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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Website: gvsu.edu/biology

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in fisheries and aquatic sciences

Our global and local freshwater resources are essential to both ecosystem stability and viability, as well as the many goods and services upon which we all depend. These natural freshwater resources are under increasing threat. Our ability to successfully understand, protect, and manage these resources for future generations demands scientific insight and understanding that can be used to inform wise management decisions. This major is intended for students interested in shaping this future through the specific lens of hands-on scientific and taxonomic training, the ability to gain certification through the American Fisheries Society, developing expertise in molecular ecology and mapping/global information skills, and through understanding of relevant public policies. The major is designed to provide students with the opportunity to participate in research projects and to develop identification skills for freshwater plants and/or algae, aquatic insects, and fish. We also provide detailed field sampling experiences and the contemporary ecological theory that best guides wise management for both river and lake ecosystems. Students with this major will be competitive for employment with state and federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, tribal and nongovernmental organizations, nonprofit conservation groups, and for graduate-level research.

Major Requirements (73 or 74 credits)

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Core (43 to 44 credits)

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Electives (Complete at least 12 credits from the following courses)

Students pursuing American Fisheries Society certification should take NRM 405, NRM 451, and NRM 472. Students interested in aquatic sciences are recommended to select at least one genetics course (BIO 475 or BIO 485) and NRM 472. Students interested in marine biology are advised to take BIO 232, BIO 370, GEO 430, and a field course in marine studies.

Additional Requirements for the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Major in Physical Science, Statistics, and Mathematics (18 credits)

Physical Sciences (12 credits)
Complete at least nine credits from the following courses:

OR

Select at least one additional course from the following to reach 12 credits, if necessary:

Statistics (3 credits)

Mathematics (3 credits)

Suggested Order of Coursework

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year


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