Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis
Advance your career with a graduate certificate grounded in the science, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory landscape of the medical cannabis industry.
About the Online Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis
The medical cannabis market is expanding, creating new opportunities for professionals to meet the increasing demand across applied positions. Our Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis is designed to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in research and development, analytical techniques, policy, and formulation within the cannabis industry.
This online asynchronous part-time program is fully accredited and recognized as part of the School of Pharmacy’s online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis. Credits earned from this one-year certificate program can be applied toward the online master’s program, making it easy to transition to advanced education.
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Program Information
Degree
N/A
Emphases
Medical Cannabis
Required Credit Hours
12
Program Type
Program Location
School
Duration
1 Year
Begin Your Journey
This program is designed for entry and mid-level professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and career opportunities in manufacturing, research and development, regulatory affairs, quality control, formulation, and analytical chemistry within the medical cannabis industry. It is especially well-suited for:
- Professionals in the medical cannabis industry are seeking advanced scientific and industry knowledge
- Scientists and researchers interested in cannabinoid chemistry and related natural products research
- Regulatory affairs professionals looking to deepen their understanding of industry standards and regulations
- Working professionals aiming to transition into medical cannabis, product development, and research-focused careers
Complete the Certificate in 1 Year
Industry-Relevant
Gain knowledge and skills directly applicable to the medical cannabis industry.
Experienced and Research-Focused Faculty
Learn from experienced professionals and researchers in the field.
Flexible Course Selection
With only one required course, you can choose any three of the remaining four to customize your learning experience.
- GRE Score
- A GRE score is not required for admission.
- Grade-Point Average (GPA)
- Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 66 hours of undergraduate coursework. At least 22 hours must be in basic or applied sciences. Prerequisite coursework includes chemistry and biology, though relevant work experience may substitute for these courses. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to the UM Graduate School. Only the Graduate School can post transcripts to your application file.
- Personal Statement
- Applicants must submit a personal statement describing:
- Career goals
- Academic and professional preparation for graduate study
- Motivation for Pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis
- Letters of Recommendation
- At least two letters of recommendation are required from professional or academic references. Recommenders must upload their letters directly through the online application system.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Applicants must provide a current resume or CV that outlines:
- Educational background
- Professional experience
- Relevant skills, certifications, or other experiences
- This document helps the admissions committee evaluate your readiness for graduate-level study and the professional context of your application.
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1
This fully online certificate features classes that explore:
- Subjects such as phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.
- Research and development.
- Analytical techniques.
- Policy and formulation in the medical cannabis industry.
Fall and Spring term courses are completed in 6 weeks, while the Summer term course is completed in 4.
Students choose three of the remaining four courses to tailor the program to their goals:
- , First Fall REQUIRED
- , Second Fall
- , First Spring
- , Second Spring
- , Second Summer
The certificate program is part-time and can be completed within one year. Students are required to complete 12 credit hours.
Tuition
The cost per credit hour for the Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis is $675 for the Fall/Spring 2026–2027 academic year. Students can use the Tuition Calculator for additional assistance in estimating total program costs.
Financial Aid
At this time, financial aid is not available for students enrolled in the certificate program. However, financial aid opportunities are available for students pursuing the online M.S. in Dietary Supplements & Medical Cannabis program.
Due to the continued federal prohibition of cannabis, Congress has not authorized any exceptions permitting the use of VA education benefits for coursework related to cannabis. As such, VA education benefits cannot be applied to cannabis-related programs at this time.
Until further notice, students enrolling in such programs will be fully responsible for all associated tuition, fees, and program costs, as no VA funding will be approved.
We encourage students to consult with the School Certifying Officials in the Veteran and Military Services office for guidance prior to enrolling in any program involving cannabis related courses.
Contact veterans@olemiss.edu for more information.
FAQs
The Graduate Certificate is a great option if you're looking for a shorter, more focused program or want to explore the medical cannabis field before committing to a master's degree. If you later decide to pursue the M.S. program, you may apply for admission, and credits earned in the certificate program can be applied toward the master's degree.
Get to know the Graduate Program Coordinator
“This program is the first of its kind in the nation and addresses a major need in the workforce through the strengths of faculty at the School of Pharmacy.”
David Colby
Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Research Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director of Online Graduate Programs for BioMolecular Sciences
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Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
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