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Aquatic Sciences Minor

Format: Face To Face Credits: 20

Water is our most valuable natural resource, so the need for professionals with proficiency in environmental and climate science has increased.

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Program Overview

The aquatic sciences minor is for students who want to increase their knowledge and experiences in the biological and physical aspects of aquatic ecosystems. It is a complementary field of study to those majoring in biology, natural resources and environmental management, wildlife biology, geology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, environmental studies, or anyone interested in the environment.

  • The Great Lakes
  • Aquatic insects
  • Stream ecology
  • Fisheries management
  • Wetlands and plants
  • Limnology
  • Oceanography
  • Watershed management
  • Public health
  • Environmental management
  • Environmental law
  • Natural resource management
  • Federal and local government
  • Environmental policy

Why Study Aquatic Sciences at Grand Valley?

  • Meet the emerging need for professionals with a background in aquatic study, as demands on water resources continue to grow over the next decade.
  • Obtain the foundational concepts needed to gain expertise in aquatic sciences.
  • Connect with expert aquatic faculty members and engage in scholarly projects with regional partners.
  • Participate in field research and opportunities for scientific inquiry in regional lakes, rivers, and streams.
  • Add a specialization to your resume and complement your current course of study.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this program study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Students pursuing the aquatic sciences minor will complete a minimum of 20 credits. Two (four-credit) core courses:

  • BIO 121 - General Biology
  • BIO 215 - Ecology

Complete at least 12 elective credits (nine of those credits must be at the 300- or 400-level) from a list of aquatic-themed science courses covering such topics as:

See gvsu.edu/catalog for course details.

Career Options

The minor provides students with an interdisciplinary program of study and the opportunity to be more competitive for jobs that have an aquatic component:

Helpful Links

For More Information

Biology Department

gvsu.edu/biology
3300a Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions