Freshwater Studies
NMC’s Freshwater Studies program, offered through the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, is the first associate degree in Freshwater Studies in the U.S. This science-based program has an interdisciplinary approach, and students can earn an Associate in Science and Arts Degree or an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Freshwater Studies.
Reflecting rapidly emerging career paths, students have a choice of five general streams:
- General »
- Global Policy and Sustainability »
- Science and Technology »
- Economy and Society »
- Hybrid Option »
Areas of Emphasis
- History and management overview of the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies around the world
- Water Policy and Sustainability
- Oceanography
- Meteorology and Climatology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Program Highlights
- Unique assets: R/V Northwestern, ROV, hydrographic sonar, water research lab
- Partnership with WMU for the first BS in Freshwater Science and Sustainability in Traverse City »
- Multiple University Center partnerships for additional bachelor's degrees
- Collaboration with local and regional organizations
- Partnerships with water-related industries
- Local and global internships
Apply Now
Model Schedules
- General »
- Global Policy and Sustainability »
- Science and Technology »
- Economy and Society »
- Hybrid Option »
Program Course Guides
Program Requirements
Great Lakes Water Studies Institute »
Costa Rica internship Photos »
Contact Us »
News & Events
Create Your Career In Water
NMC offers multiple pathways to complete an ASA or AAS in Freshwater Studies. Inquire about our 1 + 1 hybrid Freshwater Studies Program. Complete your first year online and join us on campus for a second year of coursework by the Grand Traverse Bay.
For more information, contact one of our advisors:
- Cathy Jarvi , Freshwater Studies Program Advisor, cjarvi@nmc.edu, (231) 995-3333
- Constanza Hazelwood PhD, Freshwater Studies Program Coordinator, chazelwood@nmc.edu, (231) 995-1722
Find Your Water Career
- Water Advocacy
- Sustainable Water ManagementWater Infrastructure
- Natural Resource Management
- Scientific Research
- Water Policy
- Fisheries and Wildlife Management
View our brochure »
In the news
Great Lakes Water Studies Institute offers ROV Pilot Technician program
UNDERWATER MAGAZINE
March-April 2017
NMC Funds New Buoy Cam in Grand Traverse Bay
9 & 10 NEWS
July 20, 2016
TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN'S MAGAZINE
May 10, 2011
NMC students map bottom of Grand Traverse Bay
MI NEWS 26
July 27, 2010
At the Helm of the First U.S. Freshwater Studies Program
CIRCLE OF BLUE WATER NEWS
Jan. 21, 2010
