GCCC Launches New Drone Technology Courses with Evening and Weekend Options
Garden City Community College is giving students and community members a new opportunity to develop practical drone technology skills through two eight-week courses offered in evening and weekend formats this fall.
The courses, Introduction to UAS (UAST-100) and UAS Applications (UAST-103), will run from October 12 through December 10, 2026. Both will be taught by Adam Oyler in the GCCC STEM Success Center, located in the Warren Fouse Science/Math Building.
Introduction to UAS will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:25 p.m. The course provides a foundation in unmanned aircraft systems, including aircraft platforms, components, classifications, and industry applications. Students will also learn about principles of flight and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and how commercial UAS operations fit within the National Airspace System.
UAS Applications will meet Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course focuses on how drones are used across multiple industries. Students will explore operational requirements, data collection techniques, and industry standards while gaining experience with mission planning, data capture, and basic data processing. Students will also create professional-grade deliverables based on industry-specific applications.
The courses are part of GCCC’s new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology (UAST) program, designed to prepare students with practical drone technology skills for a variety of professional and commercial applications.
Drones are being used across a growing number of industries, including agriculture, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, aerial videography, and more. GCCC's program provides students with opportunities to learn how drone technology is used in real-world commercial applications while developing skills that can be applied across multiple industries.
The evening and weekend schedules are designed to provide flexibility for individuals who work during traditional class hours while giving participants an opportunity to build skills that can be applied in their current careers or future career opportunities.
“These courses provide an opportunity for people to build practical drone technology skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries,” said Oyler. “Students will learn both the fundamentals of UAS and how drones are being used to collect information, solve problems and support businesses and organizations.”
The courses are part of GCCC's 19-credit Drone Technology Certificate A, which provides a focused pathway for students interested in developing skills in UAS technology and commercial drone applications.
The courses are open to anyone interested in learning about drone technology and its applications. The first step is to complete GCCC's free admissions application by visiting gcccks.edu/apply.
Questions about the courses, certificate, or enrollment can be directed to Michael Cole, GCCC Technical Recruiter/Advisor, at michael.cole@gcccks.edu.
Courses at a Glance
- Introduction to UAS (UAST-100)
- Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6–8:25 p.m.
- Oct. 12–Dec. 10, 2026
- UAS Applications (UAST-103)
- Saturdays | 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Oct. 12–Dec. 10, 2026
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