Cannabis Science & Therapeutics Program

Advance Your Career in the Expanding Cannabis Industry with Training and Certification

Earn an industry-respected college credit certificate after completing six online courses that are delivered 100% online, with no required face-to-face classes or scheduled virtual class times. (3 semesters)
Gain additional experience and build your professional network with an onsite, structured industry internship.
Learn about policy, laws, and advocacy from experienced faculty that represent various areas of the cannabis industry.
Master best practices in cannabis dispensary operations and therapeutics.
Expand your career to include cultivation, sales, infusion, and product development.
Prepare for a career as a budtender, patient care specialist, cannabis product sales rep, or dispensary manager. Salaries range between $30,000 to $80,000+, depending on position and experience.

This 17-credit-hour certificate program consists of lecture presentations and an internship at local non-profit organizations in the cannabis industry. It is useful for individuals planning to enter the industry. In addition to covering cannabis history, policy, and laws, the certificate presents best practices in cannabis dispensary operations and therapeutics. Students will also learn about the importance of advocacy within the industry.

As an emerging industry, there are many diverse employment opportunities related to cannabis. Cannabis cultivation, sales, infusion, and product development represent a few of the commonly sought-after cannabis careers. WBEZ radio reports that the "workforce needs are immediate, as the state issues more licenses for growing and selling marijuana." Additionally, "the workforce, however, hasn't exactly kept up. Job growth has been steady (up 33% in 2021), but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, by 2025, the legal marijuana industry will support 1.5 million to 1.75 million jobs in the U.S., a more than four-fold increase in the sector's current employment totals."

Earn Your Cannabis Science Certification

Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program.

Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Certificate
(Note: Students must be 21 years of age or older to receive an Agent ID card from IDFPR.)

Resources

Questions? Contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.