Aquatic Biology

Experiences in Aquatic Biology

The bachelor of science degree with major in aquatic biology focuses on aquatic organisms including fish and benthic invertebrates, frogs and salamanders, turtles, snakes, aquatic mammals, birds, parasites, and their relationships with their environments. Students conduct their studies both in the classroom and in streams, rivers, springs, cave systems, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands. Students may be involved in faculty research which uses the facilities at the Freeman Aquatic Building, the nearby Federal Fish Hatchery, and natural aquatic ecosystems from the swamps of east Texas to the Rio Grande River and the springs of the Trans Pecos. Students may participate in a variety of transforming experiences including internships for professional development, Education Abroad or Study in America for global and cultural enrichment, and membership in numerous student organizations for developing peer networks.

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First Year
- ADVANCE your academic journey
  
  Meet with a First Year Advisor to develop your academic planning.
  Take advantage of COSE Virtual Express advising.
  Participate in the Experiential Education Certificate Program.
  Adopt your University Seminar US1100 learning as key for first year success.
  Explore majors with a MyMajors assessment.
- EXPAND your personal and social development
  
  Review your degree plan for courses that include the Service-Learning Excellence program.
  Begin expanding your student experience by joining a student organization through the Bobcat Organization HUB.
  Find biology-related groups to connect with others majoring within the college.
  Join science and engineering student organizations or clubs to connect with others majoring within the college.
- ELEVATE your career and professional life
  
  Explore the TXST One Stop for more information about the scholarships provided to new and continuing students.
  Attend an IDEA Center workshop to learn more about undergraduate research.
  Consider the STEM Communities Learning Assistance program.
- ENRICH your practical competence
  
  Complete your Career Assessments, such as Focus2.
  Create your Handshake profile.
  Create your LinkedIn profile and connect with colleagues and leaders.
  Develop and review your resume with Career Services.
Middle Years
- ADVANCE your academic journey
  
  Schedule appointments with the COSE Advising Center and follow registration instructions for course guidance.
  Consult the Pre-Health Advising website for information on applying to nursing school or health profession programs.
  Check out the Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) for learning assistance.
  Explore external scholarship opportunities such as the Fulbright Scholarship to take your expertise to unique locations abroad.
  Regularly check the curricula and flowchart pre-requisites and co-requisites for courses may change over time.
- EXPAND your personal and social development
  
  Consult your academic advisor and learn about biology scholarship opportunities.
  Meet with an advisor in Education Abroad or Study in America to explore financial aid options toward learning in an international or national setting.
  Discover Global Online Learning Experiences for courses with culturally dynamic perspectives.
  Participate in Women in STEM initiatives and the Houston-Louis Stokes STEM Pathways and Research Alliance (H-LSAMP).
  Participate in The Big Event to give back to the regional community.
- ENRICH your practical competence
  
  Explore research experience opportunities to learn alongside faculty members or graduate students.
  Learn about Global Career Accelerator options that give you experience with global companies and in-demand tech skills.
  Get internship guidance from the internship staff in Career Services.
  Check out the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program.
- ELEVATE your career and professional life
  
  Build Career & Graduate School Fairs into your schedule to ensure your connection maximum opportunities.
  Join Employer Information Sessions at Career Services or your department.
  Prepare to ace your job interviews with Career Services or your academic department.
Last Years
- ADVANCE your academic journey
  
  Check your Degree Audit & meet with your academic advisor.
  Explore next steps including potential graduate programs.
  Complement your degree with a micro credential.
  Meet with a faculty mentor or peer advisor.
  Complete a capstone project related to major.
- EXPAND your personal and social development
  
  Participate in department of biology events.
  Seek out a leadership role with the Leadership & Service.
  Attend a Student Government Senate meeting to contribute to the TXST community.
  Attend financial literacy workshops (e.g., budgeting, student loans, taxes).
- ENRICH your practical competence
  
  Explore Undergraduate Research Opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build research skills alongside faculty mentors.
  Join a professional organization in your major or passion.
  Attend a conference related to your major (get recommendations from a faculty) or your student organization.
  Deliver a presentation in a student conference, workshop, seminar or community organization.
- ELEVATE your career and professional life
  
  Attend employer info sessions at Career Services.
  Develop a full-time employment or graduate school plan with Career Services.
  Complete your First Destination Survey to share your post-graduation plan.
  Identify faculty and professional references.

Career Opportunities

Marine biologist
Environmental consultant
Fisheries biologist
Ecologist
Conservation officer
Environmental planner
Aquatic biologist
Wildlife damage management biologist