend the industry’s safe, legal, ethical, and responsible use of UAS.
Completion Requirements
To earn an Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology degree, a student must do the following:
- Successfully complete all coursework required in the degree program.
- Complete at least 45 credit hours of discipline-specific coursework.
- Complete at least 15 credit hours of general education coursework.
- Complete the program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.
- Meet all financial obligations to the institute.
Completion of the Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology degree does not require additional specialized training, practicum, or externships.
My time at SDI was fun, filled with a ton of new knowledge that I was able to apply in both my personal and professional life. I appreciate the instructors passing on their wealth of information and showing us why they love what they do.
Micah Ennis2023 SDI Graduate, Associate of Science in Firearms Technology
Scholarships
SDI offers different scholarships that help military-connected and first-responder students pay for education. Visit our scholarships page to learn more about eligibility requirements and see other outside scholarships available.
View ScholarshipsTools & Materials
Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook. We believe that online learning should include opportunities to ingest, explain, and demonstrate what you’ll learn as a student. Within your online classroom, you’ll access electronic coursebooks and supplemental multimedia resources, interact with students and instructors, submit assignments and exams, and find extra-curricular ways to make the most of your time as an SDI student. Some courses will also include a hard copy reference book for future use. Plus, SDI programs include a number of entry-level tools to help set you up for success after graduation. Each course has its own required, suggested, and provided tools, so feel free to check out our Lab Tools List to get a feel for what you’ll need and have during your coursework.
Lab Tool ListGI 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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.