The M.F.A.S. program is designed to train students in the technical aspects of fisheries and aquatic sciences with emphasis on written and oral communication of scientific information. Students entering this program are usually interested in careers in journalism, public relations, resource interpretation, or other non-science disciplines. This program also provides one avenue of study for those desiring careers in environmental law but who may lack the prerequisite technical knowledge prior to entering law school.

    Instead of the traditional Master's degree thesis field project, M.F.A.S students are expected to thoroughly research a subject and then develop a written/multimedia communications project. This is referred to as a "non-thesis" degree.

     All degree requirements for the M.F.A.S. degree must be completed within seven years after the student first registers as a graduate student at the University of Florida.