Fisheries Biology - MS
About This Degree
Utah State University is the only university in the state with a college devoted to the study of natural resources, and the fisheries biology program is one of the few programs in the nation where students have the opportunity to focus on freshwater fish populations.
Students in the fisheries biology program study river, lake, and wetland ecosystems.
What You Will Learn
The program highlights the ecology of freshwater systems, management of important fisheries, restoration of stream, riparian, and wetland areas, and the monitoring and protection of plant and animal populations in lakes and rivers.
Each student has an individualized plan of study created for them by their graduate committee, and students are able to take courses in other departments on campus, such as biology and civil and environmental engineering. This allows students to gain a broad education in areas related to fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.
Specialization:
Students may choose an emphasis in one of the following areas.
Conservation Biology:
Students in this specialization study the population dynamics, genetics, and habitats of aquatic species. Students focus on the monitoring and restoration of species that are of conservation concern.
Fisheries Management:
Students pursuing this specialization study the management of fish populations, their habitats, and the policies that impact fisheries. Graduates are qualified for careers as fisheries managers with state and federal agencies.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department: Watershed Sciences Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Graduates in fisheries biology can pursue the following careers:
- Fish hatchery biologist
- Fisheries biologist
- Endangered species coordinator
- Marine biologist
- Restoration ecologist
- Research scientist
- Fisheries manager
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
Admission
Admission Requirements
Students must have a science-based undergraduate degree to be considered.
To be accepted to the program, it is recommended that applicants first contact a specific faculty member with whom they are interested in working. If the faculty member is accepting graduate students and agrees to work with the student, the student can then apply by completing the following application requirements:
Application Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the $55 application fee
- Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
- Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
- Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Deadlines
The department has the following deadlines:
- Fall semester - June 15
- Spring semester - October 15
- Summer semester - March 15
- Preference for financial assistance will be given to applicants who apply before January 10.
Plan Options
Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:
- In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
- The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.
Financial Aid
Most students are supported by research assistantships provided by faculty having grants or contracts. There are no separate applications for financial assistance. All applicants accepted into the graduate program before January 10 will be considered for college and university fellowships and other financial assistance for the following year. Only a few fellowships are awarded each year, usually to PhD candidates.
A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.
Take The Next Step
How to Apply
View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.
Request Information
Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.
Cost and Funding
Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.
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