A comprehensive education that builds a foundation for tomorrow’s firearms industry professionals

Program Details

Convenient Online Coursework

SDI specializes in online learning. That means students enrolled in the Associate of Science in Firearms Technology Degree program get the convenience of completing coursework at home with a DEAC accredited school. It’s the best of both worlds with a comprehensive curriculum delivered right to your door. Our unique mix of online and hands-on classes allow students to learn and practice efficiently and conveniently.

Coursework

The Associate of Science in Firearms Technology Degree program consists of 60 semester credit hours broken into 4, 16-week semesters. Because of our flexible learning options, students choose to study at whatever time of day works best but will still be able to engage with other online learners and instructors as a part of weekly assignment requirements.


Course availability may vary each semester. Not all courses may be offered each term.

Firearms Technology Discipline

42 credit hours

Courses

BBS 200: Advanced Ballistics,
FTT 100: Introduction to Firearms,
FTT 104: Gunsmithing Tools Lab,
FTT 111: Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting,
FTT 114: Custom Kydex Lab,
FTT 122: Intro to Ammo and Basic Ballistics,
FTT 201: Firearms Finishes and Engraving,
FTT 210: Customizing and Woodworking,
FTT 211: Stock Refinishing and Metal Work Lab,
FTT 214: Hand Checkering Lab,
FTT 221: Sights, Optics, and Accuracy,
FTT 231: Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms,
FTT 240: Shooting Sports Management,
FTT 299: Firearms Technology Elective

General Business

3 credit hours

Course

BUS 101: Introduction to Business

General Education

15 credit hours

Courses

SCI 101: Introduction to Physical Science, AGT 100: American Government, ENG 101: English Composition I, BSM 100: Business Mathematics, ENS 100: Environmental Science, PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology

Elective Options

FTE 211: 1911 Advanced Armorer,
FTE 217: Modern Sporting Rifle,
FTE 218: Pump Shotgun Armorer,
FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan

To view a full list of course descriptions, click below.

View Coursework

Tuition & Funding

This program is approved for use of the GI Bill® and other Veterans Assistance and military benefits, as well as Federal Student Aid (FSA), based on eligibility. Click on the links below for more details regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid. Please contact the Admissions department for more info at admissions@sdi.edu or 480-999-4767.

Tuition and Funding

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Veterans Resources

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Active Duty Resources

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Program Outcomes

Learn what you love from the comfort of your home

The Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree program offers SDI students the opportunity to gain a complete understanding of firearms technology and how to navigate the unique and exciting firearms industry without having to travel or relocate. This 60-semester-hour program is the most comprehensive of SDI’s programs, and is one of only a handful of firearms-specific degree programs in the nation.

With the successful completion of this program, a student will be able to do the following:

  • Explain, in detail, the classifications, action type, and operating principles of all major types of firearms.
  • Exhibit best-practices of firearms, including firearms-repair safety, cleaning firearms, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing a variety of common malfunctions, and assembling a firearm from parts.
  • Improve firearms by customizing woodwork, engraving metal finishes, and applying custom finishes to firearms.
  • Perform basic techniques to fit barreled actions, and describe the process of performing advanced techniques to fit barreled actions.
  • Improve firearms accuracy by installing and adjusting metallic sights and/or optics.
  • Create strategies for improving firearms by synthesizing advanced procedures, such as accurizing, repairing metal finishes, and advanced woodworking.
  • Explain the principles of ballistics as they relate to ammunition production, and explain various procedures for making ammunition.
  • Explain machining operations as used in firearms manufacture and customization.
  • Evaluate the industry of firearms service, sales, and repair, and apply basic managerial practices to a firearms-related business.

 
Completion Requirements

To earn an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree, a student must do the following:

  • Complete all coursework required in the degree program
  • Complete at least 42 credit hours of discipline-specific coursework
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours of general education coursework
  • Complete 3 credit hours of general business coursework
  • Complete the program with a minimum grade point of 2.0 or above
  • Meet all financial obligations to the Institute

Completion of the Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree does not require additional specialized training, practicum, or externships.

SDI has allowed me to take my passion and turn it into a profitable business. I recommend SDI to everyone who has an interest in firearms.

Andrew Maynard2023 SDI Graduate, Certificate in Firearms Technology - Gunsmithing

Scholarships

SDI offers different scholarships that help military-connected and first-responder students pay for education. Visit our scholarships page to learn more about eligibility requirements and see other outside scholarships available.

View Scholarships

Tools & Materials

Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook. We believe that online learning should include opportunities to ingest, explain, and demonstrate what you’ll learn as a student. Within your online classroom, you’ll access electronic coursebooks and supplemental multimedia resources, interact with students and instructors, submit assignments and exams, and find extra-curricular ways to make the most of your time as an SDI student. Some courses will also include a hard copy reference book for future use. Plus, SDI programs include a number of entry-level tools to help set you up for success after graduation. Each course has its own required, suggested, and provided tools, so feel free to check out our Lab Tools List to get a feel for what you’ll need and have during your coursework.

Lab Tool List

Take the Next Step

The Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree program puts you on the path to an exciting career in the firearms industry.
Take the first step down this path today by learning more about SDI.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.