Fisheries and aquatic scientists understand the biology of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The program highlights the ecology of freshwater and marine systems, management of important fisheries, restoration of riparian and wetland areas, and protection of the plant and animal communities in lakes and rivers.
Students of fisheries and aquatic sciences learn the skills necessary to understand and manage freshwater fish populations. This major also includes an understanding of the relationships among physical, chemical, and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. 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.
Students may use their electives to explore interests in policy or water law, environmental history or ethics, oceanography, or genetics.
With a degree in fisheries and aquatic sciences, students may be qualified for the following careers:
- Fisheries biologist
- Aquatic resource specialist
- Endangered species coordinator
- Restoration ecologist
- Research scientist
- Fisheries manager
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