Certificate Degree in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

FRANKFORT, Ky., -- Dr. Ken Semmens along with Research Assistant John Kelso, MAS student James Brown and AFE student Dawson Armstrong take inventory of Paddlefish by weighing the fish to track their growth from last year, Friday, Dec. 06, 2019 at the Aquaculutre Production Facility in FRANKFORT.


In the United States, over 90% of the seafood consumed is imported. Aquaculture is now the world’s leading provider of seafood and the fastest growing segment of world agriculture. The Division of Aquaculture is KSU’s Program of Distinction and is highly regarded in both research and academics. KSU offers more online aquaculture courses than any university in the U.S. A Certificate Degree in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences can be earned by completing 12 hrs of Aquaculture (AQU) courses, with a grade of “C” or better, within five years of beginning the initial course work. Courses can be online, in the classroom, or any combination. To enroll, students must first be admitted to the University on either a degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking basis. Work completed for the Certificate Degree may later be applied toward the Bachelor of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources degree.

Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences Certificate Program

The Certificate Degree in Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources will require a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work chosen by the student from the Division of Aquaculture offerings (AQU prefix). These can either be classroom or online classes. Only classes in which students receive a “C” or better will count toward the Certificate Degree. These classes can also count toward the Aquaculture Systems option for the B.S. in Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and/or the Aquaculture Minor should the student pursue a high degree.

Available Online Courses

To earn the Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences Certificate entirely online, you must complete only 4 of the following courses:

  • AQU 201: Fisheries for the Educated Consumer
  • 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 452: Aquaponics
  • AQU 460: Water Quality Management
  • AQU 470: Recirculating Aquaculture Systems