Program Information

Director: T. “Red” Baker III
Graduate Coordinator: D. Behringer

Since 1937 the Change to School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences has prepared students for professional careers caring for natural resources. We emphasize the role of people in managing both terrestrial and aquatic systems, to produce the myriad of benefits and services they provide. Our faculty have a broad range of interests, including ecology, economics/policy, and recreation/education, and are united by an interest in environmental resources, rather than by traditional academic discipline. The School is composed of three programmatic areas: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Forest Resources and Conservation, and Geomatics. Combined, these programs offer seven different degree options (including two professional masters degrees), as well as concentrations and certificates in a diversity of specific areas.

The School’s program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences leads to the Master of Science, Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (nonthesis), and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Minimum requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program also offers a combination bachelor’s/master’s degree program. Contact the academic coordinator for information.

The School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences conducts research, teaching, and extension programs in four broad areas:

• Sustainable fisheries
• Aquaculture
• Aquatic animal health
• Conservation and management of aquatic environments

Faculty encompass both freshwater and marine environments, as well as managed aquaculture systems. Collaborators include the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, National Biological Survey, National Marine Fisheries Service, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Mote Marine Laboratory, the US Geologic Survey, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and others. Academic programs are structured to emphasize direct engagement of students with faculty. Further information, including specific degree options, faculty biographies, and information on the admissions process, is available at https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

• Doctor of Philosophy
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Ecological Restoration
  • concentration in Geographic Information Systems
  • concentration in Natural Resource Policy and Administration
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences
• Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Ecological Restoration
  • concentration in Geographic Information Systems
  • concentration in Natural Resource Policy and Administration
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences
• Master of Science
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Ecological Restoration
  • concentration in Geographic Information Systems
  • concentration in Natural Resource Policy and Administration
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic sCIENCES Courses

Geomatics Departmental Courses

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program Courses

Forest Resources and Conservation Program Courses

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Courses

Fisheries & Aquatic sciences (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Describe and explain key concepts, theories and information in their discipline.

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Apply the scientific method and the appropriate methodologies to the generation of new knowledge.

SLO 3     Skills     
Communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

SLO 4     Skills     
Develop and execute proper experimental or sampling designs.

SLO 5     Skills     
Utilize critical thinking to evaluate spoken and written communications.

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Work in teams with peers; interact honestly, ethically and with cultural sensitivity; translate skills, knowledge and motivation into observable behaviors related to success in specific situations.

Fisheries & Aquatic sciences (MFAS)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Describe and explain key concepts, theories and information in their discipline.

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Apply the appropriate methodologies to the synthesis of existing knowledge.

SLO 3     Skills     
Communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

SLO 4     Skills     
Develop and execute proper project design.

SLO 5     Skills     
Utilize critical thinking to evaluate spoken and written communications.

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Work in teams with peers; interact honestly, ethically and with cultural sensitivity; translate skills, knowledge and motivation into observable behaviors related to success in specific situations.

fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (MS)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Describe and explain key concepts, theories and information into their discipline.

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Apply the scientific method and the appropriate methodologies to the generation of new knowledge.

SLO 3     Skills     
Communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

SLO 4     Skills     
Develop and execute proper experimental or sampling designs.

SLO 5     Skills     
Utilize critical thinking to evaluate spoken and written communications.

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Work in teams with peers; interact honestly, ethically and with cultural sensitivity; translate skills, knowledge and motivation into observable behaviors related to success in specific situations.