Fullerton College Launches West Coast's Only Drone Science Degree
The program caps total tuition at $10,560, saving students over $17,000 compared to standard UC rates, with applications closing on February 1, 2027.
By Aiko Petrov ·
Fullerton College has opened applications for a Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems Technology. The institution describes the four-year degree as the only one of its kind on the West Coast. The program targets the expanding need for unmanned systems in the aerospace and defense sectors.
The college began offering the degree to address industry gaps in autonomous technology. Jay Seidel, a drone technology professor and the director of the Drone Lab at Fullerton College, stated that these systems are changing industries. He noted the impact extends from aviation and defense to public safety, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental sciences.
Students can submit their applications through the college website until February 1, 2027. The application portal is located at drones.fullcoll.edu/bachelors-of-science-degree. The program accepts applicants from across the United States, not just those in Southern California.
The college emphasizes cost as a key feature of the new curriculum. Total tuition for the degree is estimated at approximately $10,560. College officials say this figure represents a potential savings of more than $17,000 compared to standard tuition rates at the University of California system.
Seidel said the degree prepares students to work with complex technologies and manage operations. He added that the goal is to make this training accessible and affordable. Graduates will be ready to enter high-demand fields such as infrastructure inspection, geospatial technology, and advanced air mobility.
The program aims to provide students with the knowledge, certifications, and practical experience needed to join the workforce immediately. Seidel explained that graduates can work for aerospace companies, public safety agencies, robotics firms, or autonomous system operators. The curriculum is designed to align with the direction of emerging technology and labor needs.
The college is based in Southern California, a region with a large aerospace and technology ecosystem. The degree provides a direct pathway for students to integrate into this local industry. The program focuses on professional training rather than just academic theory.
