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Applied Fisheries

Applied Fisheries Pathways: Educating Technicians

Programs range from an introduction to fisheries as a career path to degrees that provide a broad educational and practical foundation in the field. Students completing these programs will be prepared for entry-level employment in federal and state agencies, hatcheries, and the private sector or may continue on towards a bachelor’s degree.

Applied Fisheries Degrees

Student Experience

Inside the Degree

Explore a career in the in-demand field of Applied Fisheries. Take a deep dive into disciplines like oceanography, fish biology, Alaskan fisheries management and Aquaculture. Learn more about all fisheries programs, summer intensives, and courses.

Inside the Degree

Inside the Degree

Alaska Dive Semester

Each spring, the Sitka campus offers an intensive field semester of scientific diving. Students begin with basic dive skills, and progress through underwater rescue procedures and underwater data collection techniques to become accomplished research divers. Students become familiar with local fish and invertebrate species, and participate in marine-related research projects. Additionally, students develop skills in basic skiff handling and small engine maintenance, critical to underwater field work.

In addition to gaining experience in cold-water research and field work, the Dive Semester offers students the opportunity to earn open water, dry suit, advanced open water, research and scientific diver, and oxygen provider certifications.

Scuba diver holding some sort of sea creature

Continue Your Degree Path: Biology and Marine Biology

Based out of the UAS Juneau campus, students earn a BA/BS in Biology or a BS in Marine Biology with access to the ultimate natural laboratory — Southeast Alaska's rich ocean environment. Learn biological principles and skills in lecture, laboratory, and field courses and participate in undergraduate research opportunities.

Learning Environments

Land or Sea: Study from Anywhere

Applied Fisheries Pathways

Students can attend applied fisheries pathway classes on-campus in Sitka or online using iPads, available to program participants.  These "off the grid" classes allow students to complete an entire class independent of the internet. The waterproof iPads (provided as a free loan by UAS) contain all lectures, videos, readings, FAQs, and exams that students can take remotely.

Fishtech course on an iPad

“The Fish Tech program has been such a positive experience. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about fish culture and what really happens out here. It gives you a much better understanding, start to finish, of how this whole process works. If you love the ocean and fishing, why not make it a career?”

Program Faculty

Joel A. Markis, M.S.

Joel A. Markis, M.S.

Associate Professor

In his free time, Joel enjoys backcountry skiing, fishing, sailing, is an avid SCUBA diver and dive instructor, and generally likes spending time outside. He is passionate about teaching and Alaskan fisheries.

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Angela Bowers

Angela Bowers

Assistant Professor

Angie has been working with Pacific Salmon since 2006, when she was fortunate enough to find her dream job working at a remote hatchery here on Baranof Island and has been working in aquaculture and teaching people about it ever since.

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Lauren Wild, Ph.D. (she/her)

Lauren Wild, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

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