SPECIALIZED EDUCATION
REAL-WORLD SKILLS
Career-Focused
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.
60
CREDIT HOURS
ONLINE +
HANDS-ON
DEAC
ACCREDITED
GI BILL®
ELIGIBLE
Programs
SDI offers the following online programs designed to help you reach your goals, no matter where you are in your career. We welcome students from all stages of life, from recent high school graduates to military veterans. SDI equips all students with the skills they need to pursue a career in firearms technology and the uncrewed aircraft systems industry.
OUR PROGRAMS
Find your path
Firearms Technology
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
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Uncrewed Technology
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
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YOUR PATH TO EXPERTISE
Semester-By-Semester Roadmap
SEMESTER 1
Foundations
- Firearms Mechanics
- Ammunition & Ballistics
- Shop Safety
- Firearms Laws
SEMESTER 2
hANDS-ON sKILLS
- Firearms Diagnostics
- Tools & Equipment
- Gunsmithing Techniques
- Firearm Modifications
SEMESTER 3
Advanced Technical
- Manual Lathe Operations
- Wood & Metalwork
- Precision Fitting
- Advanced Projects
SEMESTER 4
Professional Readiness
- Business Principles
- Elective Courses
- Applied Projects
- Career Preparation
Top 5 Benefits of Online Drone Education
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Leveling Up in the Firearms Industry: Richard’s SDI Journey
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Sonoran Desert Institute Named in Military Times 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges Rankings
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STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Life as an SDI Student
We offer multiple funding options and easy payment plans to help you achieve your goals.
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.
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Meet Our Qualified Instructors
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
B.S. in Aeronautics, Specialty in UAS
Scholarships
SUPPORTING AMBITION. INVESTING IN TOMORROW.
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Build a brighter future together
Achieve
Financial support for your goals
EXPLORE. APPLY. ACHIEVE.
SDI.EDU/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.
Take the next step
The future is built by those who take action. If you're ready, we're ready to put you on a new path.
Your Workbench Is Waiting.
Start building the technical skills needed for the firearms and uncrewed industries today.