Aquarium Science Technology
The Aquarium Science Technology curriculum prepares students for employment in public aquaria, zoological parks or other settings requiring aquatic animal care, breeding, education/conservation, and health of exotic animals in public and commercial settings. Course work emphasizes anatomy, physiology, reproduction, behavior, nutrition, and healthcare management of aquatic species as well as habitat design, construction, and maintenance. Students will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the on-campus teaching aquarium. Students will be encouraged to explore different aspects of the aquatic animal care field through the program’s unique experiences and will be given the opportunity to reach level 1 Life Support System Certification through Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO).
Associate in Arts Degree Program
This program provides students with the opportunity to take the first two years of a four-year Bachelor’s degree program. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) program is included in the articulation agreement between North Carolina’s community college and its four-year colleges and universities as well as many independent four-year institutions.
Zoo Science Technology
The Zoological Science Technology curriculum prepares students for employment in zoological parks, aquaria, nature science centers, or other settings requiring animal care, breeding, education, and conservation of exotic animals in a public setting. Coursework emphasizes animal behavior, animal enrichment, taxonomy, nutrition, principles of operant conditioning, public speaking and conservation. Students will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience with daily animal care and maintenance, habitat construction, diet preparation, and educating the public. Students will be encouraged to explore different aspects of the zoo animal care field through the program’s unique experiences.