Fisheries

Bachelor's Degree Program

Earn your fisheries degree from a hands-on program accredited by the American Fisheries Society. UAF’s Bachelor of Arts in Fisheries is the only one of its kind in North America and one of the top undergraduate fisheries programs in the world.

Work side-by-side with accomplished faculty and fellow students on undergraduate research. Enjoy the opportunities provided by our location close to the Alaskan wilderness. Gain professional experience in labs and through a guaranteed internship.

You’ll graduate qualified, experienced and ready to pursue your career: many UAF alumni work for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Bureau of Land Management.

What Is Fisheries?

Fisheries is the study and management of the nation’s living marine resources and their habitat.    

If you love the outdoors, are independently driven and have a passion for conservation, fisheries is the career path for you.

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College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences website
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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Availability:

  • UAF's main campus
  • Distance (asynchronous and synchronous courses)

 

Why Study Fisheries at UAF?

UAF’s Bachelor of Arts in Fisheries is the only program of its kind in North America and one of the top undergraduate programs in the world.

Fisheries majors receive real-world practice with a guaranteed internship, and many receive additional practical experience through funded research, fully preparing them for their careers. Our low student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll collaborate closely with professors who will become mentors and references for your future employer.

Here are more reasons to earn your bachelor’s in fisheries at UAF.

Gain professional experience through internship and research opportunities

The fisheries degree offers hands-on experience and employer connections through field courses and a required internship. We assist students with program placement into positions with various agencies.

You’ll also have opportunities to conduct and present research through our Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA) program and participate in student clubs and organizations, including the UAF Student Subunit of the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and FOSSA (Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Student Association).

Choose your adventure

As a fisheries major, you’ll have the option to choose from one of two concentrations: Fisheries Business and Social Science or Rural and Community Development. Our concentration in Rural and Community Development is particularly unique, as it provides for the growth and influence of future Native leaders in fisheries and tribal policy. Flexible course scheduling allows you to plan your program while considering your interests and career goals.

Graduate as a sought-after candidate

With a fisheries degree from UAF, you’ll be in high demand in Alaska and nationwide. Our hands-on experiences and strong employer network opens the door to a broad range of career opportunities. You can find our graduates working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), Rising Tide Communications, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and many other conservation agencies and organizations.

 

What Can You Do With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries?

A fisheries degree prepares you for graduate school and career opportunities in the fishing industry, natural resource management agencies, environmental consultancy, teaching and research. Our fisheries majors pursue graduate degrees and find employment in Alaska and across the country, including with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

 

 

Requirements for a Fisheries Degree

The fisheries bachelor’s degree provides broad knowledge for students interested in fisheries business, administration, policy and development. Our program offers two concentrations in either Fisheries Business and Social Science or Rural and Community Development.  

View all required classes for the fisheries degree

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Fisheries

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries

Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in fisheries at UAF. Submit your application online today.