Take a Class at the CMU Biological Station

Students preparing sampling equipment aboard the MV Chippewa.

Get hands-on experience through accelerated courses taught at our unequaled research facility and surrounding natural areas when you take a class or two at our biological station on Beaver Island. You'll enjoy the hallmark of a CMU education with small class sizes and personal interaction with our expert faculty.

Classes are available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as non-student workshops.

The upcoming seasons course schedule is available in January each year.

High school students

Earning college credit as a high school sophomore, junior or senior is a great way to launch your college career, and earn credits in a few weeks of your summer on an island in Lake Michigan. Taking BIO 100Z at our biological station on Beaver Island:

  • Helps you prepare for your first year of college.
  • Earns you three college biology credits in two weeks.
  • Teaches field biology techniques and gain an understanding of the natural world.
  • Gives you the change to interact with distinguished faculty members.

Please complete this application. Once we have received your application, someone from the CMUBS will contact you.

Undergraduate students

You'll immerse yourself in specialized programs and accelerated classes while you get your hands dirty and explore the field as you work at the Central Michigan University Biological Station. 

  • State-of-the-art James C. Gillingham Academic Center and research facilities.
  • Small class size and close interaction with faculty.
  • Utilize field techniques to reinforce biological concepts.
  • Several scholarship opportunities are available.

Graduate students

When you embark on your graduate career at the CMU Biological Station, you can plan on one-on-one faculty interaction.
 
  • Graduate-level field-based coursework.
  • Small class size and interaction with faculty.
  • Classes take place in the state-of-the-art James C. Gillingham Academic Center.
  • Graduate research opportunities available.
  • Scholarships are available for graduate courses and research.

Non-CMU Students

For Non-CMU Students Seeking Class Credit

For Non-CMU Students Seeking Noncredit Workshop

Please Note: You can only take one course at a time if courses have overlapping dates.

Class registration

Registration for CMUBS courses through CentralLink begins in February. Once you are registered, you will be sent housing information.

Please note: You can only take one course at a time if courses have overlapping dates.

*All courses are tentative until finalized by the registrar.

Interested in taking a course at CMUBS?  Email cmubs@cmich.edu for more information.