Fishing and Fisheries Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences is a comprehensive academic discipline dedicated to the sustainable stewardship of aquatic resources. It integrates scientific research, environmental management, and operational strategy to support the responsible cultivation, harvesting, and processing of wild fish and shellfish populations. The program prepares students to address complex challenges in marine and freshwater systems through evidence-based decision-making and policy development.
- Marine and Aquatic Biology: Explores the life cycles, physiology, and ecological roles of aquatic organisms within natural ecosystems.
- Freshwater and Saltwater Ecosystems: Examines the structure, function, and interdependence of inland and coastal aquatic environments.
- Water Resources Management: Focuses on the sustainable use, protection, and conservation of aquatic habitats and water quality.
- Fishing Production Operations: Covers techniques and technologies used in the efficient and ethical capture of wild fish and shellfish.
- Fishing Policy and Regulation: Analyzes legal frameworks, international agreements, and governance models that shape fishing practices.
- Recreational and Commercial Fisheries Management: Addresses the balance between economic activity, conservation goals, and community engagement in fishing industries.
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Fishing and Fisheries Sciences degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. 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 29,530 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $47,650 in Arkansas to $76,670 in Maryland—a 61% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, Georgia, and Oklahoma. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 29,530 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 Fishing and Fisheries Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Fishing and Fisheries Sciences 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 Fishing and Fisheries Sciences is found at Oregon State University (OSU) (72 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (54 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) (45 graduates), University of Florida (UF) (33 graduates), and University of Alaska (UAS), Southeast (28 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 407 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
72 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
54 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Bachelor's
|
45 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
33 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | Juneau, Alaska | Public | uas.alaska.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
21 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
17 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Humboldt) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Arcata, California | Public | humboldt.edu |
| Lake Superior State University (LSSU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Sault Ste Marie, Michigan | Public | lssu.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
14 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Hocking College |
Associate's
|
10 | Nelsonville, Ohio | Public | hocking.edu |
| Bellingham Technical College (BTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | btc.edu |
| Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Gresham, Oregon | Public | mhcc.edu |
| Juniata College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Huntingdon, Pennsylvania | Private | juniata.edu |
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Paul Smiths, New York | Private | paulsmiths.edu |
| University of New England (UNE) |
Master's
|
2 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Fishing and Fisheries Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences degree?
Salaries for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers earn a median of $59,330 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maryland average $76,670 compared to $47,650 in Arkansas. Approximately 29,530 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 Fishing and Fisheries Sciences programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Fishing and Fisheries Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Oregon State University (OSU) (72 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (54 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) (45 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 Fishing and Fisheries Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 376 in 2010 to a peak of 481 in 2020, before declining slightly to 407 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% 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 Fishing and Fisheries Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 29,530 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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