Graduate Certificate in Aquaculture and Fisheries

The URI Graduate Certificate in Aquaculture and Fisheries provides students with degrees in biological or environmental fields focused advanced training needed to find professional employment in the areas of Aquaculture and Fisheries. The program also allows students to complete the requirements of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) Professional Certification Program at the Associate Fisheries Professional (AFP) level.  On completion of the Aquaculture and Fisheries graduate certificate, students will have the knowledge and skills to: (1) apply knowledge in a variety of disciplines and practical skills to address real-world problems in food security, as it relates to seafood; and (2) find employment in agencies and businesses involved in research, scholarly, and problem-solving endeavors in the field of Aquaculture and Fisheries.

Students completing the Aquaculture and Fisheries Graduate Certificate program will practice advanced skills in class projects and specialty courses that take advantage of resources in marine sciences at the University of Rhode Island, including the Fisheries Center, freshwater aquaculture facilities, the Commercial Fisheries Center (a partnership with non-profit commercial fisheries associations), the Blount Aquaculture Research Laboratory, the Tuna Aquaculture Research Facility, and several research and teaching vessels.  A broad set of existing class options can accommodate students from programs within or beyond the University of Rhode Island pursuing to complement their major in marine or aquatic sciences, environmental sciences, or marine affairs, with additional targeted skills and knowledge in aquaculture and fisheries.

Requirements

15 credits of graduate coursework that consists of:

  • At least 12 credits from courses in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science (AFS) at the 400 level or above, to choose in consultation with your advisor. Examples of available courses include:

AFS 415: Fisheries Ecology
AFS 425: Aquaculture and the Environment
AFS 432: Marine Finfish Aquaculture
AFS 440: Aquatic Food Production in the Philippines
AFS 483: Salmonid Aquaculture
AFS 486: Fish Physiology
AFS 500: Advanced Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
AFS 503: Pathobiology
AFS 531: Fisheries Stock Assessment
AFS/OCG 560: Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Science & Management
AFS 581: Current Topics in Molluscan Aquaculture
AFS 584: Advanced Aquaculture Systems

  • The remaining credits (3) are to be chosen from a variety of courses in marine, environmental, and social sciences at the University of Rhode Island, including but not limited to courses at the 400 or above level in BIO, EEC, MAF, NRS, OCG, and WRT.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University. International students are required to have an overall TOEFL score of 80 or more AND meet the minimum in each individual area: Reading 20, Writing 22, Listening 17, Speaking 17.

Application Instructions

Submit an online application through the URI Graduate School.

Applications should include:  1) college transcripts certifying current enrollment or successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in a biological, agricultural, or environmental field, 2) two letters of recommendation from peers, mentors, or colleagues attesting to your ability to complete graduate-level coursework, and 3) a personal written statement explaining why you are seeking a University of Rhode Island graduate certificate in fisheries and aquaculture.  GREs are not required.  Accepted applicants will be advised on which course prerequisites should be fulfilled prior or during the first semester in the program.

Cost

Standard URI tuition and fee rates for graduate programs apply

Contact

For more information about the program, contact Professor Marta Gómez-Chiarri