Become a skilled fisheries professional through hands-on curriculum and instruction at Commonwealth University-Mansfield.

Fisheries and Aquatic Biology

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The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Fisheries and Aquatic Biology program prepares students to meet the highest professional standards in the field of fisheries sciences.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Concentration
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Professor
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One of Only a Few PA Universities for Fisheries

  • Commonwealth University is the only institution in Pennsylvania to offer a degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology
  • Comprehensive coursework that goes beyond traditional fisheries programs
  • Three areas of focus: Aquaculture, Aquatic Ecology, and Fisheries Management
  • Curriculum designed to prepare students for Associate Fisheries Professional certification through the American Fisheries Society

Courses and Curriculum

Students under the new program are required to take 28 credits of Biology Electives from a variety of Blocks and at least 12 credits must have a fisheries component.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

  • Describe and synthesize the five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)

  • Demonstrate skill and proficiency using appropriate scientific methods and instruments

  • Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form

  • Apply the scientific method to design and conduct biological research, including analyzing and interpreting biological data

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply critical, analytical, and integrative thinking to biological problems

  • Demonstrate the ability to select and use technology appropriate to the work of the discipline. (Fisheries and Aquatic Biology)

  • Apply biological knowledge to understand and propose solutions to complex environmental problems in the specialized discipline

Commonwealth University

Fisheries and Aquatic Biology

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Program Details

Our Fisheries and Aquatic Biology program emphasizes Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, and Aquatic Ecology to teach students with hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

  • Flowing water and pond culture
  • Applied aquaculture (recirculating systems)
  • Aquatic techniques
  • Human dimensions in fisheries management
  • Management of large impoundments and streams
  • Management of small impoundments
  • Conservation genetics
  • Ichthyology
  • Limnology
  • Internship / capstone project
  • Statistics
  • Chemistry
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Reel in Your Future

Hands-On Learning

  • Learn State and Federal sampling protocols
  • 3 backpack electrofishers
  • Smith-Root electrofishing boat
  • Multimeter water quality probe
  • Modified fyke nets
  • Fish aging (otolith sectioning)
  • Macroinvertebrate sampling

Research

  • Close to two Federal Fish Research Facilities
  • Acid mine drainage
  • Fish life history
  • American eel abundance
  • Environmental DNA
  • Emerging contaminants

Clubs and Organizations

Fisheries and Aquaculture Club
The purpose of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Club is to plan and provide educational programs and activities for fish culture and biology students.

Bass Fishing Team
The Bass Fishing Team serves to bring together students who have a common interest in bass fishing. The team also competes in local and regional tournaments.

Careers

A Biology (B.S.) degree with a concentration in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology can lead to careers with Federal, State and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

Potential Job Opportunities

  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
  • United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
  • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
  • Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
  • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PADCNR)
  • Private hatcheries
  • Consulting firms
  • Aquarium facilities
  • Graduate school

Continue to Explore

Program Contacts

Kate

Kate Beishline

  • Chair, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences / Associate Professor of Biology
  • Bloomsburg

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