Aquatic Science

Fundamentals of Aquatic Sciences - Certificate

Have you always enjoyed being outdoors but couldn’t fully picture it as a career? Have you always wanted to learn more about the ocean environment that makes our region so special? Did you grow up near the water but are unsure of the next steps to move into a shore-based profession? If any of this sounds familiar, then the Fundamentals of Aquatic Science Certificate is the right path for you to explore exciting career options.

In a short three quarters, you will maximize learning and minimize time commitment to determine if the aquatic world is the best fit for you. This certificate combines all the entry-level courses offered in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences program to provide students with a broad and comprehensive introduction to aquatic science. Students will learn the fundamentals with courses focusing on biology, ecology, and oceanography while also gaining experience in field sampling, hatchery operations, and lab explorations. 

If a student decides to continue their education at BTC, then the completion of this certificate can be applied to any of the program’s AAS or AAS-T degrees. Students desiring a different pathway can transfer up to 46 credits to a partnering institution.

Ready to explore your career options on the water? Start your entry-level certificate and get ready to dive in!  

Included in the AAS and AAS-T degrees.

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)

$48,578 starting annual wage2
$56,268 average annual wage2
$67,999 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

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program typically starts in Fall quarter.

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: 46

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

  • General Education Core Courses

  • AMATH 111Applied Technical Math5 CR
  • OR Higher
  • AENGL 100Applied English5 CR
  • OR
  • ENGL& 101English Composition I5 CR
  • OR Higher
  • TOTAL General Education Core Course Credits10 CR

  • Core Courses for Program

  • AQUA 101Introduction to Applied Sciences2 CR
  • AQUA 111Applied Techniques: Fall3 CR
  • AQUA 112Applied Techniques: Winter1 CR
  • AQUA 113Applied Techniques: Spring2 CR
  • AQUA 121Principles of Aquaculture5 CR
  • AQUA 122Principles of Fisheries Science5 CR
  • AQUA 131Aquatic Chemistry with Lab5 CR
  • AQUA 141Research Methods3 CR
  • ENVS& 101Fundamentals of Environmental Science5 CR
  • OCEA& 101Introduction to Oceanography with Lab5 CR
  • TOTAL Core Courses for Program Credits36 CR

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing the certificate, students will be able to: 

  • Summarize the fundamental theories of aquatic science, as related to biology, chemistry, ecology, and environmental science. 
  • Identify the principles and best practices of the fisheries and aquaculture industries. 
  • Demonstrate industry-level competencies in field, lab, and hatchery techniques.  
  • Conduct workplace operations in a safe and professional manner with an emphasis on teamwork skills. 

Employment Outlook

Your skills will be ready to use with employers such as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as private and tribal hatcheries, shellfish farms, and federal and private scientific companies.

Faculty & Support

Photo of Brittany Palm
Brittany Palm
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences
  • Degrees and Credentials

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

    BS, Marine Biology, University of New England

    MS, Marine Sciences, University of New England

Photo of Sara Smith
Sara Smith
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences
  • Degrees and Credentials

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

    BS, Environmental Science-Freshwater Ecology Emphasis, Western Washington University

    MS, Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University

Photo of Brittany Palm
Brittany Palm
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences
  • Degrees and Credentials

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

    BS, Marine Biology, University of New England

    MS, Marine Sciences, University of New England

Photo of Sara Smith
Sara Smith
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences
  • Degrees and Credentials

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

    BS, Environmental Science-Freshwater Ecology Emphasis, Western Washington University

    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