Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, established in 1919, offers courses and conducts research on the conservation, management, and effective use of natural resources. Education and research in the school include studies of aquatic ecology; ichthyology; population dynamics; management of free-ranging stocks; restoration ecology; and effects of human activities on freshwater and marine ecosystems. SAFS is recognized internationally for its graduate programs, especially in the area of quantitative fisheries management, all research programs are well respected.

Students may apply for admission into programs leading to the master of science or doctor of philosophy. Students who apply for the PhD program must hold a master's degree prior to beginning their doctoral studies. All students who receive a master's degree from the school and wish to pursue a PhD are reviewed by the Recruitment, Admissions, and Scholarship Committee before being accepted into the PhD program.

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor's degree from an institution of recognized standing with a minimum 3.00 GPA in the last two years (90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits) of college work
2. Typically at least a 500 on both the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE and a 5 on the analytic portion (a 500 if taken before October 2002)
3. If an international student, a minimum TOEFL score of 580 on written examination or 237 on computerized examination, or 70 on Internet-based examintation

Degree Requirements

45 credits as follows:

1. School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Core Courses:
   1. Q SCI 482
   2. At least two of the following, for 2 credits each: FISH 510, FISH 511, FISH 512, FISH 513, FISH 514, FISH 578, or QERM 597
   3. FISH 521
   4. FISH 522
   5. 18 credits of thesis research: FISH 700
2. Additional Course Requirements: At least 12 credits of coursework at the 400 or 500 level, in addition to the SAFS core courses listed above. 4 of the 12 credits must be in 500-level courses. At least 9 of the additional 12 credits must be numerically graded.