Frequently Asked Questions
The Aquaculture Program prepares students to work in the aquaculture industry and familiarizes students with sustainable practices of farming aquatic organisms. The program is currently offering a comprehensive training that includes a wide range of courses that is available to students, with more courses being offered soon:
- Aqua 1 - Introduction to Aquaculture: History, Ecology and Sustainability (no prerequisite)
- Aqua 2 - Applications in Aquaculture - System Design, Monitoring and Maintenance (no prerequisite)
- Aqua 3 - Microbiology and Genetics for Aquaculture (prerequisite: Aqua 1&2)
- Aqua 4 - Husbandry and Life Support in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science – coming soon
- Aqua 5 – Advanced Topics in Aquaculture – coming soon
- Aqua 10B – Scuba – coming soon
Certificates of Achievement – coming soon
The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and technologies involved in fish and aquatic organism farming. Key aspects a program include:
- History and current trends in aquaculture
- Environmental sustainability
- Conservation and restoration practices for endangered species
- Design and building aquaculture systems
- Aquatic species health management
- Husbandry and life support of aquaculture species
- Clinical microbiology and genetics relevant to aquaculture and aquarium sciences
- Hands-on experience
The program prepares students for the workplace and emphasizes the necessary technical and personal skills required to secure a job. Entry level positions after completing the program may include:
- Aquaculture Technician/Aquarium Technician
- Fish farmer
- Hatchery Technician/Manager
- Aquarist
- Aquarium Educator
Internship opportunities are available once students have successfully completed the required courses. Hours are flexible and you will work out your internship schedule with your site manager.
Most courses in the program are transferable to UC and/or CSU campuses. It is your responsibility to check with the counseling staff at your specific school of choice to confirm course transferability.
Completing formal training in the Aquaculture Program at SMC and gaining internship experience is key to getting a job in the industry. Students with a marine biology undergraduate degree may benefit from topics in aquaculture science and technical training to enhance their employment prospects.
You can have your courses reviewed and approved to satisfy one or more requirements towards an Aquaculture certificate pathway. Please contact aquaculture@smc.edu to meet with program staff to discuss your specific situation.
The tuition for the required courses is the current tuition cost to attend SMC.
Yes! To determine eligibility, submit a formal application through the SMC Office of Admissions. More information can be found on the SMC Financial Aid website.
Review the How to Join the Aquaculture Program section