New class opens opportunities for Vols to build skills and certification to pilot Uncrewed Aerial Systems.
The Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) program within the Department of Geography and Sustainability launched GEOG 314: Introduction to Uncrewed Aerial Systems in fall 2025. The class is a vital step for students seeking an undergraduate minor or certificate in applications of uncrewed aerial systems, using small drones to help gather on-site data.
Most importantly, it prepares students with the knowledge and skills to take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam to become commercially licensed drone pilots. Undergraduates Wesley Morgan and Liz Short were UT’s first students to pass the exam after taking the course.
“This class gave me plenty of opportunity to work with drones,” said Morgan. “Through the labs and different tasks we did when flying as a class, I was able to learn new flying skills.”
He had previous amateur experience with drone piloting—including creating a detailed map of his parent’s property—but knew that passing the Part 107 exam would add an important line to his resume.
“This class really helped me nail down the details and prepared me to take the test confidently,” he said.
Short also looks ahead to applying the skills and certification in her professional career.
“The major benefit of this certification is the versatility it gives me in the kinds of careers I can have post-graduation,” she said. “I am also able to collect my own data safely and efficiently, which is extremely beneficial to many companies and researchers.”
by Randall Brown