Fisheries Biology - PhD

The Department offers MS and PhD degree in Fisheries Biology.

Utah State University is the only university in the state with a college devoted to the study of natural resources, and the fisheries biology program is one of the few programs in the nation where students have the opportunity to focus on freshwater fish populations. Students in the fisheries biology program study river, lake, and wetland ecosystems. The program highlights the ecology of freshwater systems, management of important fisheries, restoration of stream, riparian, and wetland areas, and the monitoring and protection of plant and animal populations in lakes and rivers. Each student has an individualized plan of study created for them by their graduate committee, and students are able to take courses in other departments on campus, such as biology and civil and environmental engineering. This allows students to gain a broad education in areas related to fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Specializations: 

• Conservation Biology: Students in this specialization study the population dynamics, genetics, and habitats of aquatic species. Students focus on the monitoring and restoration of species that are of conservation concern.
• Fisheries Management: Students pursuing this specialization study the management of fish populations, their habitats, and the policies that impact fisheries. Graduates are qualified for careers as fisheries managers with state and federal agencies.