Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences - AAS-T

Take your career to the next level with the AAS Transfer Degree in Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences. This degree is designed for students who are interested in transferring to a partnering institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. A combination of our AAS-T and a bachelor’s degree prepares students for higher level employment in aquatic research and management. Students in the AAS-T degree gain all the hands-on experience in salmon and trout hatchery operations, fisheries management, and sustainable seafood production, while also completing pre-requisite transfer courses. Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences AAS-T graduates may transfer up to 90 credits to select colleges in Washington State, allowing you to complete your bachelor’s degree in just four years.

Upon completion of the AAS-T, students also receive the Fisheries & Aquaculture Techniques Certificate of Completion.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Video

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

63%¹ BTC graduate placement rate (Employment Security Department- WA and OR only)
96%³ BTC graduate placement rate (faculty-tracked, national)
78%³ BTC in-field graduate placement rate (faculty-tracked, national)

$46,473 starting annual wage²
$53,133 average annual wage²
$64,731 potential annual wage²

Employment and Wage Data Sources and Information

¹Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

²Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

³Additional employment rates are provided for programs with faculty who maintain their own employment records of students who graduated between 2017-18 and 2019-20 and who were employed within 9 months of graduation. Both overall and in field of study employment rates are included, respectively. For these programs, the format follows: ESD rate / faculty-tracked overall rate / faculty-tracked in-field rate. These additional, faculty-provided rates are particularly important for programs that tend to have graduates employed outside of WA and OR. Note that due to lack of available data, rates may represent fewer than 3 years of graduates.

Estimated Program Costs
Estimated costs based on 6 quarters to complete this program
The first quarter of study will likely be more expensive as students pay for materials needed to start the program.
Average Tuition and Fees per Quarter: $2,300
Average cost per credit: $153
Total Tuition and Fees: $13,800
Total Tools: $25 - $35
Total Materials: $75
Total Clothing: $1,100
Average annual cost of living in Bellingham
Living expenses (housing and food): $16,512
Transportation: $1,935
Miscellaneous/Personal: $1,800
TOTAL: $20,247

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program typically starts in Fall or Spring Quarters on a space available basis.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

Classes

Total Program Credits: 90

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
- Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
- In the new tab login to ctcLink
- Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Proceed to ctcLink login in new window
For each class:
- Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
- Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
- A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
- Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
- Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.

Quarter 1

AQUA 100

Intro to Fisheries and Aquaculture

AQUA 135 Hatchery Practicum I 4 CR
This lab course provides hands on training to reinforce learning objectives in AQUA 100, AQUA 110, and AQUA 130. Students will practice spawning techniques, proper gamete handling, and calculations of reproductive metrics. Students will also apply water quality theory to lab and field projects and taxonomic tools for site surveys, hatchery operations, and aquaculture husbandry.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic (254) or higher OR MATH 090 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or ENGL 092 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher or Instructor permission. Completion of AQUA 100, AQUA 110 and AQUA 130 all with a C- or higher, or concurrent enrollment in AQUA 100, AQUA 110 and AQUA 130.
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 2

MATH& 107

Math in Society

5 CR

OR Higher

Fundamentals of Aquaculture

3 CR

AQUA 165 Aquaculture Practicum 3 CR
This lab course provides hands on training to reinforce the learning objectives in AQUA 140, AQUA 150, and AQUA 190. Students will practice culturing techniques for algae, shellfish, and finfish species, including: stocking systems based on condition factors, recording growth and mortality metrics, monitoring embryonic and juvenile development, creating feeding schedules, and monitoring aquatic animal health.
Prerequisites:
AQUA 100, AQUA 110, AQUA 130, and AQUA 135 all with a C- or higher..
Current & Future Offerings:

AQUA 190

Toxicology and Diseases

3 CR

Quarter 3

AQUA 160

Fundamentals of Fisheries Biology

AQUA 195 Fisheries Practicum 4 CR
This lab course provides hands on training to reinforce the learning objectives in AQUA 160, AQUA 170, and AQUA 180. Students will practice assessing sites for habitat quality, sampling aquatic invertebrate populations in freshwater and marine environments, and stock enhancement strategies for fisheries management.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Classic Arithmetic (75) OR ACCUPLACER NexGen Arithmetic (254) or higher OR MATH 090 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Classic Sentence Skills (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Writing (245) or ENGL 092 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Classic Reading (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher or Instructor permission.
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 4

CMST& 210

Interpersonal Communications (recommended)

5 CR

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Burns	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
09/26/2023-12/05/2023	T	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Zamora	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Zamora	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	TTh	1:10 PM-3:20 PM	Burns	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MWF	2:10 PM-3:30 PM		Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	T	10:30 AM-12:40 PM		Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024				Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Introduction to Sociology

5 CR

ENGL& 101

English Composition I

5 CR

A composition course in which students read, analyze, and write essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies, as well as develop and verbally express ideas clearly and effectively. The critical reading of essays will provide a basis for the student's own critical writing, which will reflect a command of college-level literacy standards. Attention to writing fundamentals and stylistic techniques will also be included. Word processing, email and internet knowledge required.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, AND ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 86 or ENGL 092 with a B or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher

Current & Future Offerings:

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Gordon	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Gordon	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Bracy	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	TTh	1:10 PM-3:20 PM	Gordon	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Gordon	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Richards	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Bracy	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM		Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	Th	10:30 AM-12:40 PM		Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024				Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

ENGL& 102

English Composition II

5 CR

AQUA 200 Genetics In Fisheries and Aquaculture 4 CR
An introduction to the basics of population genetics and the evolutionary principles that determine genetic variation in both natural and artificial environments. This course will highlight current aquaculture techniques in broodstock management, improvements in breeding practices, increasing genetic diversity and sustainability, and addressing environmental considerations.
Prerequisites:
AQUA 100, AQUA 110, AQUA 120, AQUA 130, AQUA 135, AQUA 140, AQUA 150, AQUA 160, AQUA 165, AQUA 170, AQUA 180, AQUA 190, and AQUA 195 all with a C- or higher or Instructor permission; AQUA 210 with a C- or higher or concurrent enrollment in AQUA 210 or Instructor permission.
Current & Future Offerings:
Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 W 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Palm Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
AQUA 210 Hatchery Practicum II 3 CR
This lab course provides hands on training to reinforce the learning objectives in AQUA 200 and promote enhanced mastery of skills demonstrated in AQUA 135. Students will implement broodstock management techniques, explore hatchery operations improvement projects, and practice project management skills during the spawning season.
Prerequisites:
AQUA 100, AQUA 110, AQUA 120, AQUA 130, AQUA 135, AQUA 140, AQUA 150, AQUA 160, AQUA 165, AQUA 170, AQUA 180, AQUA 190 and AQUA 195 all with a C- or higher or Instructor permission; AQUA 200 with a C- or higher or concurrent enrollment in AQUA 200 or Instructor permission
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 5

AQUA 250

Advanced Sampling Techniques

4 CR

AQUA 260 Natural Resource Management 4 CR
In this course, students explore how to balance the ecology and economics of limited natural resources through the management of diverse stakeholder needs. These concepts will be explored through a variety of case studies focused on current natural resource management issues, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest.
Prerequisites:
AQUA 100, AQUA 110, AQUA 120, AQUA 130, AQUA 135, AQUA 140, AQUA 150, AQUA 160, AQUA 165, AQUA 170, AQUA 180, AQUA 190, and AQUA 195 all with a C- or higher or Instructor permission.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024 W 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Palm Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
5 Credits from the AAS-T Acceptable Transferable Courses list in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Physical and Natural Sciences. 5 CR
Quarter 6

AQUA 270

Introduction to GIS for Fisheries & Aquaculture

4 CR

10 Credits from the AAS-T Acceptable Transferable Courses list. 10 CR
AQUA 290 Aquaculture Management 2 CR
In this course, students will learn aquaculture operations from a management perspective. This course focuses on culturing data collection and reporting as required under federal and state regulations, monitoring losses for early warning indicators, and exploring innovative approaches for improving aquaculture production and efficiency.
Prerequisites:
AQUA 100, AQUA 110, AQUA 120, AQUA 130, AQUA 135, AQUA 140, AQUA 150, AQUA 160, AQUA 165, AQUA 170, AQUA 180, AQUA 190, and AQUA 195 all with a C- or higher or Instructor permission.
Current & Future Offerings:
Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 W 2:00 PM-3:30 PM Palm Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year closest to the year started, without going over, to see program requirements for a student who started the program that year:

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the AAS-T degree in Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences, will be able to:

Demonstrate competency in hatchery methods and apply appropriate techniques to spawn, incubate, rear and release fish.
Utilize proper tools, equipment and protective devices to safeguard against injury to self, others and workplace facilities.
Act responsibly and ethically as an employee by being punctual, adhering to company policies and interacting positively and appropriately with co-workers and supervisors.
Receive, interpret, and convey written, verbal, and graphic information to communicate effectively with co-workers, management and general public.
Compute, calculate, and convert standard and metric measurements for purposes of disease treatment and prevention, and rearing of fish.
Observe and comply with environmental laws and regulations related to rearing of fish and the use and disposal of chemicals and drugs.
Use current and emerging computerized systems or software to operate equipment, calculate results, keep records, and enter data on proper forms and records.
Identify resources to stay current with new and emerging equipment and techniques.

Employment Outlook

Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences AAS-T graduates may either transfer directly to a partnering institution to complete their bachelor’s degree, or enter the workforce and complete their bachelor’s degree at a later time. Graduates qualify for Hatchery Specialist 2 and Scientific Technician 2 positions with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Biological Technician GS 4 positions with the federal government, and employment in tribal government, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The average annual wage in this field is $45,521, with an earning potential of about $57,231 per year.*

Program graduates work as fish hatchery specialists, fish culturists, fisheries technicians, shellfish hatchery workers, and scientific aides.

Faculty & Support

Brittany Palm

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
MS, Marine Sciences, University of New England
BS, Marine Biology, University of New England

Sara Smith

Degrees and Credentials
BS, Environmental Science-Freshwater Ecology Emphasis, Western Washington University
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
MS, Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email FisheriesNav@btc.edu

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	Palm	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024		Tomtan	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink

Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024		Shiley	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/06/2023	MW	12:30 PM-1:50 PM	Smith	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	12:30 PM-1:50 PM	Smith	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MW	2:10 PM-3:30 PM		Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024				Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023		Pollard	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024		Pollard	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024			Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	W	12:00 PM-2:00 PM	Palm	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	W	2:00 PM-3:30 PM	Palm	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences - AAS-T

Employment Information

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

What are My Next Steps?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 90

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 5

Quarter 6

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Brittany Palm

Degrees and Credentials

Sara Smith

Degrees and Credentials

Contacts