Aquaculture Certificate

The Program

Program Overview

As global demand for seafood rises and wild-catch fisheries decline, aquaculture now supplies more than half the seafood consumed worldwide, and freshwater aquaculture is a growing commercial industry across Kentucky and the southern United States. This fully online certificate builds hands-on knowledge in fish genetics, fish health and disease management, water quality management, and reproduction and spawning techniques, alongside the production methods used on commercial fish farms. It's a strong fit for students and working professionals in agriculture, natural resources, or related fields who want specialized expertise in aquatic animal production — whether stepping into a role on a commercial farm or hatchery, or adding aquaculture knowledge to an existing agricultural career.

Cert.

Aquaculture

Career Outlook

Where This Certificate Can Take You

Graduates are well-suited for roles across commercial aquaculture, fisheries agencies, and agricultural extension. Aquaculture technicians typically earn in the mid-$40,000s to upper-$60,000s annually, with farm and hatchery managers earning meaningfully more. Demand for trained aquaculture producers is expected to remain steady, particularly across Kentucky and the southern U.S.

Aquaculture Technician

Monitor water quality, feeding schedules, and fish health on commercial farms and hatcheries.

Fish Farm / Hatchery Manager

Oversee day-to-day production, spawning cycles, and staff at a commercial aquaculture operation.

Fisheries / Extension Specialist

Advise producers on production methods, disease prevention, and water quality management.

Fish Health Specialist

Monitor, diagnose, and manage disease in cultured aquatic species.

Curriculum

What You'll Study

The certificate requires 18 credit hours (6 courses), and can be completed in as little as 1 year, up to 4 years, depending on transfer credits and course load.

Core Coursework

Required Courses (18 hours)

AQU 407 — Fish Genetics
AQU 411 — Fish Diseases
AQU 422 — Principles of Aquaculture
AQU 427 — Fish Reproduction / Spawning Techniques
AQU 451 — Survey of Production Methods
AQU 460 — Water Quality Management

Flexible Completion

Complete in as little as 1 year or up to 4 years, depending on transfer credits and course load.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition is billed per credit hour. See Tuition & Financial Aid for current rates.

See tuition & financial aid

Undergraduate Certificate in Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences