Fisheries M.S.

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Minimum Requirements for Fisheries M.S.: 30 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

Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
Behavioral Ecology of Fishes
Physiological Ecology of Fishes
Pacific Salmon Life Histories
Fish Ecology
Aquatic Conservation and Management Genetics
Aquatic Food Web Ecology
Physiology of Marine Organisms
Marine Ecosystems
Ecology and Physiology of Marine Macroalgae

Quantitative Approaches 

Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
Modern Applied Statistics for Fisheries
Estimation of Fish Abundance
Quantitative Fish Population Dynamics
Population Dynamics of Vertebrates
Bioeconomic Modeling and Fisheries Management
Quantitative Analysis for Marine Policy Decisions

Management and Human Dimensions 

Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
Fisheries Management
Fisheries Management
Indigenous Fisheries of Alaska
Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management
Foundations of Marine Policy and Ocean Governance
Law and Fisheries
International Maritime Law and IUU Fishing
Economic Development for Fish-dependent Communities
Political Ecology
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council
The Alaska Board of Fisheries

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Admission Requirements

Complete the following admission requirements:

  • Prerequisites: calculus; elementary statistics; ichthyology, biology of fish or invertebrate zoology; and computer competency.
  • An application for admission and application fee
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
    • Grades are an important part of the review process to assess academic success, particularly performance in relevant courses.
  • Resume / curriculum vitae
  • 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 Purpose.
  • Statement of Purpose
    • Your statement provides the application review committee within the department an opportunity to learn about your background and motivation:
      • Your professional goals, including longer-term career goals and your motivations for pursuing those goals
      • Your preparation and background, including evidence of any relevant qualifications not captured elsewhere in the application
      • Your particular reasons for applying to the Department of Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
      • Your general research interests or special emphasis that you hope to pursue
      • Any special circumstances you wish the department to consider
  • Three letters of reference 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.
  • International students: Please reference UAF’s most recent requirements.

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Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are measurable statements that describe knowledge or skills achieved by students upon completion of the program.

Students graduating from 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