Bachelors of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems

The Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems at Fullerton College is the first program of its kind in California, designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors. Built on a strong foundation of technical skills and real-world application, the degree combines hands-on flight operations, advanced sensor technologies, autonomous platforms (aerial, maritime, and terrestrial), data acquisition and analytics, regulations, safety management, and professional standards. Students learn not just how to pilot and deploy drones, but how to design, manage, and lead missions across industry environments.

A Tech Degree for Tomorrow’s Workforce

 

Unlike traditional aviation programs, Fullerton College’s Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems emphasizes workforce development, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates gain practical experience with enterprise systems, LiDAR mapping, autonomous inspections, and fleet operations while working with industry partners, participating in field projects, registered apprenticeships, and experiential learning opportunities. The program is designed to meet the current demand for highly skilled operators, technicians, analysts, and system managers, preparing students with the skills, credentials, and professional networks needed to succeed in the autonomous technology field.

2+2 Model
The Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems follows a 2+2 model that offers students an affordable and smooth pathway to graduation. Students first earn the Associate of Science  in Drone and Autonomous Systems degree, covering all the lower-division technical and general education requirements for the bachelor’s program. 

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

DECEMBER 1, 2025 –
FEBRUARY 28, 2026

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Current students at Fullerton College

    • Close to completing the Associate of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems degree
    • Apply for the bachelors degree below 

New students at Fullerton College  

    • Apply for general admission to the college
    • Schedule a meeting with a counselor
    • Start completing the requirements for the Associate of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems degree 

Transfer students to Fullerton College

    • Apply for general admission to the college
    • Request transcripts from other colleges be sent to FC.
    • Schedule a meeting with a counselor
    • Complete the application for the bachelors program below. 

For information and to apply for the apprenticeship program, contact Fullerton Drone Lab Director
Jay Seidel at:  jseidel@fullcoll.edu

OVERVIEW

The Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems at Fullerton College is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the rapidly expanding fields of drone operations, autonomous platforms, robotics, and data acquisition. Admission to the program is selective and based on a combination of academic achievement, technical aptitude, and demonstrated interest in the field. This admissions policy is developed under guidelines established by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office for baccalaureate programs and the North Orange County Community College District.

ELEGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

  1. Completion of Lower-Division Coursework
      • Completion of 34 semester units of CalGETC GE requirements
      • Completion of 25 units of lower-division core requirements
        • DRON 105 F (Formerly TECH 151) Applied Drone Piloting (TECH 151)
        • DRON 120 F (Formerly TECH 160) Infrared Thermal Imaging Level 1
        • DRON 130 F (Formerly TECH 165) Aerial Mapping and Photogrammetry
        • DRON 140 F (Formerly TECH 140) Basic Drone Maintenance and Repair
        • DRON 201 F (Formerly TECH 158) Advanced Drone Piloting
        • CIS 201 F Introduction to Python Programming
        • CIS 261F Drone and Autonomous Device Programming
        • GEOG 230 F Map-Making with GIS
      • All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
  2. Minimum GPA
      • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the required lower-division coursework.
      • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the required lower-division major coursework.
  3. FAA Certification (Recommended)
      • Applicants are strongly encouraged to hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by the time they plan on taking upper-division coursework.

Students who have not yet obtained certification must submit a signed statement of intent outlining their plan to earn it by the end of their first semester in the program.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS

There is no application fee.

Applicants must submit the following as part of the application package:

  1. Statement of Purpose (Essay)
    • A 300-word essay describing:
      • Your personal interest in drone or autonomous systems technology.
      • A relevant experience, project, or activity that demonstrates an applicant’s skills or enthusiasm for the field.
      • How the bachelor’s degree will support the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal goals.
  2. Portfolio or Project Summary
    • Applicants should demonstrate applied experience or technical creativity in the field by submitting one of the following:
      • A portfolio including photos, videos, mission logs, or documentation from a drone-related project.
      • A project summary describing a completed or proposed drone, robotics, or autonomous system application, including goals, tools, and outcomes.
  3. Unofficial Transcripts
    • Submit unofficial transcripts from all academic institutions you attended.
COURSES

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Drone and Autonomous Systems will need to complete 120 total units.  They consist of:

  • CalGETC GE requirements – 34 units

Lower Division Major Core Requirements – 25 units

  • Students will need to take the following courses:
    • DRON 105 F (Formerly TECH 151) Applied Drone Piloting
    • DRON 120 F (Formerly TECH 160) Infrared Thermal Imaging Level 1
    • DRON 130 F (Formerly TECH 165) Aerial Mapping and Photogrammetry
    • DRON 140 F (Formerly TECH 140) Basic Drone Maintenance and Repair
    • DRON 201 F (Formerly TECH 158) Advanced Drone Piloting Skills
    • ESC 105 F Introduction to Weather and Climate
    • CIS 201 F Introduction to Python Programming
    • CIS 261 F Drone and Autonomous Device Programming Advanced
    • GEOG 230 F Map-Making with GIS

At this point, Students will earn their Associate of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems (The bachelor’s degree is really a 2 + 2 model where they earn both degrees).

**If they take TECH 127 Industrial Safety for 2 units (or show that they have their OSHA certification), the Division can allow for course substitutions, and they can earn their Uncrewed Aerial Systems Piloting Certificate.

Upper Division Required Courses (40 units):

  • CIS 361 F Drone and Autonomous Device Programming Advanced
  • CIS 461 F Drone and Autonomous Device Communications
  • CIS 462 F Drone and Autonomous Device Coordination and Behavior
  • DRON 305 F Drone Sensor Technology and Applications
  • DRON 320 F Safety Management Systems for Drone and Autonomous Technology
  • DRON 340 F Advanced Drone Maintenance and Aerodynamic Systems
  • DRON 350 F Drone Law
  • DRON 370 F Drone LiDAR Application and Operations
  • DRON 380 F Advanced Drone Operations
  • DRON 385 F Multiplatform Autonomous Operations and Management
  • DRON 415 F Introduction to Large Drone Operations
  • DRON 450 F Drone Operations Management
  • DRON 480 F Drone Practicum (4)

Upper Division Required GE Courses (9 units):

  • ENGL 301 F Technical Writing
  • ESC 330 F Sensing the Earth System
  • PHIL 361 F Technology and Ethics

Restricted Electives (12 units)

  • BUS 180 F Small Business Management
  • CIS 210 F Advanced Python Programming
  • CIS 212 F Robotic Programming
  • DRON 170 F Introduction to LiDAR acquisition
  • DRON 210 F Extended Drone Operations and Part 108
  • DRON 240 F Advanced Drone Maintenance
  • DRON 260 F (Formerly TECH 260) Multispectral & Hyperspectral Sensing with Drones
  • DRON 270 F Advanced LiDAR Acquisition
  • GEOG 231 F Spatial Analysis: Mapping for Solutions and Decision Making
  • GEOG 237 F Intermediate and Advanced GIS Applications
  • GEOG 238 F Principles of Map-Making and Cartographic Design
  • MKT 103 F Principles of Advertising

**While completing the Bachelor’s Degree, students will have the opportunity to earn the following certificates (based on the restricted electives they take):

    • Uncrewed Aerial Systems Piloting Certificate + OSHA
    • Drone Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate – by choosing BUS & MRKT
    • LiDAR Acquisition Technician Certificate – by choosing LiDAR Classes
    • Geospatial Technologies Certificate – by choosing GIS Courses
APPLY HERE