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Demand for those who can operate drones, or remotely piloted aircraft, is on the rise! You will gain essential skills in drone operation with this Drone Operator microcredential, including preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft General Small (UAG) exam, a requirement to receive your Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. You will gain experience with different flight systems, learn basic troubleshooting techniques for ground control stations and maintenance. Unique to this microcredential is a focus on quality images and the resulting photos and videos made from drone footage. You will gain experience in exposure, composition and editing, increasing your marketability in a wide variety of industries including agriculture, real estate, insurance, construction, public safety, film and television, and more. This microcredential provides a value add for those seeking careers focusing on drones. It can also be a great way to add specialized skills for those in photography, video and digital media production. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares you for continued study and, with your FAA certificate, to immediately apply for drone operator positions as well as positions in video production, marketing and communications.
Credits earned in the completion of this microcredential can be applied toward completion of a related certificate or degree program. It is a building block that gives you a jump start to education and career success.
Each campus will confirm final costs. The estimated tuition shown above is based on NYS residency for this institution. Tuition can vary based on full- or part-time attendance, residency and whether the courses are undergraduate or graduate. Additional costs include fees and books. Some available grant funding for eligible students may be highlighted on this page. For information on other possible financial support to help you pay for your microcredential, please visit our For You page.
Each campus will confirm final cost. Some available grant funding for eligible students may be highlighted on this page. For information on other possible financial support to help you pay for your microcredential, please visit our For You page.
SUNY's microcredentials are setting the standard nationally and internationally for high-quality, stackable credentials designed for today's learner. All of SUNY's microcredentials are designed to be:
Academic quality is paramount in the development and approval of SUNY microcredentials.
Each microcredential has immediate value and, where possible, stacks together with other microcredentials.
Microcredentials are designed to meet current and emerging market needs and align with relevant industry standards.
Completion of our microcredentials is recorded on your transcript and/or highlighted in a digital badge so your accomplishments travel with you.
Inaugural recipient of the Business Council of NYS Workforce Innovation Award