The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Effective Fall 2026
The Associate of Science in Sustainable Aquaculture Technology program at Santa Monica College provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue careers in the growing field of aquaculture. This program covers key areas such as ecology and sustainability, systems design, sustainable fish farming, shellfish and seaweed cultivation, marine ecosystem management, microbial ecology in aquaculture, genetics in aquaculture, and special topics on sustainable aquaculture technology. Students will learn about water quality management, invertebrate and vertebrate health, rare species cultivation, hatchery and propagation operations, biosecurity, and food safety practices while gaining practical skills through laboratory work and practical work experiences. Graduates will be prepared to work in various sectors, including fish farms, hatcheries, environmental agencies, and marine/aquaculture-focused research institutions.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive curriculum that is industry-aligned, emphasizing aquaculture techniques and design for algae, shellfish, and finfish in open water off-shore applications and onshore recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Experiential learning through practical laboratory work, internships, and fieldwork
- Engage students with local aquaculture operations and industry experts to provide networking opportunities
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Analyze historical and current aquaculture practices to propose sustainable strategies that account for environmental, ecological, and global climate factors.
- Demonstrate readiness for the aquaculture workforce by applying breeding, cultivation, and harvesting methodologies to effectively manage the production of aquatic species.
- Develop problem-solving skills to address challenges in aquaculture operations, such as disease management, resource optimization, and sustainable farming practices, by applying research principles and innovative approaches.
- Integrate fundamental business and management principles to support the efficient operation and growth of aquaculture enterprises.
- Demonstrate professional work habits, technical competencies, and adherence to safety protocols through hands-on aquaculture experiences in real or simulated workplace settings.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
16 Units
This is an introductory course to the field of aquaculture. Topics include the history and current trends in the field, a review of Biological and ecological concepts relevant to aquaculture with attention to the impact of climate change and other environmental concerns on the sustainability of the industry. With consideration for environmental change, additionally, this course addresses conservation and restoration practices for endangered species.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
Department recommends BIOL 15
See the full list: Elective 1: Select from the following:
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
- Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process
- Area 1A. English Composition
- 1A: English Composition
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
Semester 2
15 Units
This lecture and lab course explores the variety of aquaculture systems, including the design and build phase, monitoring and maintenance, and rearing and husbandry of aquaculture species.
SMC GE Area 2 Course 3 units
SMC GE Area 3 Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 2 units
Semester 3
16 Units
This course addresses topics in clinical microbiology and genetics relevant to aquaculture and aquarium sciences. With consideration for environmental change, additionally, this course addresses conservation and restoration practices for endangered species.
- Prerequisite: AQUA 1 or
- Prerequisite: AQUA 2
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
Elective 3: Select one course 3 units
SMC GE Area 4 Course 3 units
Recommend COM C1000 or COM ST 21 for transfer options
See the full list: SMC GE Area 1B Course
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Semester 4
13 Units
This course explores production, nutrition, growing and preservation of aquaculture organisms for the food industry as well as for non-food uses of aquaculture products. Additionally, with consideration for environmental change, this course addresses conservation and restoration practices for endangered species.
- Prerequisite: AQUA 1 and
- Prerequisite: AQUA 2
This course examines the physical and logistical aspects of starting an aquaculture project, including permitting, site selection, licensing, security, and landing best practices. Additionally, the course will cover concepts of biological security, as well as food production, handling and delivery.
- Prerequisite: AQUA 1 and
- Prerequisite: AQUA 2
SMC GE Area 6 Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Elective 1: Select from the following
4-7 Units
This survey course of marine organisms and their relationships to their environment emphasizes intertidal and offshore life forms. Included is an investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans. This course is three hours each of lecture and laboratory work. *Total of four units credit for Biology 15 and Biology 15N is transferable.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Laboratory
This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 5B: Biological Science
This course introduces students to basic concepts of environmental biology through the study of evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. The course is designed for both major and non-major environmental science students. It is intended both as preparation for upper division Environmental Science classes, but also as general education for all students interested in a more in-depth understanding of current biological and environmental issues. By the end of the course, students should be able to use scientifically sound information to critically analyze complex environmental issues from around the world. Students will gather and analyze basic research data and apply the scientific method to conservation-related projects. Laboratory and field experiments are integrated and stress scientific methodology and thinking.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Laboratory
This course provides an overview of Southern California's economy, its people, and its emerging role in the ocean economy. Using a variety of tools, students will be introduced to the vital commercial, financial, and personal connections that make Southern California one of the most diverse and globally connected places in the world. Special attention is devoted to key ocean economy regional engagement opportunities and to enlighten students on how the Blue/Ocean economy (‘sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”) is shaping the future of local, state, and global economies.
This course covers the principles of engineering drawings to visually communicate engineering designs. The course also serves as an introduction to computer-aided design (CAD). Topics include the development of visualization skills, orthographic projections, dimensioning and tolerancing practices, and an introduction to the engineering design process. Sketching, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD solid modeling skills are developed. The use of CAD software is an integral part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 2 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 3 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 4
This survey course of marine organisms and their relationships to their environment emphasizes intertidal and offshore life forms. Included are investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans. This course includes three hours of lecture per week. *Total of four units credit for Biology 15 and Biology 15N is transferable.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- 5B: Biological Science
This course provides the student with an understanding of the physical and geological aspect of oceanography. Lecture topics include the origin of the oceans, plate tectonics, seafloor topography, waves, beaches, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Completion of this course will give the student a greater knowledge of the fascinating and dynamic world of the oceans.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- 5A: Physical Science
Elective 2: Select one course
5 Units
This lecture and lab (pool and field) course explores the conceptual aspects of SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving, as well as application and knowledge of techniques required for safe open water dives. After completion of this course, students will receive a NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) open-water diving certificate in preparation for the scientific diving course per AAUS (American Academy of Underwater Sciences) standards. This course partially fulfills the requirements of the aquaculture program and is the first of a series of courses that prepare students for advanced recreational, scientific, and/or professional diving. This course also includes NAUI/DAN (Divers Alert Network) Diving First Aid for Professional Divers (DFA Pro) designed for commercial, professional, aquarium and scientific divers, providing first-aid knowledge and skills specific to these work environments. DFA Pro is comprised of information from the Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries, Neurological Assessment, First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries and CPR HCP courses. It meets U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for workplace CPR and first aid.
- Prerequisite: Students are required to complete a physical examination and attain a medical release from a qualified M.D.
- Pre/Corequisite: Swim 400 yards in under 12minutes Tread water for 10 minutes Free dive to 15 ft. Swim underwater for 25 yards
A course in adult and child CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and basic first aid. This course will cover emergency care of the ill and/or injured, including; recognizing and treating life threatening emergencies such as breathing, choking, cardiac emergencies, severe bleeding, and shock. The treatment of soft tissue injuries like burns, musculoskeletal, head, neck, and back injuries, as well as the treatment of medical emergencies such as sudden illness, poisonings, hypothermia and hyperthermia will be covered in this course. Upon successful course completion, American Red Cross first aid certificates and CPR certificates are awarded to students.
Elective 3: Select one course
8 Units
Independent study is intended for advanced students interested in doing independent research on special study topics in independent studies discipline. NOTE: The student must receive approval from the Department Chair prior to enrolling in this course.
Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 54 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability. [NON-OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session, (3) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator and (4) enroll in a general internship course. [OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) Find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session through the Career Services Center, (3) contact the instructor who teaches the Occupational Internship Course to see if you meet the occupational internship course prerequisites (each occupational internship course has different requirements), (4) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator at the CSC, (5) enroll in an occupational internship course, if pre-approved by the occupational internship instructor. If you do not meet the qualifications for the occupational internship course, feel free to enroll in a General Internship Course.
Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 108 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability. [NON-OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session, (3) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator and (4) enroll in a general internship course. [OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) Find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session through the Career Services Center, (3) contact the instructor who teaches the Occupational Internship Course to see if you meet the occupational internship course prerequisites (each occupational internship course has different requirements), (4) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator at the CSC, (5) enroll in an occupational internship course, if pre-approved by the occupational internship instructor. If you do not meet the qualifications for the occupational internship course, feel free to enroll in a General Internship Course.
Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 162 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability. [NON-OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session, (3) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator and (4) enroll in a general internship course. [OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) Find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session through the Career Services Center, (3) contact the instructor who teaches the Occupational Internship Course to see if you meet the occupational internship course prerequisites (each occupational internship course has different requirements), (4) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator at the CSC, (5) enroll in an occupational internship course, if pre-approved by the occupational internship instructor. If you do not meet the qualifications for the occupational internship course, feel free to enroll in a General Internship Course.