Guide to Aquaculture Education and Training

Pursue the fish farming training, education and resources to get on the right path

By R.N. Dolgener

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek undergraduate or advanced aquaculture education and training with a variety of concentrations

You can earn degrees in aquaculture from leading colleges and universities all over the United States, but there are many different options available, depending on your primary interests. Many aquaculture degrees are concentration options within a larger agriculture degree, while others will require a biology department or conservation affiliation. While you're looking, ask college counselors and professionals in the industry which options will best suit your chosen career field.

I recommend: Get more than just a fish farming education from the Virginia Tech Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences or the Colorado State University Warner College of Natural Resources, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Department.

Attend professional training for aquaculture through research and extension programs in your state

U.S. government and state government agencies offer aquaculture education, training and seminars on a variety of topics depending on the prevalent fishery interests in your area.

I recommend: Use aquaculture training options offered by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service or the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, through which you can earn a fish habitat specialization. Explore opportunities through ALEARN, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures professional aquaculture education partnership.

Find an aquaculture online school to set a flexible learning schedule

You can access lots of college aquaculture education online, but you may not know that there are plenty of very specific fisheries continuing education courses that are absolutely free. For more interactive courses with reference materials you can keep and use a while, you'll need to go for the professional continuing education or college credit courses online. Be sure you ask about materials and support before you sign up for a course.

I recommend: Avail yourself of the latest and most detailed fish health education you can get with the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Fish Health Medicine Certificate for veterinary professionals and producers. Or, earn aquaculture technology education credits through the Aquaculture Network Information Center (AquaNIC).

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some aquaculture graduate programs or undergraduate offerings don't specifically offer an aquaculture degree program, but often offer an 'alternative' agricultural production education that includes aquatics, ratites, ovine and caprine production. Speak with college admissions counselors to find out where your primary interests lie, and find a program with classes you can apply to your career in aquaculture.