Programs, courses, and specialized education and training opportunities for current and prospective UAV industry professionals continue to expand. Just this week, Commercial UAV News reported on the announcement by Fullerton College in California that it will launch a Bachelor of Science degree in Drone and Autonomous Systems in 2026. That announcement followed similar news from colleges, universities, high schools, and specialized training institutions around the US, announcements signalling a strong and growing commitment to training the next generation of uncrewed systems professionals.

That commitment is further reinforced by the news that the Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) has announced its new Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology (ASUT) online program. SDI, an Arizona-based school that focuses on training for the firearms and uncrewed technology industries, aims to train students for careers in drone-based commercial, public service, and military applications.  The program offers specialized coursework coupled with hands-on training across four 20-week semesters. Classes began this month.

To learn more about the ASUT program, Commercial UAV News spoke with James McDanolds, Program Chair, School of Unmanned Technology at SDI. We discussed the components of the program, the need for specialized training in the drone industry, and what’s next for uncrewed systems education.

Commercial UAV News: Tell us about the creation of the ASUT program. What factors did you consider when developing the coursework? What input did you get from students, faculty and industry leaders?

McDanolds: The ASUT program was created to provide a wider understanding of UAS beyond basic flight skills, Part 107 regulations, and operational management. It focuses on designing, building, testing, and flying sUAS for various industry applications such as thermography and using UAVs for Geospatial Intelligence Systems applications. Input from industry leaders, conferences like AUVSI Exponential and Commercial UAV Expo, and experienced faculty shaped the program’s development. Additionally, feedback from students in the Certificate of Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems program, active since 2022, continues to refine and enhance the curriculum. We continue to collect and gather key industry needs and workflow changes throughout industry connections to ensure we keep the program up to date with the latest practices and procedures. 

Commercial UAV News: What are SDI’s goals for the ASUT program? 

McDanolds: The program launched on December 2, 2024, with over 100 students enrolled and continues to grow with monthly start dates attracting more participants. Our primary goal is to ensure students graduate with industry-relevant skills, including building, setting up, and flying UAVs from different component kits, understanding basic electronics, conducting flight test campaigns, and mastering workflows like using drones for GIS. Students also learn to operate various sensors for commercial applications and complete practical training for roles in the UAS field. Upon completing the program, graduates qualify for positions such as UAS Operator, Flight Test Engineer, Project Manager, Designer, Field Geospatial-Intelligence Specialist, and Flight Operations Manager.

Commercial UAV News: In recent years, there have been many programs launched around the world to help train drone industry professionals. Why is it important for individuals to have specialized training in uncrewed systems rather than just “learning on the job”?

McDanolds: Specialized training in uncrewed systems is essential because it provides professionals with a strong baseline of knowledge, enabling them to adapt quickly to the fast-paced advancements in UAS technology. On-the-job training can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, but a well-prepared individual can minimize this burden by entering the field with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the industry. At SDI, we emphasize continuous improvement, teaching students not only foundational concepts but also fostering a mindset of lifelong learning to keep up with the ever-evolving UAS landscape. By equipping students with a solid understanding of UAS components and workflows, we empower them to stay ahead of industry changes and make immediate, meaningful contributions to their employers.

Commercial UAV News: Do you have plans to expand or enhance uncrewed technology training at SDI in the future?

McDanolds: Of course! The ASUT program already provides a strong foundation, equipping students with skills for UAS development and understanding the full workflow for specific industry applications like GIS. With that said, the UAS industry is continuously evolving, and we're always exploring opportunities to expand and innovate our offerings. From building and maintaining UAVs to leveraging them for a growing range of applications, the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned – We have exciting ideas in the pipeline to further enrich our programs at SDI and meet the needs of this growing field.