Did you know almost all Pacific Salmon species are threatened or endangered? Did you know you could help combat this? A degree in fisheries sciences will allow you to analyze this issue, brainstorm solutions, and help create new policies.
This degree will provide the necessary skills to work with both salt and fresh water fish and shellfish in order to help maintain populations and improve husbandry and production techniques.
Along with classes in aquatic and marine biology, freshwater and salt-water ecosystems, fishing policy and regulation, math, and computer science, this major also requires business and management classes to teach how to manage recreational and commercial fishing operations.
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Develop a broad-based interdisciplinary skill set to solve complex environmental problems like climate change, alternative energy and sustainability with a specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
In 2021-2022, fisheries sciences was the 290th most popular major nationwide with 506 degrees awarded.
Our 2025 Best Fisheries Sciences Schools ranking analyzes 10 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for fisheries sciences students. Explore this or one of our many other custom fisheries rankings further below.
Develop a broad-based interdisciplinary skill set to solve complex environmental problems like climate change, alternative energy and sustainability with a specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
A career in Fisheries Sciences requires an interest in fisheries, fishing operations, fish and their natural environments. If you are comfortable handling fish and shellfish and enjoy conducting research both outdoors and in a lab, this major may be for you.
A background in science, math, and computers will be helpful, as this career requires a strong understanding of these aquatic animals and their relationship to the natural environment. This career path also requires constant communication with other scientists, conservationists, and the general public making strong communication and interpersonal skills a plus.
The best way to get involved in a career in fisheries sciences is to get hands-on experience through and internship or summer job working with fish and shellfish. In an internship, you will work closely with a fishery scientist or manager and learn about conducting research, maintaining fish populations, conservation, and other skills necessary for a career in this field.
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Prior Education for a Fisheries Program
fisheries sciences degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific fisheries careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Fisheries Sciences Degree Types
There are various different levels of fisheries degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in fisheries sciences to something that takes less time like a . The type of fisheries degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to fisheries, with approximately 44.6% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for fisheries workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
44.5%
High School Diploma
21.2%
Less than a High School Diploma
20.4%
Post-Secondary Certificate
3.7%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
3.2%
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Most workers in fisheries have at least a associate degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in fisheries sciences have received.
This of course varies depending on which fisheries career you choose.
Career Opportunities for Fisheries Majors
Below AverageNumber of Jobs
$34.1kAverage Starting Salary
2% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
There are a wide variety of careers available to Fisheries Sciences and Management majors. Graduates work for research labs, state or government conservation and natural resource agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. National Park Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, fish hatcheries, or with volunteer programs.
The job market for fisheries sciences is steady, but there tends to be more opportunities and increased salaries for students who go on to receive their M.S. An advanced degree allows for more opportunities for advancement to managerial positions within organizations.
Steady Demand Projected for Fisheries Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your fisheries degree? Fisheries Sciences careers are expected to grow 2.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to fisheries sciences.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Worker Supervisors
49,700
2.1%
Fish and Game Wardens
7,300
4.3%
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How Much Money Do People With a Fisheries Degree Make?
Recently graduated fisheries sciences students earned an average of $34,135 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $26,655 to as high as $53,216. As you might expect, salaries for fisheries graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Fisheries Majors
Salaries for fisheries sciences graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers fisheries grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Fish and Game Wardens
$59,260
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Worker Supervisors
$50,790
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Getting Your Fisheries Sciences Degree
With over 53 different fisheries degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased fisheries school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
