"The potential for the Water Studies Institute is as great as the need. The long-range importance of freshwater to Michigan and the nation can't be overstated."

EDITORIAL, TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE

Febuary 26, 2004

Water Studies Institute

Located on West Grand Traverse Bay, NMC's Water Studies Institute is strategically positioned to engage individuals and organizations to protect, wisely use, and manage the key resource of fresh water.

West Bay itself is simultaneously an integral part of the Institute's purpose and a resource for students, serving as a living lab in addition to the classrooms and facilities located shoreside at NMC's Great Lakes Campus.

The Water Studies Institute offers the first associate degree in Freshwater Studies in the United States. Its mission is threefold:

  • Learning – To provide learning opportunities about freshwater that foster stewardship of the Great Lakes and its watersheds.
  • Collaboration – To build, support, and encourage partnerships that achieve shared missions for freshwater – including nonprofit organizations, businesses, K-12 schools, and school districts, higher education, research institutions, foundations and others.
  • Convening – To bring people and organizations together to learn about and address freshwater issues and needs.

Resources »

Contact us »

NEWS & EVENTS

New Freshwater Studies program is first of its kind - The Water Studies Institute at NMC has announced the launch of the first Associate in Science and Arts Degree for Freshwater Studies in the United States. More »

Water Studies Institute surveys Bay bottom - Northwestern Michigan College’s Water Studies Institute is spearheading the first effort to map the bottom of Grand Traverse Bay in 80 years. More »

Dec
08

NMC to host virtual water forum - U.S. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson will be the keynote speaker at the event fed live from Washington DC. More »

Academic
Programs