Aquaculturists

High School

Most jobs in aquaculture require a bachelor's degree, so follow a college preparatory plan of English, history, government, foreign language, and other courses recommended by your guidance counselor. Take science courses, particularly biology courses, to prepare for a marine science, aquaculture, or biology college program. Some management experience is also important, so take courses in business and accounting.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for jobs in aquaculture beyond the laborer or assistant level. Researchers usually have an advanced degree in their specialty. Jobs in aquaculture tend to be more plentiful than jobs with fish and wildlife management agencies (which are very tough to get), but the educational requirements are basically the same. Without a bachelor's degree, it is very difficult to find work at the professional level. In part, fish farming is more complicated today, given new understanding of ecology (such as how one organism impacts another), fish genetics (such as how fish adapt themselves genetically to a natural environment), and other areas. A bachelor's degree in fish and wildlife biology, including at least one internship, is the primary path into this field. A minor in business or accounting may also be valuable to a prospective aquaculturist. The World Aquaculture Society offers a list of postsecondary aquaculture and related training programs at its Web site, https://www.was.org/Education/Index.

Other Education or Training

The American Fisheries Society offers a variety of continuing education courses that may be useful to aquaculturists. Classes have covered topics such as "Water Quality for Fisheries Professionals," "Effective Communication Skills, and "Fish Genetics." Contact the society for more information.