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Aquatic Sciences Minor

Water is our most valuable natural resource, so the need for professionals with proficiency in environmental and climate science has increased.

Visit the program website for more information.

Program Overview

The aquatic sciences minor is for students who want to increase their knowledge and experiences in the biological and physical aspects of aquatic ecosystems. It is a complementary field of study to those majoring in biology, natural resources and environmental management, wildlife biology, geology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, environmental studies, or anyone interested in the environment.

  • The Great Lakes
  • Aquatic insects
  • Stream ecology
  • Fisheries management
  • Wetlands and plants
  • Limnology
  • Oceanography
  • Watershed management
  • Public health
  • Environmental management
  • Environmental law
  • Natural resource management
  • Federal and local government
  • Environmental policy

Why Study Aquatic Sciences at Grand Valley?

  • Meet the emerging need for professionals with a background in aquatic study, as demands on water resources continue to grow over the next decade.
  • Obtain the foundational concepts needed to gain expertise in aquatic sciences.
  • Connect with expert aquatic faculty members and engage in scholarly projects with regional partners.
  • Participate in field research and opportunities for scientific inquiry in regional lakes, rivers, and streams.
  • Add a specialization to your resume and complement your current course of study.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this program study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Students pursuing the aquatic sciences minor will complete a minimum of 20 credits. Two (four-credit) core courses:

  • BIO 121 - General Biology
  • BIO 215 - Ecology

Complete at least 12 elective credits (nine of those credits must be at the 300- or 400-level) from a list of aquatic-themed science courses covering such topics as:

See 36837a.com/catalog for course details.

Career Options

The minor provides students with an interdisciplinary program of study and the opportunity to be more competitive for jobs that have an aquatic component:

For More Information

Biology Department

36837a.com/biology
3300a Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470

Admissions and Recruitment Office

36837a.com/admissions