Aquaculture
Overview
Aquaculture programs teach people to raise fish, shellfish, and marine plants in controlled environments.Aquaculture programs include topics such as:
- Aquatic and marine biology
- Health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life
- Design and operation of fish farms and breeding facilities
- Safety and regulations
Schools
A few community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in aquaculture. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete. An associate degree prepares students to work as aquaculture technicians.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in aquaculture. Some schools offer a major in agriculture with a concentration in aquaculture. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Very few universities offer graduate degrees in aquaculture. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agriculture, General
- Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Food Science
- Horticulture Operations
- Marine Biology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Inspectors
- Agricultural Scientists
- Conservation Scientists
- Food Scientists
- Marine Biologists
- Nursery Workers
- Storage and Transportation Managers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Algebra
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resources Management
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Biology
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in biology, marine biology, and other agriculture-related fields
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Accounting
- Aquatic and Marine Biology
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Equipment Maintenance
- Fish Anatomy and Physiology
- Fish Breeding and Hatching
- Fish Growth and Development
- Fish Habitat and Quality Control
- Fish Product Processing
- Marine Plants
- Marketing
- Microbiology
- Nutrition and Feeding
- Purchasing
- Supervision
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in aquaculture typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master’s degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Aquaculture habitats include oyster farms, fish farms, and fish hatcheries. For this reason, students also learn about wild fish, marine plants, and habitats.
Graduates in aquaculture may choose to work with public agencies in environmental programs, in private industry with large or small companies, or as self-employed aquatic farmers or consultants.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Fisheries & Aquaculture Techniques
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences