Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems - BS

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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 management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems degree is unique in that it allows students the opportunity to integrate physics, chemistry, and biology to understand watershed systems.

Clean and adequate water supplies and wetlands are essential elements of human society, and understanding the interactions between water and the rest of the world is necessary to the management of all ecosystems.

Ranked third nationally in research productivity in aquatic sciences, the department deploys experiential learning opportunities through field trips to local rivers, streams, and lakes where students can gain hands-on experience within the environments they study. Watershed scientists work throughout the nation, as well as in other developed and developing countries, with the goal of understanding, managing, and restoring water supplies, water quality, and ecosystem health.

Emphases:

Students must choose an emphasis in one of the following areas

Aquatic Habitats:

 

Water Quality:

 

Hydrology and Water Resources:

 

Geomorphology:

 

Human Dimensions:

 
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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Department: Watershed Sciences Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, students may pursue the following careers:

  • Fish biologist
  • Ecologist
  • Biological sciences technician
  • Water quality technician
  • Wastewater treatment professional
  • Natural resources management
  • Environment protection specialist
  • Outdoor planning
  • Watershed, stream, or wetland restoration specialist
  • Fish or bird habitat designer or manager
  • Wetland manager Watershed manager
  • Hydrologist/geomorphologist/limnologist
  • Field technician - hydrologic, geomorphic, fisheries, invertebrate
  • GIS Technician/Geospatial analyst
  • Research scientist
  • Conduct field research and analyses for private consulting firms
  • Managing watersheds or wetlands for nonprofit organizations, conservation districts, state agencies or EPA

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the watershed and earth systems program has additional requirements:

  • First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions or from other USU majors need a 2.5 total GPA for admission to the major.
  • Special attention will be given to the amount of, and performance in, prerequisite math and science courses.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

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Cost and Aid

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How to Apply

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