What is aquatic ecology and management?
Aquatic ecology and management gives you the understanding and skills needed for careers focused on protecting and restoring water resources in the Great Lakes region and around the world. This major is designed for students interested in examining the biological, physical, chemical, geological and hydrological aspects of lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; wetlands; and groundwaters, with an emphasis on water quality.
What you'll learn
In this major, you’ll apply core ideas from fish and wildlife biology and ecology to answer pressing questions in management, policy, conflict resolution, resource economics and other public-facing dimensions of the field.
Course work in this major includes:
- life sciences;
- social sciences;
- communication;
- climate change;
- environmental policy;
- field, lab and analytic techniques;
- experiential learning, such as study abroad or professional internships.
Why study aquatic ecology and management at MSU?
The Great Lakes are one of the world’s greatest natural resources. Thanks to MSU’s location in mid-Michigan and its deep local partnerships, students in the aquatic ecology and management program get hands-on experience studying and protecting Michigan’s lakes, rivers and wetlands
Working closely with state organizations and local communities adds hands-on learning and tangible impact to your student experience.
Specialized concentrations
Concentrations include:
- aquaculture;
- aquatic biology;
- water quality;
- conservation law enforcement;
- environmental education;
- marine ecosystem management;
- conservation biology.
Hands-on learning opportunities
As an undergraduate, you can gain real-world experience through options like the Marine Biology Internship in South Africa, where you’ll work with marine biologists and local experts to study the ecology of organisms in tropical marine reefs.
Study in a close-knit science community
This major is offered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where students study everything from food systems to environmental science. You can also choose to complete this major through Lyman Briggs College (LBC), a residential college at MSU that combines science-focused academics with a small-community experience. In the LBC pathway, you’ll take your foundational science courses within Briggs and complete your upper-level major requirements through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Student organizations and activities
There are over 1,000 registered student organizations at MSU, including:
- Fisheries and Wildlife Club;
- Fishing Club;
- Fly-Fishing Club;
- Birding Club;
- Herpetology Club;
- Outdoors Club;
- Pre-Veterinary Medical Association.
These groups are a great way to meet people, build skills and get involved outside class. And with over 1,000 student clubs at MSU, you’ll have plenty of options to find your niche and your people.
Alumni pursuits
Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies; nonprofit environmental organizations; private companies and consulting firms; as well as universities and colleges.
Common occupations include:
- conservation officer;
- environmental consultant;
- wetland monitoring assistant;
- fisheries/wildlife technician;
- fish hatchery manager;
- fisheries/wildlife biologist.