Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Science (FIS) (Online)
The online Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Science (FIS) will develop core competencies in sustainable fisheries management, including stock assessment, fisheries ecology, and fisheries management through four sessions each running 7 weeks, including an intensive 7-week field-based (either at URI or as an internship) that provides crucial hands-on experience. Course format and learning activities will emphasize collaborative real world problem solving, oral and written communication, and the use of state-of-the-art analysis tools and technologies.
Program requirements: 14 credits of graduate coursework, includes 2 credits of seminar and 3 credits of summer capstone (either EVS 505 or AFS 597).
Courses
AFS515: Fishery Ecology
(3 crs.) Ecological characteristics of fishes and shellfishes in capture fisheries worldwide. Relationship between aspects of fishing, habitats, and community structure along with assessment methods.
AFS501: Professional Develop. in Fisheries and Aquaculture
(1 cr.) Formulate learning outcomes and develop professional internships for new AFS graduate students through interaction with faculty; develop skills in environmental communication, leadership, and ethics. (Seminar) S/U grades only.
AFS502: Seminar in Fisheries and Aquaculture
(1 cr.) Presentation of proposed, ongoing and completed major projects by AFS graduate students. Discussion among graduate students, faculty, and other mentors on project design, methods, analysis, and presentation. (Seminar) S/U grades only.
AFS531: Fisheries Stock Assessment
(3 crs.) A quantitative approach to describing the processes of fish growth and mortality, the estimation of stock size, the prediction of stock yield, and management practices. Spreadsheets and other microcomputer applications will be used for analysis and modeling.
AFS560: Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Science & Management
(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (AFS), OCG 560. The scientific components of ecosystem-based fisheries management: climate variation, trophic interactions, habitat, bycatch, and human dimensions. Classes emphasize problem-solving through case studies of domestic and international fisheries. Pre: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
AFS597: Internship in Fisheries and Aquaculture
(3 crs.) Supervised work performed with an environmental agency, nongovernmental organization, or private firm as part of the requirements of AFS graduate degree programs. (Accelerated Online Program) Pre: Enrolled in Online Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Science or permission of instructor. S//U only.
EVS505: Environmental Leadership in Practice
(3 crs.) Explores theory and practice of leadership in the context of environmental problems and natural resources management. Emphasis on effective leadership and communication approaches across environmental organizations. Pre: Graduate student in the MESM Program or permission of instructor.
Sample Course Schedule*
| Session | Courses |
|---|---|
| Fall I | AFS 501 (1 cr) and AFS 415* (3 cr) |
| Fall II | AFS 531 (3 cr) |
| Spring I | AFS/OCG 560 (3 cr) |
| Spring II | Capstone – AFS 597 or EVS 505 (3 cr) and AFS 502 (1 cr) |