by our College Data Analytics TeamDid 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.
A major in Fisheries Sciences covers Fishing And Fisheries Sciences And Management. Read on to learn the essential details every fisheries sciences major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering fisheries sciences programs.
Across the country, fisheries sciences is a popular field of study, with 407 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Fisheries Sciences Schools ranking analyzes these 22 schools to determine the best overall colleges for fisheries sciences students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of fisheries sciences programs later in this article.
Programs in Fisheries Sciences emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations fisheries sciences graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set built by a fisheries sciences program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a fisheries sciences major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several fisheries sciences degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 9 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 38 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 245 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 106 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 9 |
People currently working in careers related to fisheries sciences tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Less than a high school diploma | 37.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 30.3% |
| Some college courses | 13.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.8% |
| Master’s degree | 0.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in fisheries sciences careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in fisheries sciences opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to fisheries sciences.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to fisheries sciences.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing and Hunting Workers | 137,183 | 5.0% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | 33,611 | -0.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of fisheries sciences graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $35,186 |
| 4 years | $41,194 |
| 5 years | $48,316 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for fisheries sciences graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers fisheries sciences grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fishing and Hunting Workers | $51,869 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $36,803 |
With 22 different fisheries sciences programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased fisheries sciences school rankings to help you.
Those considering fisheries sciences, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management | 407 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 23,853 |
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy | 3,090 |
| Forestry | 2,460 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | 2,419 |
| Natural Resources and Conservation, Other | 132 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
