Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Master the Depths:  Marine Data Processing Micro-Credential at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC)

Turn your passion for marine technology into a high-tech, high-demand career in just six months. Northwestern Michigan College’s Marine Data Processing Micro-Credential is an accelerated program designed to deliver specific, workforce-ready skills.

A micro-credential is an aggregate of courses built around a specific competency that can be taken as a standalone program or stacked to earn an academic certificate or degree.  Whether you are a new student looking to stand out, a professional seeking to upskill, or a military veteran transitioning into a dynamic new field, this pathway bridges the gap between education and immediate employment.

Why Choose This Micro-Credential?

• Short-Term, Immediate Impact:  Gain specialized competency skills in an accelerated six-month timeframe.

• Employer-Validated:  Explicitly demonstrate targeted technical proficiencies to employers in the marine survey industry.

• Complementary Education:  Supplement an existing degree program with highly relevant, modern technological skill sets.

• Stackable Progress:  Seamlessly ladder your standalone micro-credential into a full associate or bachelor's degree.

The Curriculum & Course Breakdown

Leveraging NMC’s proven technical programs in marine, engineering, geospatial, survey, and unmanned systems technologies, this program features four interactive, Online – Live stream courses.  

1.  Remote Sensing and Sensors (WSI 300)

• Schedule:  Fall 

• What you’ll learn:   Establish a firm foundation in using electronic sensors for remote observations, with a heavy focus on marine and near-shore environments.  You will apply basic sensor science to marine acoustics, terrestrial acoustics, visible laser/LIDAR, multispectral, and hyperspectral instruments used in deep-sea, commercial, military, and space science industries.

2.  Geographic Information Systems - GIS (GEO 115)

• Schedule:  Fall/Spring 

• What you’ll learn:  Explore the fundamentals of GIS for map reading, interpretation, and analysis in conjunction with the principles of cartography.  Utilize modern computer and internet technologies for the generation, manipulation, storage, and retrieval of maps, metadata, data editing, and projections.

3.  Marine GIS and Data Processing (WSI 215)

• Schedule:  Spring 

• What you’ll learn:  Build directly upon your GIS foundation with a specialized focus on spatial analysis techniques using standard maritime and marine datasets.  Introduce advanced cartographic methods and spatial data management techniques using ArcGIS Desktop, Hypack, and other essential computer tools.

• Prerequisite:  GIS (GEO 115)

4.  Advanced Marine Survey and Data Processing (WSI 315)

• Schedule:  Fall/Spring 

• What you’ll learn:  Master the coordination of maritime surveys from a pre-deployment standpoint.  You will develop advanced skill sets for processing, manipulating, and merging complex marine and terrestrial datasets from a wide range of sources using both commercial and freely available industry tools.

• Prerequisite:  WSI 215

Ready to Launch Your Career?

Don't just watch the future of ocean and lakebed exploration unfold—lead it.  With convenient online live-streamed classes, you can gain world-class technical expertise from anywhere.  Registration is officially open.  Secure your spot today, fast-track your resume, and become an indispensable asset to the global marine technology sector!

Dive Into Marine Geospatial Data Management 

Ready to rapidly upskill your career path with immediate, workforce-ready skills?  Northwestern Michigan College offers an online, 12-month Marine Geospatial Data Management Micro-Credential specifically designed for new students, professionals, and military personnel. This flexible program consists of an aggregate of courses built around a competency, allowing you to take it as a standalone program or stack it to supplement an existing degree and demonstrate specific skills to employers.  You can even ladder your earned micro-credential directly into an associate or bachelor's academic degree.  The curriculum directly leverages existing, proven technical programs focused on marine, engineering, geospatial, survey, and unmanned systems technologies.

The Fast-Track Course Lineup

Delivered entirely via online live-stream sessions, this 12-month pathway builds your technical expertise through the following specific courses:

• Geographic Information Systems - GIS (GEO 115):  Scheduled for Fall and Spring, this foundational course explores the core principles of cartography alongside GIS fundamentals for map reading, interpretation, and analysis.  You will utilize computer and internet technologies for the generation, manipulation, storage, and retrieval of maps, while mastering essential topics like data display, queries, metadata, tabular relationships, data editing, projections, and datums.

• Marine GIS and Data Processing (WSI 215):  Offered in the Spring, this course builds upon your GIS basics with a strict focus on basic spatial analysis techniques using standard maritime and marine datasets.  You will be introduced to advanced cartographic methods and spatial data management techniques using ArcGIS Desktop, Hypack, and other computer tools.  (Prerequisite:  GIS (GEO 115)).

• Advanced Marine Survey and Data Processing (WSI 315):  Available in both Fall and Spring, this course provides a strong foundation in coordinating maritime surveys from a pre-deployment standpoint.  Students are expected to gain a strong understanding of remote sensing science—including the capabilities and limitations of sensor systems—while devoting significant time to manipulating, processing, and merging marine and terrestrial datasets using commercial and freely-available tools. (Prerequisite:  WSI 215).