Unmanned Aerial Systems at College of Western Idaho
Overview
Exciting career opportunities.
From 2015-2025 "UAS integration is expected to contribute $82.1 billion to the nation’s economy by agriculture, public safety, and other activities; 103,776 new jobs will be created." according to AUVSI.
The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program at CWI will train you to work as a UAS Operations Specialists. The UAS program is designed to meet the rapidly growing workforce demands that many civilian industries are experiencing including agriculture, search and rescue, environmental and wildlife monitoring, border security, fire mapping, surveying and civil engineering, real estate photography, education, as well as, emergency and public services.
Program Highlights:
Emphasis will be placed on developing your ability to plan and implement UAS missions to capture data and digital imagery while taking into consideration mission security and the privacy of others. You will also learn how to process UAS data and digital Imagery using GIS, Photogrammetry, and digital image editing software.
- GIS Fundamentals
- Remote Sensing/GIS Integrations
- Digital Imagery Fundamentals
- Privacy & Security
- Flight Theory - Ground School
- Flight Labs
- Mission Planning
Program Benefits:
- Acquisition of the FAA Commercial Remote Pilot license (Part 107)
- Ground school concepts - Airspace, Aerodynamics, Weather
- Multi-rotor & fixed wing UAS operation skills
- UAS mission skills
- UAS problem evaluation, analysis, solution application
- Digital imagery fundamentals
- Mission security & privacy concerns
- GIS - Data & imagery applications
Mission
The mission of the CWI Unmanned Aerial Systems Program is to provide educational opportunities for students that will allow them to obtain excellent Unmanned Aerial Systems technical abilities, collaborate effectively in a team environment, adapt to change, seek life-long learning, effectively utilize technology and have an appreciation for the multiple perspectives, cultures, and contexts found in the scientific, government, corporate, educational, and municipal worlds that UAS exists and operates in.
Why This Program
UAS operations are growing at a tremendous rate. The Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates the UAS industry will create 100,000 jobs and have an economic impact of $82 billion through 2025. This program will give you hands on experience with the latest, industry-leading platforms and software. There is an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integration, a rapidly growing use of UAS.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time.
2 The Admission Deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full Academic Calendar for more information.
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Marketing
- Inspection
- Insurance
- Filming
- Photography
- Agriculture
- Public Safety
- Energy
- Journalism
- GIS
- Surveying
- Defense
- Wildlife
UAS operations are growing at a tremendous rate. The Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates the UAS industry will create 100,000 jobs and have an economic impact of $82 billion through 2025. This program will give you hands on experience with the latest, industry-leading platforms and software. There is an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integration, a rapidly growing use of UAS.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

CWI students and graduates used their skills to put on a drone light show at the 2022 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic’s Night Glow Spectacular.
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