Working With Aquatic Biological Resources: Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
Our aquatic resources isn’t just valuable because of the biodiversity that it holds, but also plays a vital role in food production. This is why the conservation of these resources as well as their sustainable development is very important. If you want to be a part of the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, then obtaining a Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences degree program can help you to get on the right track. It is a great degree for anyone with a passion for freshwater and marine systems and who would like to learn more about our impact on these ecosystems. It can also assist those interested in fisheries science who would like to study the life history and state of fish stocks.
Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Degree Information
Bachelor of Science in Aquatic and Fisheries Science Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Aquatic and Fisheries science is a degree program that typically takes about four years to complete. Core classes and electives for this type of program may include marine ecology, fisheries biology and management, wetlands ecology, ichthyology, aquatic restoration and Limnology. This type of degree can be valuable for anyone interested in becoming an aquatic biologist, fisheries manager, restoration ecologist, marine resource specialist or work in related fields.
Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Degree
The Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences is a degree that is aimed at working professionals who would like to improve their career prospects without having to take time off to attend campus classes. The program typically consists of 32 credits, which can take between one and two years to complete depending on your schedule. Topics covered by this type of degree program may range from Diseases of Warmwater Fishes and Applied Fisheries Statistics to Scientific Thinking in Ecology and Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology & Physiology.
Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences FAQ
Can I Earn a Degree In Fisheries And Aquatic Sciences Online?
Even if you are not able to attend campus based classes due to work or family obligations, it is still possible to earn a Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences degree online. The online degree programs are typically aimed at working professionals who are either already working in the field or who would like to change their career paths and pursue a profession in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or environmental science. Degree programs that are 100% online are typically at a masters level and require students to have an existing bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum upper division grade point average is usually also a requirement for enrollment.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study For This Type of Degree?
Fisheries and aquatic sciences is a great degree program for students who would like to pursue a career where they get to spend a lot of their time outdoors working near lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other bodies of water. Students should also be passionate about environmental issues and have a desire to not only restore water related habitats, but also play a role in preventing water pollution. An aptitude for math and science will also be very beneficial to students interested in this type of degree. Good analytical and research skills are just as important for this field as is strong organizational skills and being able to work independently.
What Type of Job Opportunities Might Be Available After Earning A Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Degree?
Students with a Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences degree typically go on to find employment in a number of industries. Depending on the type of degree students may end up working as either managers or scientists at natural resource industries. Professional opportunities also exist at environmental consulting firms as well as various nonprofit environmental firms. In addition, there are a number of water-based industries that make use of the skills and knowledge that students with this type of degree are able to bring to the table. Those who go on to earn an advanced degree in the field can also potentially go on to teach the subject.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Employed In This Field?
There are a number of factors that play a large role in your potential income when employed in the field of fisheries and aquatic sciences. Your place of employment, type of degree and geographical location can all impact your salary. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for those employed as zoologist and wildlife biologist was about $60,520 in 2016. The top paying industries for this profession is the federal government, followed by research and development as well as management, scientific, and technical consulting services.
What Type of Responsibilities Might I Have When Working In This Field?
When employed in this field your responsibilities will depend on the type of career path you have chosen. For example, when employed as a fishery biologist you might have to conduct research, collect and analyze samples, perform surveys, record scientific data and come up with plans and proposals. You might also have to work with specialized equipment, write research papers or give presentations depending on your employer.
Why Is Fisheries And Aquatic Sciences Such An Important Field?
There can be no doubt about the importance of aquatic resources, but these resources are also under constant threat. Everything from habit loss degradation to global environmental change and overfishing can have a serious impact on aquatic sources. This in turn will have a negative influence on the human population, so it is vital that there are experts in the field who are able to come up with solutions to these problems.
What Are The Other Advantages To Studying Fisheries And Aquatic Sciences?
In addition to the job specific skills and knowledge that you gain from completing a degree in fisheries and aquatic sciences, there are also other benefits. Like most degree programs, it will sharpen your critical thinking skills as well as improve your scientific and quantitative reasoning. In addition, you’ll benefit from improved communication skills along with technological and information literacy. These are all skills that are invaluable in any type of working environment.
