Marine GIS & Data Processing

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.

• Prerequisite:  College algebra

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!