State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Bachelor of Science in Aquatic and Fisheries Science
Syracuse, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
31 Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 10,015 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular decision filing deadline
** maximum total tuition for 12 credit hours or more
Key Summary
The management of aquatic ecosystems and restoration of water quality are vital to species survival. Gain in-depth knowledge on a molecular level and hands-on experience in water assessment as you prepare to collaborate across sectors to achieve common goals in the field.
Aquatic and fisheries science is the study of aquatic ecosystems to increase scientific understanding and to apply this knowledge to their management and conservation, thereby sustaining them for multiple uses.
Aquatic ecosystems are complex and found within myriad wetlands, streams, lakes, estuaries, and oceans that support life on Earth. Professional aquatic scientists and managers work to conserve and restore biodiversity, habitats, and ecological function while supporting services including fisheries, water resources, transportation, energy, recreation, and human connections to nature. Career opportunities for students with a B.S. in aquatic and fisheries science include fisheries science, wetland science, limnology, marine biology and oceanography, and numerous conservation-related fields. Typical employment is with federal and state agencies, universities, research institutions, management authorities, and private consulting firms, as well as local, regional, and international non-governmental organizations.
Placement rates are high in the areas of fisheries science, wetland science, limnology, marine biology, and oceanography. Jobs are available with federal and state agencies, research institutions, private consulting firms and nongovernmental organizations, both locally and internationally.
- Aquatic Biologist
- Fish Hatchery Manager
- Limnologist
- Wetlands Scientist
- Science Teacher
- Restoration Ecologist
The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants; part-time employment; educational loans; assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students; a deferred tuition payment plan; and sources of non-need loans to students and parents.
Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible non-citizens. International students will be considered for academic merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships, but are not eligible for need-based student financial assistance. Aid programs are coordinated to supplement parental support, summer work, savings, and assistance from other sources. The sources of funds for financial assistance programs, the guidelines for determining the recipients, the procedures for applying, and the method of disbursement of funds vary from one program to another.
Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Some scholarships and fellowships, however, are based on other criteria, such as academic achievement. Assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students are awarded based on academic achievement.
In order for students to receive aid, they must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Please refer to the appropriate sections under ESF College Aid, Federal Student Aid, and New York State Aid later in this chapter for satisfactory academic progress requirements.
In addition, students are only eligible to receive most types of aid for courses that are required for degree completion. Students enrolled in credits beyond the number required for the degree or enrolled in courses that are not applicable to a degree requirement will have financial aid adjusted accordingly.
Financial aid advisors are aware of the many problems associated with financing higher education and meeting living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students and are available to discuss individual problems. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
Financial Aid Philosophy
Financial aid at SUNY ESF is intended to assist students with education and essential cost-of-living expenses. Funds are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need and are coordinated to supplement parental support, student employment earnings, savings, and assistance from other sources. Some scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on additional criteria, such as academic achievement. Graduate student assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships are not based on financial need.
Special Circumstances
Financial aid advisors at SUNY ESF are aware of the many challenges involved with financing higher education and meeting day-to-day living expenses. Families and students with special circumstances affecting their ability to cover these expenses are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. Circumstances warranting a file review include, but are not limited to:
- Job Loss or Change in Family Income
- Education or Essential Living Expenses not Included in the Cost of Attendance Budget
- Unexpected or Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
ESF is consistently ranked highly for its outstanding academics, unwavering commitment to sustainability, global impact, affordability, and more. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing the best experience and outcomes for our students.
Number 1
- #1: Most Affordable School for Women in STEM | study
- #1: Sustainability Curriculum | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #1: Sustainable Investments and Finance | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
Top 5
- #2: Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation | The Princeton Review
- #2: Zero Waste Campus | Post Landfill Action Network
- #3: Sustainability Research | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #4: Public Engagement | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #4: Top Green College | The Princeton Review


