Fleming College and Memorial University Launch Master’s Pathway for Aquaculture (Co-op) Graduates
Peterborough, ON – (March 10, 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 after completing the Fleming program.
“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 a graduate credential. 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. Those 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 across the growing global aquaculture industry.
To learn more about Fleming’s Aquaculture (Co-op) program, visit Fleming’s Aquaculture (Co-op) program page.
To learn more about Memorial’s Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture), visit MUN’s Master of Marine Studies (Aquaculture) page.
About Fleming College
About Fleming College Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Community Services, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.
About Memorial University
Perched on Canada’s North Atlantic coast, Memorial University is a destination for discovery. A beacon for the 21st-century explorer, Newfoundland and Labrador’s university is a unique learning community founded in 1925 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War — “that in freedom of learning their cause and sacrifice might not be forgotten.” Today nearly 18,000 students from nearly 120 countries come together to discover. From the classics to advanced technology, the comprehensive university offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs across six campuses, numerous locations and online. A global network of more than 100,000 accomplished alumni throughout the world strengthens Memorial University’s capacity and reputation for leadership in world-class research, teaching and public engagement.
As a campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Fisheries and Marine Institute is Canada’s most comprehensive centre for education, training, applied research and industrial support for the ocean industries. The Marine Institute provides more than 30 industry-driven programs ranging from technical certificates to PhDs. In addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees, the Institute offers advanced diplomas, diplomas of technology and technical certificates. The Institute also runs a variety of short courses and industrial response programs. To take a closer look, visit www.mun.ca.
More information:
communications@flemingcollege.ca