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Academics

Upcoming Courses

Fall Semester 2022 Class Schedule

Browse and register for courses in Fisheries or Oceanography on our website.

Lectures and readings

Browse our open-access Fisheries courses.

Online Course Library

Schery Umanzor's seaweed lines at UAF CFOS Skiff operators approach the camera in front of a fleet of seiners Student looks into a microscope

Semester intensive programs

Ladies stand with oysters while learning on a barge

Alaskan Aquaculture Semester

Join our Alaskan Aquaculture Semester for an immersion into Alaskan seaweed and shellfish mariculture as well as a comprehensive education in Alaska salmon enhancement hatchery operations. Over the course of the semester, you will learn everything from Alaskan salmon hatchery techniques and skills, develop a vast knowledge of the science and history behind our salmon hatchery programs, and learn nursery, outplanting and rearing techniques in mariculture. Additionally, you will develop skills in basic skiff handling and small engine maintenance techniques, coldwater safety and survival, bear and wilderness safety and first aid. Our course offerings are designed to complement your studies at your current college or university.

Hands-On Learning - Applied Internships - Skiff, Outboard Motor Operation - Interdisciplinary Study - in Sitka Sound

Learn more about Aquaculture Semester
Scuba students enter the wintry waters from snowy shores at magic island in Sitka.

Alaska Dive Semester

You will have the opportunity to work with UAS faculty and become accomplished research divers. Over the semester, you will learn everything from basic dive skills, to underwater rescue procedures, to underwater data collection techniques and you will become familiar with local fish and invertebrate species, and participate in new and ongoing marine-related research projects. Additionally, you will develop skills in basic skiff handling and small engine maintenance techniques, critical to underwater field work.

Earn certifications as Open Water Divers, Dry Suit Divers, Advanced Open Water Divers, Research Divers, AAUS Scientific Divers, and DAN 1st Aid/ CPR and O2 Providers along with gaining experience in cold-water research and fieldwork*.

* Scuba Educators International (SEI), American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Divers Alert Network (DAN)

Hands-On Learning - Develop Scientific Diving Skills - Learn Small Boat Handling - Interdisciplinary Study - in Sitka Sound

Learn more about Dive Semester

Choose from these tracks, or chart your own course.

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Fisheries Technology at the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus provides a broad educational and practical foundation in the field. Students completing the A.A.S. degree will be prepared to go on to pursue a four-year degree program with the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, or for entry-level employment in federal and state agencies, hatcheries, as well as positions in the private sector. Online courses are available, offering maximum flexibility for students.

Hatchery worker testing eggs

Fisheries Tech Certificate

Equips students considering careers in fisheries technology with practical skills and knowledge in 32 hours of coursework. The program offers two different areas of emphasis:

  • Alaska Salmon Enhancement - introduces students to the principles, concepts and methods utilized in the production of Pacific Salmon with an emphasis on modern fish culture techniques use by Alaskan producers.
  • Fisheries Management - introduces students to common sampling and monitoring techniques and parameters implemented by fish technicians in southeast Alaska including the management, law and economics of fisheries.

Students can choose to complete one or both certificates with either emphasis. Both require three credit hours of internship.

Fisheries Technician

Occupational Endorsements

Our Occupational Endorsement program provides practical job-ready skills and knowledge in a reduced time commitment of just 14 credit hours! (Just four web-based courses plus a hands-on intensive lab or internship!)

The program offers two different areas of emphasis:

  • Alaska Salmon Enhancement – provides training for individuals interested in Pacific salmon culture practices. Courses introduce the fundamentals of fisheries enhancement in Alaska, basic fisheries biology, and related field techniques essential for working in hatchery or other salmon enhancement positions.
  • Fisheries Management – provides training for individuals interested in fisheries management. Courses introduce international and local fisheries management policy and law, fisheries economics, fish biology, and related field techniques as a working foundation for entry-level state or federal fisheries management positions.

Students can choose to complete the occupational endorsement with either emphasis. Both require either a 50-hour internship or a four-day intensive field/lab class.

This occupational endorsement online course work integrates with the Certificate and A.A.S. programs.

Julie hauls a net of fish on a crane at the Sitka Sound Science Center

Course descriptions

Explores the biology, fisheries, management, and research of various Alaskan fisheries throughout the state. Each week students will focus on a different portion of the state to learn about a different fishery. Guest lecturers will emphasize the importance of research and current issues in their respective regions. Recommended for students looking to better understand how Alaska fisheries are unique.

The first course of a two semester sequence which introduces students to the principles, concepts and methods used in the production of Pacific Salmon with an emphasis on modern fish culture techniques used by Alaskan producers. Addresses all aspects of fry and smolt production. Topics include water quality, brood stock management, egg collection and incubation, egg and live fish transport, fresh and saltwater rearing techniques, feeding practices, growth, record keeping and fish health management.
A hands-on active learning experience laboratory covering basic fish anatomy, physiology, and common diseases found in fish species throughout Alaska. Elements covered will include basic lab techniques, supplies to have on hand, sampling procedures, and collecting proper data for sample submission. Pass/Fail grading.
Introduces students to safety concepts associated with cold water environments. Subjects include cold water survival skills, immersion suits, PFDs, emergency radio calls, EPIRBS, basic firefighting, emergency signals, and boat handling basics. Pass/Fail grading.

Students will learn the basic skills to be an Open Water and Dry Suit SCUBA diver. Consists of instruction in classroom, pool, and ocean settings and covers diving theory with respect to physics, physiology, and safe diving practices. Students that complete this course will be certified with the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) as an Open Water Diver and a Dry Suit Diver specialty. Students must complete a 200 yards swim and survival float for 10 minutes.

The PADI Advanced SCUBA Diver course is comprised of five different adventure dives beyond basic SCUBA certification. An Adventure Dive concentrates on a particular activity or skill within the realm of scuba and may include boat diving, naturalist diving, night diving or any of 26 dives to choose from. Dry Suit diving, deep diving (60 feet) and navigation diving are required, but the remaining two are based on student interest and local availability. To complete this certification course, students must complete all of the bookwork, pool dives and ocean dives required by PADI. Pass/Fail grading.
This practicum will take students through the structure, organization, and process of fisheries management meetings. Depending on availability, students will attend one of the following: North Pacific Fisheries Management Council meetings, International Pacific Halibut Commission meetings, Board of Fisheries meetings or Federal Subsistence Board meetings, and will then prepare and synthesize the results.
Presents common sampling and monitoring techniques and parameters utilized by fish technicians in Alaska fisheries. Provides instruction on field safety and survival techniques. Introduces students to nets, stream survey techniques, intertidal assessment, fish counts, habitat assessment, and data collection, recording, and presentation.
Prerequisite: FT S274 or concurrent enrollment, or former FT S273.
Hands-on approach to common sampling and monitoring techniques and parameters utilized by fish technicians in Alaska fisheries. Sampling techniques include setting minnow traps, beach seining, plankton sampling, habitat assessment, and data collection. Pass/Fail grading.
Prerequisite: FT S211 or concurrent enrollment, or instructor approval.
The second course of a two semester sequence which introduces students to the principles, concepts and methods used in the production of Pacific salmon with an emphasis on modern fish culture techniques used by Alaska producers. Methods used to enhance and rehabilitate the five species of Pacific salmon harvested in the commercial, sport and subsistence fisheries of Alaska and Northwestern United States will be covered in detail. Provides students with understanding of regulations and guidelines established by the state of Alaska to administer salmon enhancement programs through private non-profit aquaculture association.
Prerequisite: FT S122.
This intensive course focuses on salmon enhancement techniques and skills appropriate to new students as well as those with fish culture experience. Topics include egg incubation techniques, feeding techniques, rearing, pathobiology and tagging and marking techniques. Course includes in-class lecture, labs, and visits to local salmon hatcheries. Pass/Fail grading.
The principles, concepts and techniques used as part of fresh water ecological fisheries research, management and enhancement are presented in a technical application format. Topics include physical and biological characteristics of freshwater systems, and data collection, management and interpretation.
Prerequisite: MATH S105 or MATH S151 or STAT S107, and WRTG S111, and FT S120.
An overview of fishery management techniques, principles and concepts; state, federal and international laws that affect fisheries; and fundamentals of fishery economic principles. Emphasis on the biological, economic, social, and political aspects of fisheries management. Examples from the Pacific Northwest will be used to highlight management techniques.
Prerequisite: FT S120.
An introduction to the major groups of fishes with particular emphasis on fishes of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Introduces students to finfish and shellfish. Identification and classification, anatomy and physiology, age and growth, reproduction and behavior will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on commercially important fish species of Alaska.
Prerequisite: FT S120 or concurrent enrollment, or instructor approval.
This course will introduce students to SCUBA diving techniques commonly used in the research community. The course will also familiarize students with local Alaska subtidal flora and fauna and give students an opportunity to work underwater. Completion of this course will allow students to be eligible to join (or remain active in) the UA dive program. Students must show proof of completing an Open Water certification course and complete a UA Dive physical prior to beginning the course.

Work in an approved fisheries agency or natural resource based industry with a fisheries emphasis. The student is to be supervised by a senior employee of the agency in cooperation with the faculty advisor.

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