Aquatic Sciences: Research and Management

Type of degree: M.S.

Brief overview of program: More than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, so it is not surprising that the planet’s oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands are considered valuable natural resources and, increasingly, focal points for concerns about usage, pollution and depletion. Humans’ ever-growing encroachment on aquatic ecosystems has created a strong demand for scientists trained in the sustainable management of these resources. The Aquatic Sciences field of study provides training in basic and applied sciences relevant to the world’s growing water crisis and the management of aquatic ecosystems. Faculty include professors and research scientists from a number of disciplines and departments, with interests covering a wide range of subjects, such as fisheries science, aquatic entomology and ecosystem modeling. “International research is a possibility for interested students,” explains Professor Michael J. Wiley, coordinator of the Aquatic Sciences field of study. “Current and recent projects include aquaculture studies in Thailand and China, collaboration with Indian researchers on Ganga River water quality issues and investigations of the land use change in Venezuela.”

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For the students that enter the workforce, what are the most common occupations that they pursue with this degree or certificate? This field of study prepares you for a research career focusing on specific species, ecosystems or ecological problems or for a management career requiring skills in policy and economic analysis and the application of scientific knowledge to management problems. Graduates often pursue occupations as fishery biologists, limnologists, ecologists, aquatic-resource specialists, biometricians and natural-resource managers. They also become educators with government agencies, such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or with nonprofit organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and American Rivers. Other graduates take positions with environmental-consulting companies, private corporations or major colleges and universities.

Email: snre.admissions@umich.edu