Experiential Learning

Gaining experience in the field or laboratory with fisheries, marine biology and oceanography professionals provides students with an opportunity to integrate classroom instruction with real-world experiences. Students enrolled in the B.S. in Fisheries and Marine Sciences and B.A. in Fisheries degree programs at UAF can earn experiential learning credit(s) through an internship during their freshman /sophomore years (FISH 290 Fisheries Internship) or junior /senior years (FISH 490 Fisheries Internship) of study. Both degree programs require students to successfully complete at least one credit of Fish 490 Fisheries Internship. Additional credits may also be earned through independent study (FISH 497) or senior thesis (FISH 498 and 499).

Internships may be summer jobs or part-time positions and may take place in another city or state. In contrast, independent study and senior thesis experiences tend to be focused on a research project. For a list of currently available  experiential learning opportunities, follow one of the job board links below or contact your faculty advisor, CFOS Internship Coordinator Brian Crandall, or Faculty Internship Coordinator Jessica Glass.

The focus of the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) is on the experience. The ELP, whether through an internship, independent study, or senior thesis, provides flexibility to students and allows them to take advantage of the diverse opportunities found in Alaska’s coastal and interior communities as well as elsewhere. Students enrolled for internship, independent study, or senior thesis are required to present their experience or study results at the annual CFOS Undergraduate Internship Symposium that is held during the fall and spring semesters.

View a recording of the F490 information session held on January 22, 2024 at the link below. 

Passcode: w2**FAy1

For additional details, course syllabi, and paperwork, follow the link for each component below:

If you have any questions regarding the ELP, please contact the CFOS Internship Coordinators below.

Jessica Glass
Assistant Professor
Phone: (907) 474-6524
jrglass@alaska.edu

Brian Crandall
Undergraduate Advisor and Recruitement Coordinator
Phone: (907) 474-6312
bdcrandall@alaska.edu