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Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers the only bachelor of science degree in aquaculture and fisheries sciences in Arkansas. The major has four degree concentrations: general (AQFI), aquaculture (AQUA), fisheries science (AQFS), and aquaculture and Seafood Business (AQSB). The curriculum of each concentration conforms to guidelines established by the American Fisheries Society for fisheries undergraduate programs and will conform to those of the U.S. Aquaculture Society for aquaculture programs, when finalized and adopted.

Depending on the concentration taken, the aquaculture and fisheries sciences B.S. degree requires 31-35 hours of coursework in applied aquaculture and fisheries (see curriculum and course descriptions), with each course providing hands-on field and laboratory experiences. Additionally, the degree requires 23-26 hours of supporting coursework in mathematics, statistics, biology, chemistry, physics and/or business. Professors in the department recognize that students have differing learning styles and are committed to using a variety of teaching styles and techniques to ensure student learning. Small class sizes (the majority of AQFI classes have less than 10 students) coupled with a 3:1 student-faculty ratio creates an ideal learning environment in the department. Laboratories are offered in the state-of-the-art Holiday Hall Applied Science Building and a computerized teaching classroom in Woodard Hall. The department also contains an aquaculture and fisheries research and Extension library. In addition, aquaculture and fisheries science majors are able to secure student employment opportunities under UAPB faculty, research staff and/or graduate students on various research projects. The department also has a variety of scholarships available exclusively for aquaculture and fisheries sciences majors at UAPB.

Individualized instruction, an emphasis on practical hands-on experiences, scholarship availability and internship/cooperative education opportunities make UAPB an ideal choice for students interested in careers in aquaculture and fisheries or pursuing graduate study.

Cooperative Education and Internships

Cooperative education and internship opportunities are available throughout the U.S. for summers or sometimes longer terms. These opportunities are available through various state and federal agencies as internships and other government-sponsored programs. Representatives of these programs regularly visit UAPB and the department to recruit interested students that meet eligibility requirements.

Below are just a few of the unique opportunities of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Sciences program:

  • Receive training in essential areas of fisheries biology that prepare students for careers in fisheries management, aquatic ecology, environmental science and related fields with state and federal management agencies or the private sector.
  • Acquire critical skills to prepare students for careers in the aquaculture industry, including commercial fish farms, state and federal hatcheries, processing plants, feed mills and other support industries.
  • Acquire critical skills to prepare students for careers in the business side of the aquaculture and seafood industries. These careers include positions in sales, marketing, public relations, economics and related areas.
  • Gain academic background and research experience to pursue graduate degrees in diverse fields that such as aquaculture, fisheries biology, ecology, environmental science, agriculture and related sciences.
Undergraduate Forms

Required Graduation Forms

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff requires graduating Seniors to complete several different forms prior to graduation. The links below provide printable versions for some of these forms. (Printed versions of these forms are also available at the UAPB Administration Office). The following documents are in PDF format, download the latest FREE version of Adobe PDF Reader [here].

The Application for Graduation must be completed and turned in to UAPB Administration Office at least two months prior to your expected graduation date. The Breakage Fee form must be completed by all students to graduate and process out of the University.

Form 13 – Graduation Clearance / Breakage Fees – (for University Clearance)( PDF Only )

Form 14 – Application for Graduation – (for Diploma / Ceremony)( PDF Only )

Once determined that you are on track to graduate, you must file an application with the Registrar’s Office by the deadline dates as specified in the annual Academic Calendar.

Applications are available online or in the Registrar’s Office, Administration Building – Room 109.

 

Aquaculture & Fisheries Club

The Aquaculture/Fisheries Club (AFC) is a student-run organization composed of students, faculty and staff of the Aquaculture/Fisheries Center at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Housed within the AFC are student subchapters of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) and the United States Aquaculture Society (USAS). The AFC is involved in many activities in the aquaculture/fisheries community and in the Pine Bluff area. Community service events have included participating in the great Arkansas Clean Up, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, UAPB Homecoming Parade and organizing the Pine Bluff Youth Fishing Derby. The AFC also goes on an annual camping trip to different parts of Arkansas to experience the “Natural State.”

The clubs were formed with the following goals in mind:

  • To promote an atmosphere conducive to professional development of aquaculture and fisheries students.
  • To provide opportunities for members to prepare themselves for employment in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries.
  • To organize and hold social and volunteer functions for members of the Aquaculture/Fisheries Club.
  • To promote good relations among the Aquaculture/Fisheries Club, professional aquaculture and fisheries organizations, state and federal aquaculture and natural resource agencies and public organizations involved in aquaculture and natural resource management.
  • To promote the wise use of aquaculture and fisheries resources in Arkansas.

Membership is encouraged by all graduate students. The club consists of some professors and both graduate and undergraduate students. The club is run by students elected by other students. Meetings take place about once per month. See the club poster board on the second floor of Woodard Hall for more information.

Follow the local activities of our aquaculture/fisheries clubs on Facebook.

Below are the clubs’ parent society webpages. Please select the area of interest below:

American Fisheries Society (AFS)  – Link for the Arkansas Chapter

World Aquaculture Society (WAS) – Link to the United States Aquaculture Society