Aquatic Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the dynamic world of life in freshwater environments through a comprehensive academic focus on aquatic biology. This program delves into the complex interactions between organisms and their habitats, emphasizing ecological principles, species diversity, and environmental sustainability across rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and other inland water systems.
- Geology and Hydrology: Examine the physical and chemical foundations of aquatic environments, including water flow, sediment dynamics, and the geological processes shaping freshwater systems.
- Aquatic Ecosystems: Investigate the structure, function, and resilience of freshwater ecosystems, analyzing energy flow, nutrient cycling, and habitat connectivity.
- Microbiology: Study microbial communities in aquatic settings, including their roles in decomposition, nutrient transformation, and ecosystem health.
- Mycology: Explore the diversity, ecology, and functional significance of fungi within freshwater habitats, from decomposers to symbiotic partners.
- Botany: Focus on aquatic plant life, including identification, physiology, and ecological contributions of macrophytes and phytoplankton.
- Ichthyology: Analyze the biology, behavior, and conservation of fish species across diverse freshwater environments.
- Mammalogy: Study aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals, including their adaptations, ecological roles, and interactions with freshwater ecosystems.
- Population Biology and Biodiversity: Evaluate species distribution, population dynamics, genetic variation, and the conservation of biodiversity in freshwater systems.
- Species, Phyla, and Habitat Studies: Conduct in-depth research on specific organisms and their ecological niches, from invertebrates to vertebrates, across varied aquatic biomes.
- Applied Sciences: Apply biological knowledge to real-world challenges in natural resources management, fisheries sustainability, and emerging biotechnological innovations.
Aquatic Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Aquatic Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Aquatic Biology degrees, including Biological Scientists, All Other, Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Biological Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 189,150 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Biological Technicians 19-4021 | $52,000 | $38,060 - $81,990 | 76,190 | $25.00 |
Aquatic Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,653 in Kentucky to $100,567 in California—a 63% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 189,150 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Aquatic Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Aquatic Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Aquatic Biology is found at University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (50 graduates), Texas State University (TXST) (21 graduates), Bemidji State University (BSU) (14 graduates), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (13 graduates), and Stetson University (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 119 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
50 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 | San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Bemidji State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Bemidji, Minnesota | Public | bemidjistate.edu |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
| Stetson University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | DeLand, Florida | Private | stetson.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Gannon University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | gannon.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Aquatic Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Aquatic Biology degree?
Salaries for Aquatic Biology graduates vary by role and location. Biological Scientists, All Other earn a median of $93,330 annually, while Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $83,460. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $100,567 compared to $61,653 in Kentucky. Approximately 189,150 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Aquatic Biology programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Aquatic Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (50 graduates), Texas State University (TXST) (21 graduates), and Bemidji State University (BSU) (14 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Aquatic Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 77 in 2010 to a peak of 121 in 2020, before declining slightly to 119 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Aquatic Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Biological Scientists, All Other, Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and Biological Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 189,150 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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