![\"Water\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.nmc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/iStock_000016017473Medium.jpg\")
Northwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University have received formal approval to offer joint curriculum that leads to both an associate\u2019s degree in freshwater studies from NMC and a bachelor\u2019s degree in freshwater sciences and sustainability from WMU.<\/p>\n
This program creates a single pipeline where students can complete all of their degree requirements in Traverse City.<\/p>\n
“A few years ago NMC launched the first associate degree in Freshwater Studies. Today, we are pleased to open a new pathway towards the completion of a bachelor degree in Freshwater Science,\u201d said Constanza Hazelwood, NMC freshwater studies instructor.\u00a0 \u201cWe welcome this partnership with WMU, and the opportunity it brings for our students to engage in the study of our Great Lakes Ecosystem with outstanding educators and researchers. ”<\/p>\n
Hans Van Sumeren, director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC said the program is designed to be flexible, completely transferrable and an ideal use of the assets of both institutions.<\/p>\n
“Education in water related areas is critical to developing sustainable practices and innovative strategies to meet global demands on this critical resource,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThis collaboration between NMC and WMU and our Freshwater focused degrees demonstrates how our institutions are providing students the training needed to meet these demands head on.”<\/p>\n
Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers such as freshwater quality analysts, watershed managers, sustainability coordinators, environmental and resource managers, corporate social responsibility coordinators, and environmental consultants or advocates.<\/p>\n
The degree will also prepare students to pursue graduate studies in sciences and sustainability leadership.<\/p>\n
“This has been a very productive collaboration with a great program to build for now and the future, said Charles F. Ide, professor of biological sciences at WMU.\u00a0 \u201cI look forward to teaching again this summer in Traverse City.”<\/p>\n
Two classes are already being offered this summer and are filling quickly.\u00a0 These hybrid courses combine online coursework with face-to-face sessions and field exercises in Traverse City.<\/p>\n