Cresson, Pa. – A new partnership between Mount Aloysius College and Aerium Aviation was announced today, bringing credited drone certification programs to Mount students, as well as providing dual enrollment credits for local high school students. The partnership will offer drone programming for all Mount students, with specific focus on Criminal Justice, Marketing, and Cybersecurity/Digital Forensics majors, giving them the necessary industry credentials and experience to use drones within those career fields and, consequently, a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. The courses are open to all Mount students.
Planned with Aerium Aviation, a regional non-profit organization focused on education and aviation workforce development, the announced partnership brings two new drone courses to the Mount’s offerings available for fall 2025/spring 2026. Upon completion of these innovative new certifications, as well as passing the Part 107 test, students will be licensed to fly small, line-of-sight drones commercially in their chosen fields.
In addition to benefiting on-campus students, the partnership will offer a discounted, credited option to school districts and Career and Technology Centers statewide where students can earn college credit for USI course completion and FAA Remote Pilot Certifications upon matriculation at the Mount.
“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Aerium and partner on these new courses,” said John McKeegan, President of Mount Aloysius College. “This is a major value addition for our Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, and Marketing students, as well as any other interested Mountie. Our hope is to expand this offering in the future to directly tie it to other programs.”
The two new courses are titled “Safety Level I” and “Commercial Remote Pilot Prep,” both of which are created and certified by the Unmanned Safety Institute. Safety Level 1 delves into the intricacies and components of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. It focuses on standardized terminology, system design, and system performance. Commercial Remote Pilot Prep (Part 107 Prep) centers on the knowledge necessary for safely and responsibly navigating both the regulatory and physical environments. Emphasis is placed on compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations and Air Traffic Management protocols.
Drone operation is becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists and professionals. Drones are used in a number of industries, including agriculture, journalism, real estate, freight, disaster management, construction, law enforcement, and meteorology, among others. The FAA requires drone operators to hold an FAA (Commercial) Remote Pilot (Part 107) Certificate to fly outdoors for business or training purposes.
Registration for these new drone certification programs is open now for classes beginning in fall 2025. For more information about the programs or how to apply, visit mtaloy.edu.
To learn more about Aerium Aviation, visit Aerium.org.
Pictured are Dr. Larry Nulton, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Aerium, and John McKeegan, President of Mount Aloysius College.
