By Dihandra Williams

High Point University’s mission statement declares that this school provides an inspiring environment with caring people and an engaging education equipping graduates for success. They will create significance by cultivating the values, mindset and skills necessary to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing world.

In continuous efforts to keep this promise, HPU has provided its students with a multitude of classes that other universities are not fortunate enough to have.

One of those classes include MPE-3010, better known as HPU’s Drone Pilot Certification course.

This four-credit course is designed to introduce students to different drone systems while also teaching them how to properly and safely operate a small, unmanned aircraft system, better known as a drone.

During the course of the semester, students are responsible for learning the material needed to pass the Federal Aviation Administration exam. Once this test is taken and passed with a minimum of 70%, these same students will receive their drone license which will allow them to use their drone and the skills they’ve learned for commercial use.

In addition to this, each student enrolled in the course receives their own drone for the entirety of the semester. They are given multiple opportunities for flight time during class and are also encouraged to get hours outside of class to better their skills and increase their confidence in flying.

“This class has really given the opportunity to create some cool content and set myself apart from other students,” said John Hurrell, an HPU senior currently enrolled in the course.

Not only has Hurrell been strategically using his class time to better his drone skills, but he has also incorporated what he’s learned in this class into other projects both inside and outside HPU’s School of Communication.

Emily Putnam, another HPU senior, feels similarly.

“This class is so challenging, but in the best ways possible,” said Putnam. It’s such a good feeling looking back at your drone footage once you’re done flying.”

In addition to getting her license, Putnam has a goal of having some of her drone footage featured on High Point University’s Instagram page.

This class has opened many eyes to new and exciting forms of content creation that would’ve never been known before taking this course. Now, many students can use their talents on land and in the air          

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Dihandra Williams is a senior at High Point University majoring in Journalism. For contact inquiries, please email dwillia2@highpoint.edu.