MFSc
Introducing the new Master of Fisheries Science!
The Master of Fisheries Science is an exciting new program that the Marine Affairs Program is set to launch in September 2026 (pending approval).
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鈥檚 East Coast, with field components across Atlantic Canada.
This will be a 16-month, course-based master鈥檚 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:
- stock assessment
- statistics and data science
- fisheries biology
- society and management
- 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.
Program at a Glance
| Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Population Dynamics听 BIOL 5001 (NEW) |
Quantitative Methods in Fisheries Science I MFSC 5004 (NEW) |
Fisheries Management Skills Development in Cape Breton June 15-23, 2027 MFSC 5005 (NEW) |
Quantitative Methods in Fisheries Science II MFSC 5008 (NEW) |
| Bayesian Statistics STAT 5130 |
Data Visualization CSCI 6406 |
Huntsman Field Course (+Advanced Population Dynamic) July 5-9, 2027 MFSC 5006 (NEW) |
Fisheries Management听 MARA/ENVI 5021 |
| Biological Oceanography OCEA 5140 |
Politics of the Sea MARA 5589 |
Capstone Project MFSC 5007 (NEW) |
Capstone Project MFSC 5007 (NEW) |
| Weekly Seminar Series: Advanced Topics in Fisheries Management |
Weekly Seminar Series: Advanced Topics in Fisheries Management |
听 | 听 |
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.
Are you ready to BE the next generation of fisheries scientists and managers? The field demands forward-thinking professionals who are analytically rigorous, grounded in field experience, and prepared to navigate complex ecological, social, and governance challenges - this program has been designed to meet that need.
Express your interest to receive program updates, application timelines, and information sessions by emailing Marine.Affairs@dal.ca today!