• testing on the lake

    Water Science

From the ground up.

Our water science emphasis gives you all the skills and knowledge you need to understand the chemistry, biology, and movement of water in the environment. You’ll also gain a deep appreciation for how we are connected to each other and the Earth through water. You’ll study geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric processes and learn how people are influenced by and have an impact on water quality.

Courses focus on the science of the distribution and circulation of lakes, streams, oceans, ground water, and atmospheric water. You’ll graduate with an understanding of the importance of water resources to all ecosystems and be ready for graduate school or a career in the field.

In addition to rigorous and relevant coursework, Northland students also have the opportunity to gain real-world work experience through Northland College’s Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation.

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“Northland is also the only college where I can study water science and natural resources in such a research-based environment.” Reane Loiselle, Northland Student Landing Page Testimonial

Water Science Class Topics

  • Water Chemistry

    Tackle the important task of improving and maintaining water quality in the environment. With a mixture of core water science and chemistry classes, you will work in the field and in laboratories to study the details of water composition and protect its quality.

  • Water Resources

    Discover how humans interact with water in the environment and learn to manage water resources. You’ll study earth resources, geographic information systems, biology and resource policy to tackle water resource problems and other challenging issues that affect current and future generations.

Why Northland?

Experiential Learning

An education at Northland involves more than just sitting in lecture halls. We combine classroom learning with immersive field studies and opportunities within the community to create a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Our career-focused curriculum will provide you with the tools and confidence to succeed in anything you do.

Access to Financial Aid

Think all private colleges are expensive? Think again. With 99% of all Northland College students receiving some form of financial aid, you can receive a private school education at a public school price.

Proven Outcomes

A degree from Northland is your pathway to opportunity. Our student-to-faculty ratio allows our professors to personally invest in your success, and the results of this approach speak for themselves. 93.5% of our recent graduates are employed or in graduate school.

Full-Spectrum Sustainability

At Northland, we live our sustainability mission every day. Going green is a part of everything we do as an institution and everything you’ll do as a student—from how you’ll live, to what you’ll learn, and ways you can contribute.

Live & Learn in a Natural World

Our location in Ashland, WI, a small, safe community of just over 8,000 tucked along the south shore of Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and over a million acres of national forest, creates truly unique educational and recreational experiences.

Work with the Best & Brightest

Our faculty are passionate about learning—and not just student learning. They are dedicated learners and scholars, and that shines through in the classroom and in the field. And they’re more than just teachers. They are mentors who often establish life-long relationships with students.

Ready to take the next step?

Get in touch to learn more and start planning your journey at Northland College.