Program Overview

Introduction to the Drone Academy

The Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning's Drone Academy is a five-module, non-credit program geared towards both enthusiastic hobbyists and working professionals who are interested in gaining the knowledge and skills needed for drone operation, aerial photography & videography, FAA-certification exam preparation, and computational photography and 3D mapping.

Program Overview

Each module can be completed as a stand-alone option, and participants can customize the program to their particular areas of interest. Some modules have prerequisites, which are listed in the descriptions below. Participants who complete all modules will gain a strong understanding of safe drone aviation, be prepared to pass the FAA exam successfully, learn the best practices for making quality aerial stills and videos using Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, and learn how to use Px4d software for landscape mapping and 3D modeling.

Program Descriptions

Safe Drone Operator

In this 8-hour module, participants will learn the fundamentals of drone components and terminology. They will receive hands-on experience to become acquainted with the proper techniques in safe Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flying and remote control (RC) commands. Participants will learn basic flight training and patterns, safe environmental conditions for flight, and automated drone functions. Each class will include hands-on experience with a University-owned drone.

• Spring 2026:
  • Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
    Classroom (Morrill 108), outdoors
  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8 a.m. - 12 p.m
    Classroom (Morrill 108), outdoors

Drone Pilot FAA Test Preparation

In this five-hour module, the instructor will provide an overview of the material for the FAA's "Airman Knowledge Test". This will include the basics of legal and safe UAS flight, weather considerations, review of the National Airspace and Aeronautical Charts through lecture and online supplements, and sample questions that have been used on the FAA test. Following the conclusion of the class, each participant will receive access to supplemental materials that will help them continue preparing for the FAA test.

• Spring 2026:
  • Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6:30 – 9 p.m.
    Synchronous Online
  • Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 6:30 – 9 p.m.
    Synchronous Online

Drone Photography and Videography – Part 1

In this six-hour module, participants will review camera controls and settings on a UAS and learn the flight techniques that will achieve the best aerial photographs and videos. UAS cameras will be compared by resolution, sensors, and settings to demonstrate different capabilities. Participants will also receive an introduction to Photoshop using provided photography and an introduction to video acquisition and Final Cut Pro software. (Pre-requisite: Safe Drone Operator or prior experience flying drones)

• Spring 2026:
  • Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Classroom (Morrill 108), outdoors
  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
    Classroom (Buley 206)

Drone Photography and Videography – Part 2

In this six-hour module, participants will learn how to capture photos, videos, and cinematic shots while performing intermediate flight techniques. Participants will learn about the camera controls and automated RC features that will allow them to enhance their aerial photography and videography. Participants will also learn more advanced skills in Photoshop and Final Cut Pro using some of the photographs and videos they have captured in class. (Pre-requisite: Drone Photography and Videography – Part 1)

• Spring 2026:
  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Classroom (Morrill 108), outdoors
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
    Classroom (Buley 206)

Introduction to Landscape and 3D Modeling

In this 3-hour module, participants will be introduced to computational photography and mapping as it relates to drones - Landscape and 3D Modeling using Structure from Motion (SfM) software with imagery acquired via UAS. SfM image capture techniques, processing, and product use will be covered.

• Spring 2026:
  • Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
    Synchronous Online

Module Pricing

• Safe Drone Operator: $350
• Drone Pilot FAA Test Preparation: $250
• Drone Photography and Videography (Part 1): $250
• Drone Photography and Videography (Part 2): $250
• Introduction to Landscape and 3D Modeling: $150
• First Responder Drone: $99

Instructors

Jonathan Elmer

Mr. Jonathan Elmer is a current adjunct faculty member in the Journalism Department of the School of Arts & Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University and has been an FAA-certified drone pilot since 2016. He was a member of the inaugural class at the Drone Journalism Workshop at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 2016.

Jacob Zonderman

Jacob Zonderman, is an adjunct professor in the Journalism Department at Southern Connecticut State University. As an FAA Part 107 sUAS license holder and drone operator, Zonderman teaches SCSU's basic drone classes, and in the public Drone Academy. He is a freelance multimedia journalist, audio production specialist and musician.