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Fullerton College will soon offer students the opportunity to earn their own degree in drone autonomy.
The community college plans to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Drones and Autonomous Systems in 2026, making it the first college of its kind and the first on the West Coast.
Program director and Fullerton University professor Jay Seidel launched the program in 2018.
This combined Seidel’s passion for aviation and visual storytelling and eventually grew into what is now Fullerton Drone Lab.
“Personally, I’ve always had a passion for aviation ever since I was a kid,” Seidel said. “But as I got older, I discovered a passion for photography, videography, and visual storytelling. That’s what led me into the world of journalism.”
Seidel has been teaching journalism for 20 years, but the idea for the drone class came after he attended a drone journalism training run by the National Press Photographers Association.
What started as an idea for a drone class has grown into four professional certifications and two associate degrees, now a bachelor’s degree.
“We realized there was an opportunity here to create a cutting-edge training program that meets the needs of tomorrow’s workforce by preparing students now,” Seidel said.
Since initiating the program, Seidel has spent time developing the program by working with partners from various industries to consider how drones can be used and incorporate them into the program.
“There is an extraordinary level of excitement as far as putting this program together,” Seidel said. “But there’s definitely a sense of pride. I’m glad that this is groundbreaking and this is happening at Fullerton College and that I’m a part of it.”
The program is recognized by the FAA as part of its Collegiate Training Initiative, according to its website.
Not only will students learn what it takes to fly a drone safely, but they will also be prepared for a wide range of careers that utilize drones.
“Being part of the drone program creates a great community,” says Fullerton sophomore Blake Castillo. Castillo is in the drone program and is working toward a degree in both drones and autonomous systems with the Department of Justice.
Castillo said he became interested in using drones in public safety after coming across a video of them being used as part of a search and rescue team.
“This is a great tool to leverage that I highly recommend if you’re already stressed,” Castillo says. “Drones are a great way to extend that and add a little bit more to your portfolio.”
With the support of University President Dr. Cynthia Olivo and approval from the Chancellor’s Office, bachelor’s degrees are expected to begin in the fall of 2026.
“I am very ambitious for my students because, for me, with a bachelor’s degree in drones, I am confident that it will meet the needs of students who can compete for great jobs that offer great salaries. Because I know I can do it,” Olivo said.
“We always talk about jobs that we didn’t know would exist in the future. This is one of those areas where if you learn drone technology and autonomous systems, you can apply it anywhere in your career. It’s really exciting,” Olivo said. said.
Seidel explains that the workforce development aspect is an important part of the program.
Two years ago, the company launched the nation’s first registered apprenticeship program for drone operations, where students work closely with a variety of industry partners, including utility companies, and work in fields such as emergency preparedness, public safety, and construction. I was able to work at
Partners include University of Southern California Edison, Cyberhawk, CSU Long Beach Shark Research Institute, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and Orange County Water District.
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