Programs & Partners

With an associate's degree in Freshwater Studies, graduates can continue in a bachelor's degree program or enter directly into industry jobs. More »

Careers & Internships

Freshwater Studies combines unique courses and field experiences leading toward multiple career pathways in water resources. More »

Research & Outreach

Freshwater Studies has many research projects already in place as well as ties to many local and regional events and organizations. More »

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Great Lakes Water Studies Institute

Located at the Great Lakes Campus on Grand Traverse Bay, 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.

What We Offer

The first associate's degree in Freshwater Studies in the U.S. »
An associate's degree with a Marine Technology major »
A new bachelor's degree with a Marine Technology major »
Multiple career pathways including bachelor's degree programs
Innovative education, internships and research opportunities
Collaboration with industry, government, universities and community
Unique assets: R/V Northwestern, ROV, hydrographic sonar, water research laboratory

Transition seamlessly from ASA to BS

NMC has collaborated with Western Michigan University to offer a BS in Freshwater Science and Sustainability degree in Traverse City. Program highlights:

Interdisciplinary degree with numerous career paths
Integrated curriculum, scheduling and advising
Financial aid agreement allowing for combined courses counting toward aid
All coursework offered in Traverse City

Find out more: Freshwater Science & Sustainability Bachelor's Degree »

Contact us »

News & Events

Marine Technology at Northwestern Michigan College - ROV Planet, Issue 8, 2016 - More »

West Bay Monitoring buoy "Live"

The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute has placed a solar-powered monitoring buoy in West Bay that provides real-time data on wind speed and direction, air and water temperature, wave height and other information, along with recent images and video. Learn more using the links below:

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.

Marine Technology Camp »

May 21–27, 2017

Please join us for a week-long, hands-on experience using several marine technologies. Participants will log time on research vessels, collect data using ROVs, sonar, sensors and buoys and learn about the multiple applications of these technologies.