Students of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences learn the skills necessary to understand and manage fish populations. This study also includes an understanding of the relationships among physical, chemical and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. The program highlights the ecology of freshwater and marine systems, management of important fisheries, restoration of riparian and wetland areas and restoration, and protection of the plant and animal communities in lakes and rivers.
This program is for students who wish to apply their knowledge of biological sciences to real-world situations; like to work outside, on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; are interested in restoring water related habitats such as wetlands and riparian areas; and would like to prevent and reduce water pollution. Students in this major receive a solid foundation in math and science, biology, chemistry, calculus, physics, statistics, and general ecology.
Graduates of this program may go on to work as scientists and managers for state and federal natural resource agencies, researchers, or as professionals for environmental consulting firms, nonprofit environmental firms, and water-based industries. Specific job titles may be Fish Biologist/Fisheries Manager, Fish Culturist/Hatchery Manager, Wetland Biologist/Manager, Marine Biologist, Restoration Ecologist, Research Scientist, Aquatic Resource Specialist, Conservation Officer/Game Warden, Watershed Manager, or GIS Technician/Geospatial Analyst.
Curriculum can meet the USA Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management requirements for the Fish Biologist Series.
Program Resources
Dr. Timothy Walsworth
Assistant Professor
Watershed Sciences / Ecology Center
