Best institutions to study Aquaculture
A program that prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater.
18 U.S. institutions graduated 131 Aquaculture students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 01.0303, a specialization of Agricultural Production Operations (CIP 01.03), and leads most directly to the First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers occupation (BLS SOC 45-1011).
About Aquaculture programs
A program that prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. Includes instruction in the basic principles of aquatic and marine biology; health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life; design and operation of fish farms, breeding facilities, culture beds, and related enterprises; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Aquaculture program, part of Agricultural Production Operations, prepares students to manage the cultivation and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and marine plants in both freshwater and saltwater environments. This program is ideal for individuals interested in sustainable food production and marine biology, providing the necessary skills to thrive in this growing field.
Students will gain knowledge in aquatic and marine biology, health and nutrition of aquatic life, and the design and operation of fish farms. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, monitoring, and effective communication skills, essential for success in aquaculture operations.
Credentials awarded
What Aquaculture graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree49 graduates / yr · 4 institutions37%
- Master's degree30 graduates / yr · 4 institutions23%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year23 graduates / yr · 4 institutions18%
- Associate's degree16 graduates / yr · 5 institutions12%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years7 graduates / yr · 3 institutions5.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate4 graduates / yr · 3 institutions3.1%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.5%
Graduates over time
Aquaculture completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 171 |
| 2013 | 156 |
| 2014 | 161 |
| 2015 | 154 |
| 2016 | 180 |
| 2017 | 180 |
| 2018 | 178 |
| 2019 | 169 |
| 2020 | 156 |
| 2021 | 147 |
| 2022 | 137 |
| 2023 | 144 |
| 2024 | 127 |
| 2025 | 131 |
Top 18 institutions for Aquaculture, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicBachelor's | 36 | 87% | — | $30,825 |
| 2 | Carteret Community College Morehead City, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 24 | 49% | — | — |
| 3 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 18 | 82% | — | — |
| 4 | Kentucky State University Frankfort, KYPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 34% | — | — |
| 6 | University of New England Biddeford, MEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 68% | $34,673 | — |
| 7 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, ARPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 5 | 40% | — | — |
| 8 | Roger Williams University Bristol, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 69% | $34,648 | — |
| 9 | SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, NYPublicAssociate's | 4 | 28% | — | $30,771 |
| 10 | College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, IDPublicAssociate's | 3 | 33% | — | — |
| 11 | Lake Superior State University Sault Ste Marie, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 51% | — | — |
| 12 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RIPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 73% | — | — |
| 13 | Eastern Wyoming College Torrington, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 52% | — | — |
| 14 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 68% | — | — |
| 15 | The College of the Florida Keys Key West, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 34% | — | — |
| 16 | Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FLPublicAssociate's | 1 | 45% | — | — |
| 17 | University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MAPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 49% | — | — |
| 18 | Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TXPublicMaster's | 1 | 40% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Agricultural Production Operations field (CIP 01.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 15 states
Where Aquaculture graduates come from. Each state links to all Agricultural Production Operations programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 1 | 36 | Clemson University36 / yr |
| North Carolina | 1 | 24 | Carteret Community College24 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 18 | Auburn University18 / yr |
| Kentucky | 1 | 13 | Kentucky State University13 / yr |
| Florida | 3 | 8 | Hillsborough College6 / yr |
| Rhode Island | 2 | 7 | Roger Williams University5 / yr |
| Maine | 1 | 6 | University of New England6 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 5 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff5 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 4 | SUNY Morrisville4 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 3 | College of Southern Idaho3 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 2 | Lake Superior State University2 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 2 | Eastern Wyoming College2 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 1 | University of Arizona1 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | University of Massachusetts - Boston1 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 1 | Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 45-1011, First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Aquaculture program can pursue careers as First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers, among other roles. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 2.5% and approximately 8,500 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $59,330, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 01.0303
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workersprimary SOC 45-1011 | $59,320 | +2.5% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers SOC 11-9013 | $89,900 | -1.3% Decline | ~85,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1041 | $98,700 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~800 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Aquaculture programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
- Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
- Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
- Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
- Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
- Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
Tools and technology used
Other Agricultural Production Operations specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Agricultural Production Operations (CIP 01.03).
- Agricultural Production OperationsCIP 01.0301968 graduates / yr63 institutions
- Animal/CIP 01.0302
Livestock Husbandry and Production 860 graduates / yr55 institutions - Agroecology and Sustainable AgricultureCIP 01.0308767 graduates / yr77 institutions
- Crop ProductionCIP 01.0304526 graduates / yr52 institutions
- Horse Husbandry/CIP 01.0307
Equine Science and Management 479 graduates / yr43 institutions - Dairy Husbandry and ProductionCIP 01.0306partial data63 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Agricultural Production OperationsCIP 01.0399limited data10 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Apiculture01.0310
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in the Aquaculture program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring, active listening, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for aquaculture graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.5% and around 8,500 annual openings.
What types of careers can I pursue?+
You can work as a First-Line Supervisor of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers, or in various agricultural management roles.
What is the CIP code for Aquaculture?+
Aquaculture is CIP 01.0303 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Agricultural Production Operations (CIP 01.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. Includes instruction in the basic principles of aquatic and marine biology; health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life; design and operation of fish farms, breeding facilities, culture beds, and related enterprises; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.
How many institutions offer Aquaculture programs?+
18 U.S. institutions reported Aquaculture graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 15 states, awarding 131 credentials in the year. That is 3.4% of all Agricultural Production Operations graduates.
How much do Aquaculture graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers occupation, which Aquaculture most directly leads to, pays a median of $59,320 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Agricultural Production Operations field report median earnings of $30,825 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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