Aquatic Sciences
Source: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/aquatic-sciences/ Parent: https://admissions.purdue.edu/academics/majors/
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Aquatic Sciences
Dive into a future protecting freshwater and marine life. Blend biology, ecology and hands-on fieldwork to prepare you for careers in conservation, research or resource management. Choose a concentration in fisheries or marine and freshwater biology and make waves solving environmental challenges.
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Program Summary
Explore the fascinating world beneath the surface. Our aquatic sciences major prepares you to protect and manage freshwater and marine ecosystems through hands-on learning and research. From lakes and rivers to oceans and wetlands, study aquatic life, monitor fish populations and create sustainable solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Choose a concentration in fisheries or marine and freshwater biology and gain real-world experience through summer field practicums. You’ll be ready for careers in research, conservation or resource management — or to take the next step with graduate school. This degree meets American Fisheries Society professional certification requirements.
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Plan of Study Options
Aquatic Sciences: Fisheries Concentration, BS
Aquatic Sciences: Marine and Freshwater Biology Concentration, BS
Quick Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Location(s): West Lafayette
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College/School: Agriculture
Why Purdue?
3
Agriculture Program in the U.S.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
6
Agriculture Program in the World
QS World University Rankings, 2025
Possible Careers
Our students are ready for careers in fisheries research and management, environmental education, and tackling complex environmental challenges — with an emphasis on freshwater systems — including:
- Aquaculturist
- Conservation officer
- Fish ecologist
- Marine Biologist
- Research technician
- Water quality specialist
- Wetlands or habitat restoration specialist
**High School Course Recommendations****
You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.
Minimum high school coursework (many applicants exceed these minimums):
- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years
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College of Agriculture
Discover over 30 majors, plus minors and concentrations, at one of the world’s top-ranked agricultural colleges.
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Office of Academic Programs\ (765) 494-8470\ purdueag@purdue.edu
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Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.
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Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in aquatic sciences.
Meet Our Students
Harrison Reeves
Two weeks before the start of Harrison Reeves’ first semester at Purdue a change in plans set Harrison on a unique course that helped him find his calling. With hands-on field research experience and a supportive academic community, Harrison is ready for his next adventure.
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**Transfer to**** Aquatic Sciences
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
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Minimum 2.5 GPA
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