Master of Fisheries Science

Program Launching September 2026!

The Master of Fisheries Science is an exciting new interdisciplinary program that Dalhousie's Faculty of Science is launching in September 2026. The program was designed by Dalhousie's Departments of Biology and Mathematics and Statistics in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maritimes Region, and is being administered by the Marine Affairs Program.

This professional master's degree is designed for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking advanced, applied training in fisheries science and management. Graduates will be prepared for careers in government agencies, Indigenous, local or international fisheries organizations, consulting, non-government organizations, industry, or further doctoral study. The program is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s East Coast, with field components across Atlantic Canada.

Program Highlights

This will be a 16-month, course-based master’s program designed to build the next generation of fisheries scientists and managers. The MFSc is designed to fill critical capacity gaps in fisheries science in Canada and around the world. Graduates will be equipped with not only technical skills and practical experience, but also a professional network of experts and the societal understanding needed to make a future impact in a career in fisheries.

The program is structured to develop skills and abilities in five key areas with an emphasis on real-world application:

1. stock assessment
2. statistics and data science
3. fisheries biology
4. society and management
5. communications.

Courses will be delivered through a combination of classroom lectures, intensive field courses, applied projects, and engagement with fisheries professionals. Students will learn in a close-knit cohort with strong mentorship from faculty and practitioners.

Master of Fisheries Science Program Structure

Students will gain hands-on experience through applied coursework, fieldwork, and engagement with professionals from government, industry, Indigenous organizations, and non-government organizations. The program is built on interdisciplinarity and will prepare graduates to work across ecological, social, and policy dimensions of fisheries systems.

We envision our graduates as having the following:

• Knowledge: fisheries stock assessment and population models, statistical and computational methods, biological and ecological theory, fieldwork and data management practices, and governance, Indigenous rights, and socio-economic contexts shaping Canadian and global fisheries.
• Skills: advanced skills in coding, statistical modelling, and stock assessment, field survey design and implementation, species identification, and communication of complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Abilities: strong critical thinking, teamwork, resilience, evaluation of underlying assumptions, and solving complex research and management problems.

To Apply

As the program has only just received final approval, our admissions portal is not yet available. In the meantime, we are inviting interested applicants to submit their application materials directly to mfsc@dal.ca as a single PDF (multiple files will not be accepted) by June 1, 2026. We will review applications immediately provide conditional acceptance shortly after.

Please include the following in your application:

1. Undergraduate Degree
   A Bachelor of Science degree with specialization in marine science (e.g., biology, marine biology, oceanography), mathematics, or statistics.
2. Transcript
   Demonstrating a minimum B average (3.0 GPA) over your last 60 credit hours.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   A chronological overview of your academic background, work experience, volunteer activities, research projects, and any additional relevant experiences (e.g., fieldwork, co-ops, workshops, conferences, certifications).
4. Letter of Motivation (max. 500 words)
   This is a key component of your application. Please describe your interest in fisheries science or data analytics, your academic and career goals, and any relevant experience (e.g., field schools, research programs, industry, government, NGOs, consulting, etc.).
5. Letters of Reference
   Two references (academic or professional) who can speak to your academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for graduate study. Referees may send their letters directly, or you may include them in your PDF.

Stay Informed

Express your interest to receive program updates, application timelines, and information sessions by emailing mfsc@dal.ca.