For the first time ever, two instructional courses on Great Lakes lighthouses are being offered on the World Wide Web. Maritime historian and author Frederick Stonehouse, adjunct faculty at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan, is the instructor for both courses. In a recent press release Stonehouse said, "No matter where you are in the world, if you can access the Internet, you will be able to take these courses. While we expect to reach traditional students looking to fill in their programs with an exciting academic elective, we know there are others that would jump at the chance to study the lights."

HS-295, Great Lakes Lighthouses, (2 credits) is offered through the Northern Michigan University Continuing Education Department  Tuition for the credit course is $292. All course requirements are completed via the Internet, eliminating the need to visit the campus or submit material by mail. Credit students can enroll starting with the next semester. This program is currently unavailable.

The course helps the student understand the role and development of Great Lakes lighthouses. It emphasizes the details of their construction, lighting apparatus, daily routine of keepers, general organization and management and significant Great Lakes lights. Students acquire a thorough understanding of how these lighthouses actually operated and a general knowledge of U.S. lighthouses.