Experiential Learning

Gaining experience in the field or laboratory with fisheries, marine biology and oceanography professionals provides students with an opportunity to integrate classroom instruction with real-world experiences. Students enrolled in the B.S. in Fisheries and Marine Sciences and B.A. in Fisheries degree programs at UAF can earn experiential learning credit(s) through hands-on experiences during their junior /senior years (FISH 490: Fisheries Experiential Learning) of study. Both degree programs require students to successfully complete at least one credit of Fish 490 Fisheries Experiential Learning. Additional credits may also be earned through independent study (FISH 497) or senior thesis (FISH 498 and 499).

Experiential learning opportunities may be summer jobs or part-time positions and may take place in another city or state. In contrast, independent study and senior thesis experiences tend to be focused on a research project. For a list of currently available  experiential learning opportunities, follow one of the job board links below or contact your faculty advisor, CFOS Experiential Learning Coordinator Brian Crandall, or Faculty Experiential Learning Coordinator Jessica Glass.

• WorkPlace Alaska
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game Internship Website
• USAJobs
• American Fisheries Society Job Board
• US Fish and Wildlife Service Jobs
• Schmidt Marine Ocean Jobs
• Texas A&M Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Job Board
• NOAA Student Opportunities Database

The focus of the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) is on the experience. The ELP, whether through hands-on learning, independent study, or senior thesis, provides flexibility to students and allows them to take advantage of the diverse opportunities found in Alaska’s coastal and interior communities as well as elsewhere. Students enrolled in experiential learning, independent study, or senior thesis are required to present their experience or study results at the annual CFOS Undergraduate Internship Symposium that is held during the fall and spring semesters.

View a recording of the F490 information session held on January 22, 2024, at the link below. 

Passcode: w2**FAy1

For additional details, course syllabi, and paperwork, follow the link for each component below:

If you have any questions regarding the ELP, please contact the CFOS Experiential Learning Coordinators below.