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.
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
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
Choose what works best for you!
- Schedule an Appointment - BoilerConnect
- Call FNR Office of Student Services at 765-494-3591
- Send us an email joinfnr@purdue.edu
The FNR Office of Student Services is open from 8 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, except on University holidays.

Jackie Getson, Interim Graduate
Program Coordinator (Current Students),
Research Associate & Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 765-496-7406
Email: jgetson@purdue.edu

Maria Leatherwood, Sr. Academic Advisor
Program Coordinator (Prospective Students)
Phone: 765-496-4819
Email: meleathe@purdue.edu

Phone: 765-494-0425
Email: freemac@purdue.edu
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).
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