A student in the wet lab adjusts equipment near large water tanks and pipes, surrounded by technical instruments.

Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Major

About the Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Major

Aquarium and Aquaculture Science (AQS) are rapidly growing areas within the field of marine biology. There is need for people trained in raising and caring for aquatic animals and the Â鶹ɫÇ鯬 AQS program, one of the first in the nation, effectively fills that void.

Aquarium Science and Aquaculture Overview and Opportunities

Aquaculture of marine and fresh water fish and invertebrates, already important as a food supply, is projected to increase in the future becoming one of the main sources of food for the world.  Aquarium science is a multi-billion dollar, world-wide business that encompasses trade and display of ornamental animals. Diseases of aquatic animals is a limitation in maintaining animals in both aquariums and aquaculture. The AQS minor offers both didactic and experiential, hands-on learning and will prepare the student for entry into this diverse and growing field.

Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Degree Requirements

Loading course catalog information...

New Program for 2025: Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Undergraduate Certificate

The Â鶹ɫÇ鯬 Aquarium Science faculty and staff partnered with  to launch the Undergraduate Certificate in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science for the 2025 academic year. Please visit the undergraduate certificate program page for more information. 

Student feeds fish in Â鶹ɫÇ鯬's Wet Lab.

Aquarium and Aquaculture Sciences Research Opportunities

Undergraduate research is integrated into the Aquarium and Aquaculture Sciences curriculum, with opportunities for students to earn academic credit for doing research, to develop proposals and compete for small grants to fund their projects, and to present their findings at regional, national and international conferences. These studies often involve contact and interaction with industry members, and are conducted using the state-of-the-art laboratories at Â鶹ɫÇ鯬 that include a production-scale shellfish hatchery, an extensive marine ornamental research facility and an aquatic animal veterinary laboratory.

Contact Us

Andrew Rhyne
Address MNS242, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809