Digital Filmmaking: Drone Cinematography (Technical Certificate)
Award: Technical Certificate
Program of Study: Digital Filmmaking
Specialization: Drone Cinematography
Program Code: 1156
About This Program . . .
Discover the exhilarating realm of Digital Filmmaking Drone Cinematography! The Drone Cinematography Certificate program is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of aerial cinematography. This comprehensive program covers various aspects, including cinematography techniques, short-form production, documentary filmmaking, and freelancing for creative projects. Participants will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, receive expert instruction, and develop a versatile skill set applicable to the rapidly evolving world of visual storytelling. The focus of this certificate will be on cinematography, production, and post-production skills and not a substitute for Part 107 training. A CMU Tech Small UAS Certificate or a Part 107 FAA Certificate as a pre-requisite to this program is required.
This cutting-edge program comprehensively explores the intersection between digital filmmaking and drone technology. Aspiring drone pilots and filmmakers will delve into a diverse curriculum, mastering the art of aerial cinematography and storytelling. Throughout the program, students will take courses such as Short Form Production II, Documentary Production, Cinematography, and Freelancing for Creatives. These courses offer a deep dive into aerial cinematography techniques, cinematic principles, and essential business skills for freelancers. Through hands-on projects and expert guidance, students will develop the expertise needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to leverage drone technology creatively, capturing breathtaking visuals from the skies and telling compelling stories through their unique lens. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey where creativity knows no bounds and the horizon is limitless.
For more information on what you can do with this major, visit CMU Tech's Programs of Study page.
All CMU/CMU Tech technical certificate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, communication fluency, and critical thinking. In addition to these campus‐wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:
- Develop effective communication skills essential for the drone cinematography industry, encompassing listening, verbal, written, and electronic communication methods, crucial for engaging with clients, collaborators, and potential employers.\ (Communication Fluency)\
- Demonstrate the foundational skills of research and application of information/data pertinent to drone cinematography, facilitating informed decision-making and creative problem-solving in various production contexts. (Critical Thinking)\
- Demonstrate basic-level skill sets specific to drone cinematography, covering technical aspects, safety protocols, and creative techniques essential for entry-level positions or freelance work in the industry. (Specialized Knowledge)\
- Recognize fundamental film and video terminology, symbols, business practices, and principles tailored to the production and drone cinematography domain, enabling effective communication and collaboration within the industry. (Specialized Knowledge)
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity.
Institutional Certificate Requirements
The following institutional requirements apply to all CMU or CMU Tech Technical Certificates. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- Consists of 5-59 semester hours.
- Consists of 100-200 level courses.
- At least fifty percent of the credit hours must be taken at CMU/CMU Tech.
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/CMU Tech coursework.
- A grade lower than “C” will not be counted toward meeting the requirements.
- A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
- Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the semester credit hours required for a technical certificate.
- Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
- Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Certificate Requirements.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and certificate requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Specific to the program: A CMU Tech Small UAS Certificate or a Part 107 FAA Certificate as a pre-requisite to this program is required.
Program Specific Certificate Requirements
(12 Semester Hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FILM 139 | Professional Documentary Production | 3 |
| FILM 151 | Cinematography | 3 |
| FILM 211 | Short-Form Production II | 3 |
| FILM 260 | Freelancing for Creatives | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Semester Credit Hours | |
| FILM 139 | Professional Documentary Production | 3 |
| FILM 151 | Cinematography | 3 |
| FILM 211 | Short-Form Production II | 3 |
| FILM 260 | Freelancing for Creatives | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a certificate. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and discussing the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended certificate.
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a certificate and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their certificate requirements (for one-semester certificates, complete in the first week of class):
- Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
- Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
- Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
- Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.
Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found on the Graduation web page.
If a student's petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to apply for graduation in a subsequent semester. A student's “Intent to Graduate” does not automatically move to a later graduation date.