Fleming College and Memorial University launch Master’s pathway for Aquaculture (Co-op) graduates

Fleming College and Memorial University of Newfoundland have signed a new articulation agreement to strengthen the aquaculture workforce, one of the world’s fastest-growing food production sectors. The partnership creates a pathway from Fleming’s Aquaculture (Co-op) post-graduate certificate program directly into the second year of MUN’s Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) program

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Fleming College and Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) have signed a new articulation agreement to strengthen the aquaculture workforce, one of the world’s fastest-growing food production sectors. The partnership creates a pathway from Fleming’s Aquaculture (Co-op) post-graduate certificate program directly into the second year of MUN’s Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) program. Eligible graduates can complete a Master’s degree in just one additional year of study.

“Fleming College and Memorial University share a commitment to advancing the global aquaculture sector through applied learning and innovation,” said Fleming College Interim President Dr. Theresa Knott. “This agreement creates a powerful opportunity for our graduates to build on their technical training and accelerate their path to graduate credentials. By connecting two respected, industry-focused programs, we are preparing the next generation of aquaculture professionals to lead, innovate, and strengthen food systems around the world.”

The agreement outlines two pathways for Fleming Aquaculture (Co-op) graduates:

• Graduates who hold a recognized undergraduate degree can transition directly into the second year of MUN’s Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) program.
• Graduates who hold a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma may receive conditional admission into the second year of the program, with a requirement to complete a short bridging program of two or four undergraduate courses.

"We are excited to welcome graduates of Fleming College through this advanced standing opportunity. This partnership allows Fleming alumni to build on the knowledge and hands-on experience gained through their post-graduate program and continue their learning journey in the Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) program at the Marine Institute,” said Chris Dawe, Academic Director of the Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) program. “Developed with aquaculture professionals in mind, the program offers flexible online delivery that makes it possible to balance graduate studies with career and personal commitments. We look forward to supporting Fleming graduates as they advance their skills, expand their expertise, and continue to grow as leaders in the aquaculture industry."

Delivered fully online through MUN’s Fisheries and Marine Institute, the Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) program offers students the flexibility to work anywhere in the world while completing their degree. The Master’s curriculum focuses on strategic planning, decision-making, and management, preparing graduates for leadership roles such as aquaculture technologists, site managers, or consultants with government agencies.

Fleming’s Aquaculture (Co-op) program is the only one of its kind in Ontario and features both an Atlantic salmon hatchery and a research hatchery at its Frost Campus in Lindsay. The program focuses on aquaculture fundamentals, business and operational practices, conservation, production and harvesting, and food safety. Graduates develop in-demand technical and operational skills that prepare them for careers as aquaculture technicians.

To learn more about Fleming’s Aquaculture (Co-op) program, visit flemingcollege.ca/programs/aquaculture.

To learn more about Memorial’s Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture), visit mi.mun.ca/programs/masterofmarinestudiesaquaculture/.