Aquatic Sciences
What We Do
Develop and disseminate knowledge about aquatic animals and their habitats, including aquaculture; interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; and fates and effects of pollutants; and appropriate management practices for the protection and use of aquatic ecosystems.
Aquatic Sciences
The Aquatic Sciences Major prepares students for professional careers in fisheries research and management, information and education, and interdisciplinary investigations of environmental problems with emphasis on fresh water systems. Aquatic Sciences has two concentrations: Marine and Freshwater Biology and Fisheries. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science Degree and meet certification requirements of the American Fisheries Society.
Minors & concentrations available in the aquatic sciences major includes:
Gain valuable field experience through our practicums:
What do you do?
As an Aquatic Scientists, you are charged with protecting and enhancing fish populations and aquatic communities. You work with streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, reservoirs systems and, potentially, aquaculture systems. You monitor fish and aquatic communities by collecting data on number and species of fish and other aquatic organisms, analyze food webs and food availability, and develop and implement management plans that increase the sustainability of these communities.
For aquatic publications, videos and other resources connecting decision-makers with aquatic science view:
- Purdue Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), Aquaculture & Aquatics
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Check Out These Resources
To view aquaculture projects, publications, videos and partners:
Purdue Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources and the FNR YouTube Playlist.
43rd USGS Cooperative Research Unit (CRU) Located in Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources:
The Indiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the Wildlife Management Institute, USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Indiana.
Government Partners, Partners, Allied Research Centers, and Long-term Research Partnerships.
Opportunities
These are some of the career paths available with this major.
Check out these optional student community organizations.
Office of the Registrar Catalog
- Aquatic Sciences: Fisheries Concentration, BS
- Aquatic Sciences: Marine and Freshwater Biology Concentration, BS
The FNR Undergraduate Academic Programs are a hub of support at Purdue for FNR students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public.
Contact the Undergraduate Academic Programs
Connect With Us
See student stories, photos and videos on Instagram (@Purdue FNR), Facebook (Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources), Twitter (@PurdueFNR) and YouTube (Purdue FNR).
InstagramSee what's happening
It was two weeks away from the start of Harrison Reeves’ first semester at Purdue...
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Katie Buckles, a senior wildlife major minoring in aquatic sciences, worked as a technician at...
The Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources includes many new faces for the 2024-25...
Mallory Wagner, a junior majoring in aquatic sciences – fisheries with a minor in...
Noah Haas, a junior majoring in aquatic sciences – fisheries, worked as a crew leader for...
