Aquaculture is the science and business of producing aquatic animals and plants
useful to humans. Aquaculture is the application of biological, physical and business
management principles to solve problems encountered with the production, processing,
marketing, and management of aquatic animals and plants. More information about
Aquaculture can be found on our web site www.marine.maine.edu
Students majoring in aquaculture receive a well-rounded set of courses in the
biological and physical sciences, aquaculture production, resource economics,
food science and business management in the core program of study. Students are
required to take a minimum of 15 credits in a secondary area of specialization
of their choosing (career enhancement electives) to augment their major. For example,
through the career enhancement electives, students can obtain the minimum course
requirements for certification as an Associate Fisheries Scientist by the American
Fisheries Society. Or they may choose to obtain a minor in a recognized field
of study, e.g. resource and agribusiness management, microbiology etc. Numerous
options are available. Career enhancement electives are chosen in consultation
with the student’s academic advisor.
Students majoring or minoring in Aquaculture at the University of Maine will
find a strong interaction between research and academic programs. Undergraduates
have the opportunity to participate in research studies conducted at one of the
university’s three aquaculture research facilities: the Aquaculture Research Center
(on campus), the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (Franklin, ME), and
the shellfish aquaculture laboratory at the Darling Marine Center (Walpole, ME).
Students can acquire academic credit for approved internship experiences in the
aquaculture industries. In addition, we have arrangements with the Marine Technology
Center of Washington County Technical College for students to acquire academic
credit for approved courses in mariculture technology.
The Aquaculture degree program is an interdisciplinary program but is offered
through the School of Marine Sciences. Interested students are encouraged to consult
with the aquaculture contact person within the School for additional information.
Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture
Requirements
- Satisfy university-wide general education requirements
- Earn at least 120 credits
- College: NFA 117
- English: ENG 101, 317
- Communication: CMJ 103
- Marine Sciences: At least SMS 100, 201, 211, 220, 309, 401, 409, 420, 421, 422,
425, 449, 467
- Biology: BIO 100
- Chemistry: BMB 207, 208 or CHY121-123, 122-124
- Computer Science: COS 101, 102, 103 combined, or 110 or 211 or 220
- Food Science and Nutrition: FSN 440
- Interdisciplinary courses: INT 110, 460
- Mathematics: MAT 114 or 126 or 151, and 215 or 232 or BIO 252.
- Resource Economics and Policy: REP 254.
- Senior capstone experience: AVS 401, 402 or SMS 400, SMS 404
- A minimum of 15 credits of career enhancement electives