Master of Fisheries Science, Dalhousie University
For students looking to become fisheries (or resource) managers, conservation specialists, policy advisors, or fisheries analysts, a new course-based master’s program at Dalhousie promises the technical skills and professional connections needed for success in a complex, challenging field.
All in less than a year and a half.
“The Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) is designed to give students more exposure to the real world,” says Maxine Westhead, director of Dal’s affiliate Marine Affairs Program.
That means connecting them with fisheries managers and monitors and the professionals analyzing biological, ecological, and fishery-dependent data to assess stock status, evaluate management options, and support sustainable fisheries.
“It’s also meaningful for them to go out into the field to see how data are actually collected on a vessel that’s rolling around in the ocean,” she says.
The 16-month Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc), developed by Dal researchers Dr. Aaron MacNeil and Dr. Joanna Mills Flemming in partnership with research scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is unique in that it is course-based rather than thesis-based.
It’s part of Dalhousie’s growing range of professional master’s programs that are designed to get graduates on track to enter their chosen career in a short time.
Combining coursework, field work, and a two-term capstone project conducted in groups, the MFSc prepares students to work with government agencies, Indigenous, local, or international fisheries organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Posted: January 29, 2026
- Job Type: MS
- Application deadline: 05/01/2026
- Organization: Dalhousie University
- How to apply: The application will be opening up in Spring of 2026 for a start in September 2026. Application will be available at https://www.dal.ca/study/programs/graduate-professional/fisheries-science-mfsc.html when open.
- Location: Halifax, Canada
- Web address: https://www.dal.ca/news/2026/01/22/master-fisheries-science-dalhousie-.html
Contact Information
Department Email
Marine.Affairs@dal.ca