Fisheries M.S.

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Minimum Requirements for Fisheries M.S.: 30 credits

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Complete the master’s degree requirements.
As part of the master's degree requirements, complete the following:
FISH F699Thesis6-12
Fisheries Program Requirements
Complete the following:
STAT F401Regression and Analysis of Variance4
Graduate seminars2
Complete at least 3 credits from each of the three focal areas9-11
Biology
Quantitative Approaches
Management and Human Dimensions
Electives
Advisor approved courses1-9
Total Credits30

Note: At least 21 credits of the required 30 M.S. degree credits must be at the F600 level. All other credits must be at least at the F400 level.

Focal Areas

Biology

Credits
Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
FISH F626
Behavioral Ecology of Fishes
FISH F628
Physiological Ecology of Fishes
FISH F633
Pacific Salmon Life Histories
FISH F650
Fish Ecology
FISH F651
Aquatic Conservation and Management Genetics
FISH/MBI F676
Aquatic Food Web Ecology
MBI F615
Physiology of Marine Organisms
MBI F652
Marine Ecosystems
MBI F667
Ecology and Physiology of Marine Macroalgae

Quantitative Approaches 

Credits
Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
FISH F604
Modern Applied Statistics for Fisheries
FISH F621
Estimation of Fish Abundance
FISH F622
Quantitative Fish Population Dynamics
FISH F625
Population Dynamics of Vertebrates
FISH F645
Bioeconomic Modeling and Fisheries Management
FISH F670
Quantitative Analysis for Marine Policy Decisions

Management and Human Dimensions 

Credits
Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
FISH F411
Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
or FISH F611
 Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
FISH F487
Fisheries Management
or FISH F687
 Fisheries Management
FISH F616
Indigenous Fisheries of Alaska
FISH F641
Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management
FISH F671
Foundations of Marine Policy and Ocean Governance
FISH F672
Law and Fisheries
FISH F673
International Maritime Law and IUU Fishing
FISH F674
Economic Development for Fish-dependent Communities
FISH F675
Political Ecology
FISH F681
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council
FISH F683
The Alaska Board of Fisheries
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Admission Requirements

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs.

  1. Submit an application for admission
  2. Submit official transcripts
  3. GRE scores are not required for this program, but may be considered if submitted
  4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae
  5. Submit statement of academic goals
  6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information:

  • Prerequisites: calculus; elementary statistics; ichthyology, biology of fish or invertebrate zoology; and computer competency.
  • It is recommended that you provide evidence of communication (oral and writing) and analytical skills. This could be shown through technical writing samples, recorded presentations, poster presentations, examples of data analyses, relevant test results, etc. Please limit the evidence provided to two examples and explain how this evidence is relevant in your statement of academic goals.
  • Statement of academic goals: Your statement provides the application review committee within the department an opportunity to learn about your background and motivation:
    • Any special circumstances you wish the department to consider
    • Your general research interests or special emphasis that you hope to pursue
    • Your particular reasons for applying to the Department of Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
    • Your preparation and background, including evidence of any relevant qualifications not captured elsewhere in the application
    • Your professional goals, including longer-term career goals and your motivations for pursuing those goals
  • The letters of reference should be from individuals who understand the challenges of completing a graduate program and are able to write about your ability to successfully complete graduate courses in fisheries and conduct the research, analyses, and writing needed to complete a thesis or dissertation. Ideally, these letters of recommendation should come from faculty, research staff, professionals, or individuals who are familiar with your academic or work experience and can speak to your work ethic and potential for success in our program.

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Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.
First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
FISH F699183FISH F699183
STAT F401204Program Elective2
 Program Elective3
 7 8
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
FISH F604, F621, F622, F625, F645, or F670263-4FISH F699183
FISH F699183Program Elective3
Program Elective3 
 9-10 6
Total Credits 30-31

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

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Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Develop a written proposal and a thesis using clear logic, language, and convincing arguments
  • Deliver a professional oral presentation and respond to questions with confidence
  • Obtain mastery of core knowledge of fishery science in 3 areas: (1) biology and ecology of fishes (2) quantitative population dynamics (3) human dimensions of fisheries
  • Recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments and draw conclusions
  • Demonstrate competence in data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting
  • Be prepared to compete successfully for admission to Ph.D. programs in fisheries or related aquatic science disciplines
  • Be prepared to compete successfully for mid-level professional career positions in research/management at resource management agencies in Alaska and elsewhere
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts in professional journals