BTC’s programs in Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences are ideal for students interested in the aquatic world and working in an ever changing outdoor environment.

The Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences program gives students hands-on experience for careers in operating salmon, trout, and shellfish hatcheries, monitoring wild populations, working in fish and shellfish aquaculture, and much more. Students gain applied technical knowledge in real-world settings. The Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences program operates two Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hatcheries – the Whatcom Creek Hatchery at Maritime Heritage Park and the Bellingham Trout Hatchery at Whatcom Falls Park.

Partnerships with regional, tribal, and statewide industries, as well as nonprofit organizations, provide an enriching and diverse educational experience and introducing students to potential employers. You can put your education to work for employers such as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as private salmon and trout production facilities, shellfish hatcheries and farms, private consulting firms, and conservation nonprofits.

Here are the Degrees & Certificates you can earn in this area.

Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences (AAS)
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences (AAS-T)
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences - WWU-NWIC Articulation (AAS-T)

Fisheries & Aquaculture Techniques (Cert.)

Degree & Certificate Definitions

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree:

A two-year associate degree that allows you to go directly to work in your field.

Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree:

A two-year associate degree with transferable general education courses that allows you to either go directly into your field, transfer to a specific program at a four-year college or university, or prepare for your bachelor of applied science degree at BTC.

AAS-T Articulation degree:

BTC has articulation agreements with Western Washington University (WWU) and Northwest Indian College (NWIC). The Fisheries & Aquatic Science Program offers an Associate of Applied Science Transfer degree to the WWU BA in Environmental Studies and BA in Geography. BTC’s transfer degree program operates in partnership with regional, tribal and statewide industries as well as Regional Enhancement Associations.

Certificates:

Certificates are academic credentials that can be earned in a shorter time than degrees, and which provide you with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in your field. Certificates typically last six months to one year, and some are designed to build on top of each other or eventually to a longer-term certificate or degree. Many certificates are financial aid eligible, so explore certificates now and find out if one is right for you.

Fisheries Brochure (PDF)