The marine biology colleges that we will be talking about in this article are all top schools, however, we did not rank them. They offer marine biology courses, of course you would like to see what programs they offer and how much they cost.
Prerequisites Needed to Study Marine Biology in Canada
Several marine biology colleges in Canada offer programs in marine biology, most of them on either the East or West Coast.
For undergraduate BSc degree programs in marine biology, completion of high school is a requirement, with an average of at least B+.
Generally, English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics are required.
How to Become a Marine Biologist in Canada
To become a marine biologist, the first thing to do is to decide whether the career is right for you.
If you are interested in a lucrative career that involves adventurous field research, that requires the ability to apply scientific principles and above all allows you to study organisms in their natural habitat, then this is a perfect career path for you.
Education Needed to Become a Marine Biologist
For an entry level job in marine biology, you need a bachelor of science degree in marine biology or a bachelors degree in a related field. The related field where you can consider include:
- biochemistry
- biology
- botany
- ecology
- microbiology or zoology
Depending on the requirements of the employer, a Master’s degree in marine biology is typically sufficient for many applied research positions.
To become a marine biologist who works in research and university teaching positions a Ph.D. in marine biology is needed.
Continuing education will also be required throughout their careers in order to keep their skills current and in order to stay up to date with advancements in the field. Read more.
How much can I earn as a marine biologist in Canada?
We will be looking at the different parts of Canada. In Alberta, according to the2019 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, the average salary level of Albertans working in the “Biologist” occupational group is $92,613 per year
While according to the WorkBC (Province of British Columbia), those working in the “Biologists and related scientists” expect an annual provincial salary of $74,277.
Lastly, According to ECO Canada, marine biologists in an entry level position can be making $44,000 per year in Canada.
When they gain several years of experience and education, they can be making between $64,000 and $78,000 per year.
Let us look at the list of marine biology colleges in Canada.
The List of Marine Biology Colleges in Canada
- Dalhousie University
- University of New Brunswick
- Ontario Tech University
- St. Francis Xavier University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Guelph
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- The University of Victoria
- The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
- Nova Scotia Community College
- At New Brunswick Community College
Let us review these marine biology colleges in Canada and their programs.
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a national leader in marine biology education and research. At Dalhousie University, during your first two years, you will take general biology courses.
In the third and fourth year, you will explore the ecology, diversity, physiology and other aspects of marine animals and plants in greater depth. There are scholarships and internship opportunities available.
In the world ranking, they are ranked 251st out of 1250. They offer Bachelor of Arts in Marine Biology.
- Bachelor of Arts in Marine Biology
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$97,632 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
Master of Marine Management is another program at Dalhousie University, below are its descriptions:
- Qualification: Masters Degree
- Fees: CA$31,835 (2022)
- Duration: 16 Month(s)
Dalhousie marine biology requirements
- Entry score: 7.0 IELTS
Master of Marine Management is a professional and interdisciplinary degree program that focuses on an applied research project and required classes in the marine and social sciences, as well as a choice of electives from marine related classes.
University of New Brunswick
UNB Saint John is one of only a few university campuses in Canada offering a BSc. in marine biology.
Their professors are internationally recognized in the field and above all, they are well equipped to offer this program.
The semester consists of 5 courses worth a total of 19 credits.
It is equivalent to a full-semester course load, and students are expected to take all 5 courses.
Three courses run for 2-4 consecutive weeks each, and two runs throughout the semester.
In the word, their Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology is ranked 801 out of 1250.
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$70,136 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Next: 16 May 2022
Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University offers Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Marine Biology (Co-op-Optional).
In this program, you will learn about the marine ecosystems in this specialization and it is a program that helps you immerse yourself in the marine environment.
- Program Level: 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree
- Application Processing Days: 30 Days
- Program Intensity: Full-Time
- Duration of Program: 48 Months
- Program Intake months: Jan & Sep
- Tuition Fee: CAD$ 26,541 per year
- Living Cost in Ontario Tech University: CAD$ 12,000 per year
Memorial University of Newfoundland
The Memorial University of Newfoundland offer the following:
Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology
- Qualification: Ph.D.
- Fees: CA$17,988 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
The PhD program involves courses, a comprehensive exam, and a thesis, and can be completed in four years of full-time study.
They have had over 60 graduate students, and their Department of Ocean Sciences has 14 full-time, 1 Emeritus, 1 Honorary, and 2 cross-appointed faculty members.
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (Honours)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
- Fees: CA$45,840 (2022)
This marine biology major provides a wealth of experiential learning opportunities for students with a combination of the following:
- wet labs
- field trips
- project-based courses
Technical Certificate in Bridge Watch
In this program, you will be equipped with the academic skills, marine safety training, sea experience, and hands-on training.
You will be able to get this by using facilities in their rigging room and on their training vessel.
- Technical Certificate in Bridge Watch
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$15,385 (2022)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
- Duration: 8 Month(s)
Technical Certificate in Marine Diesel Mechanics
- Technical Certificate in Marine Diesel Mechanics
- Duration: 1 Year(s)
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$15,630 (2022)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
This program is geared toward providing the technical and practical knowledge necessary to run, maintain and repair marine diesel engines.
University of Guelph
University of Guelph offer the following programs:
Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology
- Duration: 6 Semester(s)
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$80,190 (2022)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
Explore the ecology of freshwater and marine environments, and work with aquatic organisms in the state-of-the-art Hagan Aqualab.
You will be able to also examine management and conservation issues.
Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology (Honours) (Co-Op)
- Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology (Honours) (Co-Op)
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree with Honours
- Fees: CA$106,920 (2022)
- Duration: 8 Semester(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
Through this program, you can explore the ecology of freshwater and marine environments, and work with aquatic organisms in their state-of-the-art Hagan Aqualab.
You will also be able to examine management and conservation issues.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia has many degrees you can choose from as an aspiring marine biologists. Some of the interdisciplinary standard programs offered are:
- Oceanography and another subject (Chemistry, Geology or Geophysics)
- Fisheries Oceanography
- Oceanography and Biology
- Oceanography and Physics
- Microbiology and Oceanography
With the degrees listed, you can work as a marine Technician or other related fields in Marine Biology.
Apart from a work opportunity, any of these degrees can give you a solid educational foundation for a post-graduate education in the fields of Oceanography, Fisheries and other related specializations.
The University of Victoria
The university of Victoria is one of the marine biology colleges in Canada that offer the following:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology – Marine Biology
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology – Marine Biology
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree with Honours
- Fees: CA$103,440 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
The university of victoria marine biology program examines the full range of life from human health to ecosystem health, from the deepest oceans to the atmosphere.
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Marine Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biology – Marine Biology
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$103,440 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
This is one of the marine biology colleges in Canada that offer:
Diploma in Nautical Sciences
- Diploma in Nautical Sciences
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$38,392 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
The Nautical Sciences program is a four-year full-time Co-operative program accredited by Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS).
Nova Scotia Community College
Certificate in Aquaculture Operations
- Certificate in Aquaculture Operations
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$5,845 (2022)
- Duration: 19 Week(s)
- Entry score: 6.0 IELTS
This is a 19 week program where you get skills that you need to support freshwater and marine farming and land-based operations.
Certificate in Bridge Watch Rating
- Certificate in Bridge Watch Rating
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$5,845 (2022)
- Entry score: 6.0 IELTS
- Duration: 26 Week(s)
This program prepares you to successfully complete Transport Canada’s Bridge Watch Rating Certificate, which is a pre-requisite for entry into work on marine vessels.
You will be taught mariner’s trade through a combination of classroom and hands-on training in shops.You will also learn bridge team duties, mooring, anchoring and emergency duties.
Certificate in Marine Mechanical Technician
- Certificate in Marine Mechanical Technician
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$11,350
- Duration: 1 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.0 IELTS
This program teaches the fundamentals of marine engineering systems operations, including safe watchkeeping, operation of auxiliary machinery and associated controls, marine diesel engines, steam turbine plants, mainstream systems, and marine boilers.
New Brunswick Community College
New Brunswick Community College is one of the marine biology colleges in Canada that offers:
Certificate of Achievement in Aquaculture Operations
- Certificate of Achievement in Aquaculture Operations
- Qualification: Bachelor Degree
- Fees: CA$5,195 (2022)
- Duration: 12 Week(s)
- Entry score: 6.0 IELTS
The aquaculture operations program is a twelve-week program designed to better prepare employees to meet the growing and diverse needs of the aquaculture industry.
Students learn salmonid biology and husbandry, they also learn the aquaculture production cycle, feeding and nutrition regimes etc.
St. Francis Xavier University
Courses under Biology at St. Francis Xavier University introduces students to the science of living organisms and their interactions with the world around us.
19 Marine Biology Courses in Canada
The following are marine courses offered by some marine biology colleges in Canada:
+ Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology at University of Guelph
+ Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology – Marine Biology at University of Victoria
+ Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology(Honours) at University of Guelph
+ Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland
+ Technical Certificate in Marine Diesel Mechanics at Memorial University of Newfoundland
+ Technical Certificate in Bridge Watch at Memorial University of Newfoundland
+ Master of Marine Management at Dalhousie University
+ Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at Dalhousie University
+ Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (Honours) at Memorial University of Newfoundland
+ Bachelor of Science in Biology – Marine Biology at University of Victoria
+ Diploma in Nautical Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
+ Certificate in Bridge Watch Rating at Nova Scotia Community College
+ Certificate in Marine Mechanical Technician at Nova Scotia Community College
+ Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology (Co-Op) at University of Guelph
+ Certificate in Aquaculture Operations at Nova Scotia Community College
+ Bachelor of Arts in Marine Biology at Dalhousie University
+ Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at University of New Brunswick
+ Certificate of Achievement in Aquaculture Operations at New Brunswick Community College
Let’s look at one of the graduate programs in one of the marine biology colleges in Canada.
Marine Biology Graduate Programs in Canada
The Memorial University of Newfoundland is one of the marine biology colleges in Canada that offer:
Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology
- Qualification: Ph.D.
- Fees: CA$17,988 (2022)
- Duration: 4 Year(s)
- Entry score: 6.5 IELTS
What are your thoughts about the marine biology colleges in Canada? Please share your thoughts with us.
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Popular destination for marine biologists:https://www.idp.com/canada/search/marine-science/all/can/?q=:popularity:destination:Canada&page=0