[programName=Aquarium Science, B.S.]
The Aquarium Science, B.S., degree is a unique program that links the educational strengths of Western Oregon University and Oregon Coast Community College. AQS students begin their academic career at WOU in Monmouth and establish a foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Business before completing their career-specific training at OCCC in Newport.
At Oregon Coast Community College, students gain hands-on experience at a one of a kind facility. The AQS curriculum at OCCC is widely recognized as one of the best programs in the country to learn aquatic animal husbandry. The Teaching Aquarium at OCCC includes aquarium systems designed to teach students how to work with jellyfish, live corals, elasmobranchs, temperate marine animals, and tropical marine animals. Please visit the OCCC Aquarium Science website to learn more about the opportunities at the OCCC campus.
credits required for major
Program Details
Mission
Provide theory and practical experience designed to prepare students for careers in the aquatic animal husbandry profession, including positions as aquarists, aquatic biologists, and keepers. Potential employment opportunities include public zoos and aquariums, ornamental fish retailers and wholesalers, aquaculture businesses, fish hatcheries, research programs, marine educational centers, state and federal natural resource agencies, as well as self-employment.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate critical thinking by engaging in laboratory experimentation, field research, data analysis and interpretation at multiple course levels.
- Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, scientific concepts, research findings and ideas to professionals and the general public.
- Maintain, analyze, diagnose and repair aquarium life support systems and their components.
- Perform basic water quality analysis using standard testing equipment.
- Maintain healthy animals through proper set-up, monitoring and accepted animal husbandry practices.
- Identify physically compromised animals and abnormal animal behaviors.
- Work within a group to conceptualize, plan, construct and manage environments that promote the health of fishes and invertebrates.
Courses
At Western Oregon University, students take courses such as Introduction to Oceanography, Animal Behavior and Comparative Animal Physiology to learn about aquatic ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Because many students will ultimately pursue careers at small public aquaria or at aquarium stores where they need to be able to manage business operations, not just the organisms under their care, Aquarium Science students also take courses such as Financial Accounting and Principles of Marketing.
Students must apply to the Aquarium Science Program at Oregon Coast Community College before beginning their final year of coursework at OCCC. Students must have less than 32 credits remaining in their Foundational Science and Business and Economics courses in order to be admitted to the major.
The complete Aquarium Science curriculum can be found in the official WOU Catalog: Aquarium Science, B.S. curriculum
SARAH BOOMER
Professor, Biology
boomers@wou.edu
AMY DAWSON
, Biology
dawsona@wou.edu
JIM DAWSON
NTT Instructor, Biology
dawsonj@wou.edu
BRYAN DUTTON
, Biology
duttonb@wou.edu
GARETH HOPKINS
Associate Professor, Biology
hopkinsg@wou.edu
AVA HOWARD
Associate Professor, Department Head, Biology
howarda@wou.edu
MELISSA KELLEY
NTT Assistant Professor, Biology
kelleym@wou.edu
KRISTIN LATHAM-SCOTT
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, BELL 234, Biology
lathamscottk@wou.edu
MICHAEL LEMASTER
Professor, Biology
lemastm@wou.edu
SAMANTHA LEVELL
NTT Assistant Professor, Biology
levellst@wou.edu
SCOTT MACDONALD
NTT Instructor, Biology
macdonas@wou.edu
STEPHEN SCHECK
, Biology
schecks@wou.edu
MARGARET MANOOGIAN
Professor, Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood
manoogim@wou.edu
MELISSA CANNON
, Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood
cannonm@wou.edu
KACIE RYDEN
, Registrar's Office
rydenk@wou.edu
Where This Degree Can Take You
A degree in Aquarium Science offers a blend of hands-on experience with aquatic life, the study of aquatic ecosystems, and skills in maintaining healthy environments for various species. Students gain expertise in water quality management, animal husbandry, and ecological preservation. This knowledge prepares graduates for impactful roles in fields related to marine research, conservation, and environmental education.
Potential Careers
- Aquarist
- Aquarium Manager
- Marine Biologist
- Aquaculture Technician
- Environmental Educator
- Water Quality Specialist
- Wildlife Conservationist
- Research Scientist
- Aquatic Veterinarian Technician
- Aquatic Product Specialist
Potential Employers
- Oregon Zoo
- Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Seattle Aquarium
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- OSU Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory
- Zebrafish International Resource Center
Consider This Degree If You…
Are passionate about marine life and aquatic ecosystems.
Aquarium science involves extensive study of marine ecosystems, aquatic species, and conservation efforts, all aimed at nurturing and preserving the health of underwater environments.
Desire a dynamic career path
A career in aquarium science offers diverse opportunities, from hands-on care and rehabilitation of marine species to research in aquatic biology, environmental conservation, and marine ecosystem management,
Value environmental stewardship
Protecting and conserving aquatic ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering awareness about the impact of human activities on marine life and the broader environment are a pillar of aquarium science.
