Associate’s Degree in Aquarium Science from a Respected Program
If you are looking for the next step after high school, have earned some college credits or are an adult looking for a career change, an aquarium college degree from the Aquarium Science Program at Oregon Coast Community College may be the best decision you’ve ever made. The AQS Program at OCCC is an aquarium college like no other, with a purpose-built Teaching Aquarium, dedicated instruction from aquarium professionals, nearby off-campus learning opportunities and industry-wide support, recognition and respect. Students graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Aquarium Science (A.A.S.) enjoy a significant competitive advantage when seeking employment and have a 94% rate of finding jobs in the industry within the first year after graduation.
Comprehensive, Hands-On Two-Year Aquarium Degree Program
In addition to learning from professional aquarium science instructors in the classroom, students can apply what they are learning and receive additional hands-on training in our Teaching Aquarium. Each term, every student is assigned to one or more aquatic life support systems, where they gain invaluable training, along with formal and informal instruction, from the professional aquarists working as mentors in our facility. Working under their mentors’ guidance, students learn the technical aspects of working in public aquaria, research facilities, aquaculture facilities, fish hatcheries and other facilities, such as:
- Animal food culture and fortification
- Animal nutrition and portion control
- Effective feeding strategies
- Hospital/Quarantine and other biosecurity protocols
- Animal health management
- Proactive life support maintenance and troubleshooting
- Water chemistry testing and analysis
- Animal training
- Other essential technical skills to prepare our students for a challenging and rewarding career working with aquatic animals
The wide-ranging support and respect our program has earned and maintained from the beginning provides AQS students the opportunity to network with industry professionals from across the country. This allows them to meet face to face with curators, directors of husbandry and other hiring professionals who know the caliber of students our program provides to the industry.
A Unique Aquarium College Degree Experience Like No Other
Are you ready to get your hands (and arms) wet, work hard and prepare for a job that you might actually love working with other fun, motivated and skilled aquarists? Consider earning an Associate’s Degree in Aquarium Science from OCCC. Aquarium Science classes begin each fall and acceptance in the program is quite competitive, so get your application materials together, apply to the Program and get ready to take your life and career in a new direction!
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) has an articulation agreement with the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), for students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Aquarium Science to enable the students to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology and Management at Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT).
See the following for additional information: http://www.oit.edu/academics/degrees/technology-management
Aquarium Science Two Year AAS Degree
Description
Students admitted into the two year degree program will receive an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Aquarium Science after successfully completing all necessary prerequisites and required coursework for the program. Click on the link below to view the two year degree curriculum map for the program. Applicants for the two year degree program must have received a high school diploma or GED and may have completed some college level coursework.
Learning Outcomes
1. Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, scientific concepts, research findings and ideas to professionals and the general public.
2. Maintain, analyze, diagnose and repair aquarium life support systems and their components.
3. Perform basic water quality analysis using standard testing equipment.
4. Maintain healthy animals through proper set-up, monitoring and accepted animal husbandry practices
5. Identify physically compromised animals and abnormal animal behaviors
6. Work within a group to conceptualize, plan, construct and manage environments that promote healthy of fishes and invertebrates.
7. Apply fundamental knowledge and skills in science, mathematics, and communications for success in a professional or academic setting.
Students admitted into the two year degree program will receive an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Aquarium Science after successfully completing all necessary prerequisites and required coursework for the program. Click on the link below to view the two year degree curriculum map for the program. Applicants for the two year degree program must have received a high school diploma or GED and may have completed some college level coursework.
- Two Year Degree Program Map »
- AQS Program Costs AAS 2024-25
- AQS student handbook
- OCCC Cost of Attendance Page
Disabilities
Oregon Coast Community College is committed to providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities throughout the College community. Students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Our philosophy is to maximize your independence and self-reliance, providing a variety of support options to assist you in achieving your educational and/or vocational objectives. To receive services, you must submit documentation of your disabling condition(s) to the Vice President for Student Affairs. To initiate support services, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541-867-8511 . Students are responsible for requesting, in a timely manner, accommodation and documenting the nature and extent of their disability.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
The College prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in any area, activity or operation of the College. The College also prohibits retaliation against an individual for engaging in activity protected under this policy, and interfering with rights or privileges granted under anti-discrimination laws. In addition, the College complies with applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA’), and all local and state civil rights laws. Under this policy, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and participation in the College’s programs, services, and activities will be extended to all persons, and the College will promote equal opportunity and treatment through application of this policy and other College efforts designed for that purpose.
Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact either:
Vice President for Student Affairs or Human Resources Director Joy Gutknecht