Aquatic Sciences

Dive into a world of discovery with Purdue’s Aquatic Sciences major. Explore the fascinating lives of aquatic animals and their habitats, from freshwater ecosystems to aquaculture systems. Learn how land and water interact, how pollutants affect aquatic life and how science-based management practices can protect these vital resources. 

In Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources, students benefit greatly from hands-on learning in and out of the classroom. You will be a part of transformative experiences with opportunities for conference attendance, involvement with student organizations, access to intern positions and participation in a five-week immersive Summer Practicum

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) logo.The aquatic sciences major meets all requirements for students to apply for The American Fisheries Society (AFS) certification as an Associate Fisheries Professional following graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Sciences, Minor & Concentration

Professor Sepulveda with students in lab as they conduct fish research.

AQUATIC SCIENCES BS

Staff in boat on the Great Lakes holding fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.

AQUATIC SCIENCES MINOR

Students holding hand nets as they conduct research in river.

fisheries concentration

Sea horse, Marine Biology, Purdue FNR.

Marine & Freshwater Biology Concentration

Banner showing career opportunities in Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources.

Aquatic Science Careers

Purdue Aquatic Sciences: Explore the water, discover your future.

Check Out Our Partners and Organizations

Contact Us

Have a question?
Undergraduate Academic Programs Office

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).

Instagram

Meet Our Students, Staff, Alumni & Partners

Lydia Pultorak works in the Geoinformatics, Ecosystem Management and Soil Sustainability Lab; Lydia holds a small snake; Lydia holds a Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Meet FNR Outstanding Sophomore Lydia Pultorak

Sophomore wildlife major Lydia Pultorak has been selected as FNR’s Outstanding Sophomore...

Read More
Sailboats in the ocean
All roads lead home: One student’s unexpected path to Purdue

It was two weeks away from the start of Harrison Reeves’ first semester at Purdue...

Read More
Ashley Higdon and Dr. Barny Dunning birding; a white oak grove; a white-tailed deer
FNR's Most Read Stories of 2024

2024 was a productive year for Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources across the three land grant...

Read More
Identifying zooplankton under a microscope in the Freshwater Ecology Lab; a walleye under a microscope at the Aquaculture Research Lab; A largemouth bass Katie caught hook and line sampling.
FNR Field Report: Katie Buckles

Katie Buckles, a senior wildlife major minoring in aquatic sciences, worked as a technician at...

Read More
The front facade of Pfendler Hall
FNR Welcomes New Faces to Faculty, Staff

The Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources includes many new faces for the 2024-25...

Read More
Mallory Walker with her students and also fellow BGR leaders at Boiler Gold Rush 2024
FNR Field Report: Mallory Wagner

Mallory Wagner, a junior majoring in aquatic sciences – fisheries with a minor in...

Read More