Aquarium Science, B.S.

Western Oregon University

United States of America, Aberdeen

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Western Oregon University

United States of America , Aberdeen

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines26-Sep-2022

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 44,172 / year

Next Intake 26-Sep-2022

Aquarium Science, B.S.

About

Created in conjunction with Oregon Coast Community College, this program combines core biology, business and general education classes taken at WOU with aquarium science classes taken at OCCC in Newport. Graduates will be prepared for careers as aquarists, aquatic biologists and keepers at businesses such as public zoos and aquariums, fish hatcheries, marine education centers, and state and federal natural resource agencies. Plus, you get to scuba dive

Maintain, analyze, diagnose and repair aquarium life support systems and their components.

Maintain healthy animals through proper set-up, monitoring and accepted animal husbandry practices.

Work within a group to conceptualize, plan, construct and manage environments that promote the health of fishes and invertebrates.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Freshman Requirements

Graduate from an accredited high school with a standard diploma.
Have a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 2.75 or higher. (Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75, please see note below.)
Complete the following courses upon high school graduation with a minimum of C- or Pass grade:
- 4 years in English
- 3 years in math (including algebra II or higher)
- 3 years in science&
- 2 years in social science
- 2 years in the same second language
Optional: Submission of ACT or SAT scores is optional for freshman applicants. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 are encouraged, but not required, to provide ACT or SAT scores as part of the admission review process.

English Program Requirements

In order to apply for admission to WOU, students must submit a score of 5 or greater on the IELTS or at least 61 on the TOEFL. While these cut-off scores are lower than those at most universities, they are equivalent to the lowest cut-offs at a few other institutions. According to research by ETS (the TOEFL producer) a 61 on the TOEFL is equivalent to a low 6 on the IELTS (http://www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/scores/compare). Given this imbalance in the admissions requirements, it is not surprising that most students in the last several years have sought admission to WOU using the IELTS because it will be easier for them to achieve a 5 on the IELTS than a 61 on the TOEFL. In any case, both test makers caution against screening students solely on test scores, and both recommend that for university study, students should have higher scores than what most universities set as cut-offs for admission (link).

Using standardized language proficiency tests for admissions decisions is not controversial, but setting cut-off scores is, because each institution (and programs within them) can choose their own acceptable levels, and these levels have a direct impact on both the university’s recruiting, admissions, and enrollment on one hand, and the ability for students to adjust to life in the US and succeed academically on the other.

Career

Ornamental fish retailer

Aquaculture technician

Fish and game officer

Aquarist/keeper

Research scientist

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

USD 44,172 / year

How to Apply

1. Completed and signed application form and financial affidavit form
2. $60 Application Fee + $80 International Express mailing fee.
3. Official transcripts from previous school(s).
4. Financial documentation:
Students must submit an official copy of personal or parent’s/sponsor’s bank statement showing a balance of at least $45,000 and/or official award letters for any scholarships/grants.
5.Photocopy of current passport ID page
6. Official copy of English testing score report.