Leader in Drone Education
The Fullerton Drone Lab at Fullerton College
Discover the Future in Drone technology
Unlock the potential of drone and autonomous systems technology at the Fullerton Drone Lab, where innovation meets opportunity. Our cutting-edge programs provide hands-on training and expert instruction, preparing you for careers in diverse industries that are shaping the future.
From aerial photography and precision agriculture to infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and emergency response, drones are transforming the way industries operate. Dive into the thrilling world of FPV (First Person View) drones, where speed and precision create opportunities in filmmaking, racing, and beyond. Learn how autonomous systems are revolutionizing logistics, maritime research, and more.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Fullerton Drone Lab equips you with the skills, certifications, and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field. Join us and elevate your career in drone and autonomous technology today!
Academic and Workforce Development Pathways
The Fullerton College Drone Technology Department, known as the Fullerton Drone Lab, offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive educational and workforce development pathways in drone and autonomous systems technology. Whether you are exploring drones as a hobby, seeking career advancement, transitioning into a new profession, or pursuing a college degree, our programs provide flexible entry points and stackable pathways designed to meet your goals.
Students may enroll in individual courses to gain specific skills or certifications without committing to a full academic program. This flexibility allows working professionals, public safety personnel, military veterans, educators, and industry employees to receive targeted training in specialized drone applications.
For those seeking structured educational pathways, the Drone Technology Department offers a variety of career-focused certificate programs.
Many of these certificates are designed as stackable credentials, allowing students to progressively build knowledge and skills while advancing toward higher educational achievements.
Students seeking a college degree may pursue one of two Associate of Science degrees.
Associate degree programs combine technical coursework with general education requirements, preparing graduates for both employment and continued academic study.
The department also offers the Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems, the first bachelor’s degree of its kind on the West Coast. This advanced degree prepares students for leadership, management, operations, research, and emerging technology careers within the rapidly expanding autonomous systems industry.
A common educational pathway begins with the Uncrewed Aerial Systems Piloting Certificate, which can be applied toward the Associate of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems and ultimately culminates in the Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems. This pathway enables students to earn industry-relevant credentials while steadily progressing toward advanced academic and career opportunities.
For individuals seeking paid workforce training and direct industry experience, Fullerton College also offers the Hornet Drone Piloting Registered Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices earn wages while gaining real-world experience with employer partners and completing Related Technical Instruction (RTI) coursework. Completion of the Uncrewed Aerial Systems Piloting Certificate is incorporated into the apprenticeship training pathway, ensuring participants receive both hands-on experience and formal academic credentials.
Through certificates, degrees, apprenticeships, industry partnerships, and specialized training opportunities, the Fullerton Drone Lab provides multiple pathways into one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the world. Whether your goal is to become a professional drone pilot, autonomous systems technician, entrepreneur, researcher, inspector, cinematographer, or industry leader, Fullerton College offers a pathway to help you reach it.
3 Core Areas of Focus
Piloting
Manufacturing
Application
Collaborations
Real-world experience is vital to students in their acquisition of applicable job skills. The Fullerton Drone Lab has a variety of collaborations established with professional companies and organizations where students use their drone skills to gain real-world experience and log professional flight hours. More collaborations with organizations in a variety of fields are being explored and added all the time.
Apprenticeships and Internships
Students can gain important real-world experience through projects with partners in our courses. They can also apply for our fully-funded federal and state certified apprenticeship program or one of our internships with our employer partners. Click below to find out more information and how you can get started.
Take a look at all of the courses and certificates available here!
Student Organizations
