Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Our global and local freshwater resources are vital for ecosystem stability and the goods and services we depend on. This major equips students with scientific insight, hands-on training, certification opportunities, and expert knowledge to manage and protect these resources for future generations.
Overview
The program highlights the significance of freshwater resources for ecosystem stability and human well-being, preparing students to tackle the growing challenges facing these environments. By blending academic learning with hands-on experiences, students gain the skills needed to make informed decisions that support the sustainability of aquatic systems.
You will take courses covering stream ecology, fisheries biology, lake ecology, wetland ecology, and aquatic plants and invertebrates. Electives in chemistry, biology, and natural resource management allow you to delve into related fields and broaden your expertise. The curriculum also offers opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and research projects at the Annis Water Resources Institute, providing hands-on experience and professional development.
The program's interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on experiential learning prepare you for successful careers in state and federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and academic research. GVSU offers a supportive academic community and state-of-the-art facilities, helping you make a meaningful impact on the sustainability and health of freshwater resources.
Biology Department
gvsu.edu/biology
3300a
Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 44,541.25 | 10% |
| $ 58,665.37 | 25% |
| $ 76,775.57 | 50% |
| $ 97,600.73 | 75% |
| $131,100.75 | 90% |
Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Operation and Control
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 16,652.41 | 10% |
| $ 21,237.29 | 25% |
| $ 35,636.74 | 50% |
| $ 70,907.85 | 75% |
| $153,059.99 | 90% |
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
Top skills- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 24,636.39 | 10% |
| $ 33,961.12 | 25% |
| $ 49,060.71 | 50% |
| $ 68,098.50 | 75% |
| $ 87,313.40 | 90% |
Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 18,682.69 | 10% |
| $ 20,897.55 | 25% |
| $ 28,858.83 | 50% |
| $ 39,562.66 | 75% |
| $ 57,287.60 | 90% |
Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 54,426.63 | 10% |
| $ 72,389.02 | 25% |
| $ 80,586.76 | 50% |
| $ 84,130.11 | 75% |
| $ 90,264.68 | 90% |
117K
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Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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