SPECIALIZED EDUCATION
Build Your Future in Firearms and Drone Technology
Sonoran Desert Institute is a leader in online education for in-demand careers. Our industry-focused programs, expert instructors, and hands-on training help you build the skills and confidence to succeed in the firearms and uncrewed industries.
FLEXIBLE
LEARNING
HANDS-ON
TRAINING
INDUSTRY
FOCUSED
CAREER
SUPPORT
BY THE NUMBERS
The SDI Difference
Real impact. Real students. Real results.
25+
YEARS ONLINE
Proudly delivering industry-focused education since 2000
20,000+
STUDENTS SERVED
Helping students nationwide build skills and advance their careers
50
STATES REPRESENTED
Students from coast to coast trust SDI for their education.
90%+
MILITARY STUDENTS
Proudly supporting those who serve our country and their families
100%
ONLINE LEARNING
Flexible, accessible education you can complete from anywhere
DEAC
ACCREDITED
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission
COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS. FOCUSED ON YOUR FUTURE.
OUR PROGRAMS
Choose your path
Firearms Technology
Learn firearm design, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and industry business practices.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN FIREARMS TECHNOLOGY
60 Credits / Four 16-Week Semesters
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CERTIFICATE IN FIREARMS TECHNOLOGY – GUNSMITHING
32 Credits / Two 16-Week Semesters
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CERTIFICATE IN FIREARMS TECHNOLOGY – HANDGUN SPECIALIST
16 Credits / One 20-Week Semester
VIEW PROGRAM →
Uncrewed Technology
Explore drone operations, UAS technology, aerial systems, and emerging commercial applications.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN UNCREWED TECHNOLOGY
60 Credits / Four 20-Week Semesters
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CERTIFICATE IN UNCREWED TECHNOLOGY – AERIAL SYSTEMS
16 Credits / One 20-Week Semester
VIEW PROGRAM →
TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A PROFESSION
Career Outcomes
Firearms Technology
Uncrewed Technology
FROM APPLICATION TO GRADUATION
How SDI Works
We make it simple to start your education and achieve your goals. Here’s what your journey looks like from day one to graduation day.
Apply
Submit your online application and connect with Admissions.
Enroll
Finalize enrollment, financial aid, and student onboarding.
Receive Materials
Tools and materials needed for your courses are shipped to you.
Learn Online
Complete coursework through SDI's flexible online learning platform.
Build Skills
Progress through industry-focused courses taught by experts.
Graduate
Earn your credential and pursue opportunities in your industry.
SDI has given me the knowledge and resources to help me accomplish the career I was aiming for. Now I am a shotgun technician for a reputable company and I enjoy going to work every day. Thank you, SDI for making it possible.
RODEO MCCUMBER
2023 SDI Graduate – ASFT
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE WORKING ON
Student Projects
Edward Ronquillo
Glock 43X Custom
2023 Graduate
Jermaine Nixon
Radical Arms 300 Blackout
2021 Graduate
Jerry Anderson
Glock 17 Gen 3
2023 Graduate
Why students choose SDI
SDI combines industry-specific education with the flexibility of online learning, so you can build the skills you need for a career that fits your life.
TRADITIONAL COLLEGE
Fixed class schedules
Relocation often required
General education focus
Limited military specialization
SDI ADVANTAGE
FLEXIBLE ONLINE LEARNING
Study when and where it works for you
LEARN FROM ANYWHERE
No need to relocate. Stay close to home.
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC PROGRAMS
Focused on firearms and uncrewed technologies
STRONG MILITARY SUPPORT
GI Bill® approved and veteran-focused
DEAC Accredited
Quality education you can trust
Military Friendly
Proudly supporting those who serve
Online Learning
Engaging, flexible, and designed for you
Hands-On Projects
Real-world skills you can put to work
Financial Aid
We'll help you explore your options
BUILT FOR THOSE WHO SERVE
Military Students
We’re here to help you transition your skills into a meaningful career You served our country – now let us serve you.
ACTIVE DUTY
Tuition assistance, federal benefits and transfer credit support
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VETERANS
Use your VA benefits and get the support you’ve earned.
LEARN MORE >
QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS
Learn From Industry Professionals
Our instructors bring real-world experience from the firearms and uncrewed industries to deliver training that’s practical, relevant, and mission-focused.
Thea Miller
Faculty Manager
Teaching at SDI since 2021
Master of Public Administration
Scott Parr
Full-Time Faculty
Teaching at SDI since 2020
BA, Human Communication
James McDanolds
Director of Uncrewed Technology Programs
Teaching at SDI since 2022
BS, Aeronautics with a Specialty in UAS
Your Workbench Is Waiting.
Start building the technical skills needed for the firearms and uncrewed industries today. Our admissions team is here to help you every step of the way.