Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
Located at the Great Lakes Campus on Lake Michigan, the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute (GLWSI) at Northwestern Michigan College is strategically positioned to engage individuals and organizations, both locally and globally, in advancing skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources.
Marine Technology
- ADCI Certified ROV Pilot Training
- Extensive field operations
- Excellent employment opportunities in the industry
Freshwater Studies
- Interdisciplinary approach to water management
- Multiple internship opportunities
- Bachelor’s degree completion pathways
What We Offer
- The first associate's degree in Freshwater Studies in the U.S. »
- A comprehensive associate's degree in Marine Technology »
- The first and only bachelor's of science degree in Marine Technology »
- Industry aligned professional development and training
- Private harbor, research vessels, multiple marine platforms and sensors, freshwater and marine technology focused laboratories
- Community Outreach and International Partnerships
Contact us »
Apply Now
Higher Education Today interview of Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director Hans Van Sumeren and students and graduates of the program
West Bay Monitoring buoy
The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute has a solar-powered monitoring buoy in West Bay during the summer that provides seasonal, real-time data on wind speed and direction, air and water temperature, wave height and other information, including video of the bay.
View a map of Great Lakes buoys here »
The buoy is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Data Buoy Center, which designs, develops, operates and maintains a global network of data collecting buoys and coastal stations.
