What is fish ecology and management?
Fish ecology and management is all about understanding and managing fish populations, along with other freshwater and marine organisms. In this major you'll dive into the environments that support these species and keep their ecosystems healthy. If you are at all curious about aquatic life and the places they live, this major is for you.
What you'll learn
This fisheries degree includes course work in:
- life sciences;
- social sciences;
- communication;
- climate change;
- environmental policy;
- field, lab and analytic techniques.
Why study fish ecology at MSU?
Michigan’s Great Lakes, rivers and streams (including the Red Cedar River at MSU) give you the chance to learn by doing — with hands-on experiences that directly affect fish populations and water resources across the state.
At MSU, faculty lead the way in both the science and the human sides of the field. You’ll study the biology and ecology of fish and wildlife while also exploring management, policy, conflict resolution and resource economics.
By working with state organizations and local communities, you’ll get real-world experiences and make an immediate impact as a student as you pursue this fisheries degree.
Specialized concentrations
Concentrations include:
- aquaculture;
- aquatic biology;
- water quality;
- conservation law enforcement;
- environmental education;
- marine ecosystem management;
- conservation biology.
Also, if you complete the requirements for the fish ecology and management major and choose appropriate elective courses, you can satisfy requirements for certification as an associate fisheries scientist by the American Fisheries Society.
Hands-on learning opportunities
As an undergraduate, you'll have access to experiential learning and real-world research opportunities. You’ll also learn lab and field techniques. There are both volunteer and paid opportunities to get involved, like working on projects that support Michigan’s lakes, rivers and aquatic ecosystems in partnership with local organizations.
Plus, MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife currently offers opportunities to study fisheries or wildlife in Antarctica, Fiji, Madagascar, the United Kingdom, Nicaragua and South Africa.
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
Outside the classroom, you can connect with other students who share your interests through clubs like the:
- MSU Fisheries & Wildlife Club;
- MSU Fishing Club;
- Outdoors Club;
- MSU Fly-Fishing Club.
Whether you're into conservation, community science or just love being out on the water, these groups offer chances to learn, lead and have fun. And with over 1,000 student clubs at MSU, these are just the beginning. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your niche and your people.
Alumni pursuits
Graduates with a fisheries degree often go on to careers in fisheries biology; water quality management; conservation biology; animal health and applied ecology. They 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 with a fisheries degree include:
- conservation officer;
- environmental consultant;
- wetland monitoring assistant;
- fisheries/wildlife technician;
- fish hatchery manager;
- fisheries/wildlife biologist.