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Professional master’s degree

Advance your career and build on your undergraduate degree through Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s flexible, supportive, and specialized course-based professional master’s programs.

Take the next step in your career journey

A professional master’s degree from Â鶹´«Ã½ is for individuals looking to acquire specialized knowledge, enhance critical skills, and accelerate their career in as little as one year.

Whether you’re looking to continue your studies post-undergrad, break into a new field, or advance in your current profession, our 35+ course-based graduate programs offer a fast and efficient path to career success.

Why Dal? Our rankings How graduate studies works
professional master's students giving a presentation and taking notes
Top 65 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
12th Overall in Canada QS World University Rankings
Top 15 research-intensive university in Canada
Gold rating in sustainability (AASHE)
Review our rankings

Why choose a professional master’s program at Â鶹´«Ã½?

Accelerate your career

Gain the practical skills and knowledge that directly align with labour market demands, so you can make an impact in your field and accelerate your career trajectory.

Streamline your studies in a shorter timeframe

Our course-based master’s provide the skills you need without the long-term commitment, with many programs offering flexible formats and taking only 1-2 years to complete.

Boost your earning potential

By investing in your future and elevating your career with a professional master’s degree, you open doors to higher-paying job opportunities.

Blurred green leaves in the foreground with the stone exterior of Dal's Henry Hicks building focused in the background.

Expand your professional network

Leverage Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s industry connections, work-integrated learning opportunities and strong alumni network to build relationships that propel your career forward.

Transition to a new career path

Ready to try something new? Our range of professional course-based masters offer an opportunity to explore a different field and forge a new career path.

Explore a diverse range of disciplines

With over 35 professional programs across multiple disciplines, you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your career aspirations.

Interested in taking the next steps in your career?

Find your program Professional master's fees and funding

Ignite your professional future on Canada’s east coast

At Â鶹´«Ã½, we’re more than just education—we’re here to help shape the leaders of tomorrow. As Canada's East Coast research powerhouse, we offer dynamic, hands-on graduate programs designed to propel your career forward.

Here, you’ll be mentored by world-renowned faculty, make strong industry connections with leading companies and organizations, and gain the real-world experience that will set you apart in today’s competitive job market. With unparalleled support and resources, you’ll have everything you need to refine your expertise, advance in your field, and emerge ready to make an impact.

Discover the program that aligns with your career goals

Â鶹´«Ã½ is an academically diverse university where students learn from nationally and internationally recognized professors in a multitude of programs.

With most of our graduate programs incorporating internships, practicums or work-integrated learning (WIL), you’ll gain the practical experience needed to excel in almost any industry.

Explore all professional graduate programs

Degrees in dynamic, expanding industries, including:

Digital Innovation (MDI)
Duration: 16 months+
Careers: digital strategy consultants, technology product managers & directors, senior health information analysts
Social Work (MSW)
Duration: 1-2 years+
Careers: addiction counsellor, child welfare specialist, social worker, mental health case manager 
Marine Management (MMM)
Duration: 16 months+
Careers: coastal zone management, sea use planning, ocean governance, fisheries management
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Duration: 20 months+
Careers: network system designer, cybersecurity specialist, cloud solutions architect, software/hardware developer 

Study here. Live here.

Our Halifax campus is in the heart of Nova Scotia’s capital—located only steps from the Atlantic Ocean and home to one of the most diverse economies in Canada. With population growth and an expanding economy, Halifax has exciting job opportunities emerging in many key sectors including information technology, ocean tech, healthcare, and financial services.

In 2023 alone, 12,900 new jobs were created, paving the way for a wide variety of high-quality career prospects for graduates. Through our course-based professional programs, you’ll gain specialized skills and industry connections for a rewarding and successful career post-graduation.

Grad student life Why Dal graduate studies?

Admission requirements

Applying for graduate studies is a detailed process, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Applying for graduate studies

Awards and finances

Tuition, fees, textbooks and housing are all costs you'll need to consider. Apply for some of the $35 million in scholarships and bursaries we award each year.

Money matters

Graduate supports

Learn more about GradPD, your go-to hub to learn about professional development for grad students, available housing options and more.

Grad PD Graduate housing

International students

Experience a thriving international community at Â鶹´«Ã½ and in Halifax—where we welcome students from over 120 countries from around the world

We know that pursuing graduate studies is a major decision, and as an international student, the application process involves a few additional steps. From study permits and visas, to scholarships and deadlines, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Learn about your requirements
English language requirements

Ready to take your next step?

Our Professional Graduate Programs Advisor, Sophia Fu, is here to provide you guidance on program exploration, application process, campus life, and more.

Transform your career with a professional master’s degree that offers specialized knowledge, practical experience, and a clear path to success. Apply now!

Email sophia.fu@dal.ca Start your application

Did you know Â鶹´«Ã½ has over 90 master’s and 45+ doctoral degrees?

Discover the full range of graduate programs we offer.

Explore all graduate programs