About This Program
Drones (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) are no longer a novelty — they’re a workforce reality. From logistics and agriculture to emergency response and infrastructure inspection, drone technology is reshaping how industries operate, creating strong and growing demand for professionals who understand both the operational and analytical dimensions of the field. For early-career learners and experienced professionals alike, a drone credential signals readiness for one of the most dynamic sectors in today's economy.
This three-course certificate program blends technology, data and policy to prepare you for real-world drone applications. Core themes in this certificate include Federal Aviation Administration regulations and airspace compliance, flight operations, data collection and geospatial mapping, and autonomous flight technologies. By the time you complete the certificate, you’ll be ready to apply these skills across industries, including logistics, agriculture, construction, emergency response and media production.
Designed For
Professionals in engineering, data analysis and logistics fields who use GIS in their current role and those interested in entering the field.
What You’ll Learn
The fundamentals of drones, including drone anatomy, flight mechanics, mission planning, regulatory compliance and topics covered on the FAA’s UAS Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test (FAA Part 107)
Industry-standard data collection, geospatial mapping and photogrammetry techniques to capture and interpret aerial data
Emerging drone technologies, including autonomous flight systems, multi-drone coordination, geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) and their operational implications
Real-world applications of drones across industries and professional environments
A sector-specific drone application or innovation proposal that showcases technical, analytical and strategic competencies, producing a portfolio-ready deliverable
Get Hands-On Experience
You’ll work with real-world imagery and develop and implement a range of GIS data applications and mapping products using Esri’s GIS & SiteScan software platform.
How It Works & Next Steps
To earn the certificate, complete the courses in the order below.
To get started, visit the first course page to see upcoming offerings and apply. If you already have an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, you can begin with Drone Data Collection & Analytics.
*You can take these courses individually without enrolling in the certificate program.
Career Stats
22%
Projected job growth for operations research analysts in the U.S. (2024–2034)
$98,030
Average salary for operations research analysts in Washington state (2025)
6%
Projected job growth for cartographers and photogrammetrists in the U.S. (2024–2034)
$96,100
Average salary for cartographers and photogrammetrists in Washington state (2025)
Career-Ready Credentials
When you complete this program, you’ll earn a certificate and a digital achievement badge you can use to showcase your professional development. You’ll also earn achievement badges for each course you complete.
Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.
