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College of Letters and Science Cannabis Science Certificate

Graduate Certificate

TRAINED FOR A GROWING FUTURE

Be among the first in the state to study Cannabis in a graduate certificate at UW-Stevens Point. Cannabis is a versatile and emerging crop with many uses owing to its diversity of chemical compounds and its strong natural fibers. The Cannabis Science Certificate will provide participants with fundamental knowledge in the science of cannabis. Let us help you to become a leader in this fast-paced industry!

  • 3 Fully Online Courses over 16 Weeks
  • Flexible Learning on Your Schedule
  • Cutting Edge Program

GET STARTED TODAY!

Request information and start your journey in our 100% online Cannabis Science Certificate program. Our team will reach out to you about booking a session to learn more.

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Why Study Cannabis Science at UWSP?

The legal cannabis industry is a $25 billion dollar market and projected to grow to $45 billion by 2025. For five years in a row, employment in the industry increased by greater than 27 percent with more than 280 new jobs created every day last year (Leafly Jobs Report 2022). Earning your graduate Cannabis Science Certificate positions you to secure jobs related to the growth of the market across the U.S.

Reputation as Research Leaders

Faculty in the UWSP Departments of Biology and Chemistry are immersed in cannabis-based research and are passionate about uncovering essential knowledge about cannabis.
Current areas of research include:

  • Phytoremediation of contaminated soils
  • Agronomic approaches to optimizing plant growth and phytochemical production
  • Comparing feral and modern-day cultivars
  • Ebb and flow and deep water culture hydroponics
  • Cannabis pathology
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After completing the Cannabis Science Certificate program you will be able to:

  • Discuss the historical, sociological, and legal aspects of cannabis cultivation and use.
  • Explain the ways cannabis products are used or have been used in the past.
  • Describe the biology and ecology of cannabis.
  • Explain modern horticultural techniques used to cultivate cannabis.
  • Justify the selection of analytical testing methods for cannabis and its products.
  • Explain the pharmacology of cannabis compounds in the human body.
  • Evaluate the credibility of resources related to cannabis science.
  • Apply scientific resources related to cannabis science.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn the scientific research into cannabis.”
Tyler Jolin, UW-Stevens Point Biology Major

FAQs

The Cannabis Science Graduate Certificate requires completion of college-level introduction to biology AND an introduction to chemistry course (no labs needed). You must also hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Have additional questions on the program requirements? Contact Nick Schultz, graduate recruitment coordinator, to learn more about your next steps.

READY TO ENROLL?

Step 1: Apply to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on the UW application.

Important Steps:

  1. Select “No” when the question populates about whether you are seeking a degree.
  2. Select “Graduate” when the question populates about whether you plan to take undergraduate or graduate courses.
  3. Select “UW-Stevens Point” campus and then “Cannabis Science Graduate Certificate.”
  4. Once you are accepted into the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the program administrators will reach out to you with instructions on how to apply to the certificate program (see Step 2).

Step 2: Apply to the Cannabis Science Graduate Certificate Program

  1. Apply and send all application materials to the Cannabis Science Certificate Program. Once we receive all of your application materials, the program administrators will review your application. If they approve your enrollment, they will send you a welcome letter providing further instructions. Once you receive your welcome letter, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Enroll in Classes

Once you are officially accepted into both UW-Stevens Point and the Cannabis Science Certificate Program, you are ready to enroll in classes. Your program administrators will work with you to ensure you enroll in the correct courses and complete your certificate on time.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are happy to talk with you.

Graduate courses offered for the Cannabis Science certificate program cost $650 per credit (online). Cannabis Science students are also charged 50% Segregated Fees and Distance Education Fees.

 

The certificate consists of at least 9 credits:

The certificate consists of three classes (9 credits total):

BIOL 701 (3 cr.): Introduction to Cannabis Science: This course will provide a broad introduction to Cannabis Science, including the history of Cannabis cultivation, social and legal controversies surrounding Cannabis, and the many ways in which Cannabis is used.

BIOL 702 (3 cr.): Cannabis Biology, Ecology, and Horticulture: This course will cover the anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, and ecology of Cannabis, and a variety of important topics related to growing and harvesting Cannabis successfully.
Prerequisite: BIOL 701 (or concurrent registration)

BIOL 703 (3 cr.): Cannabis Phytochemistry: This course will cover the complex phytochemistry of Cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and the modern-day techniques used to extract and quantify them.
Prerequisite: BIOL 701 (or concurrent registration)

 

The industry is poised to make tremendous employment gains, and states with legalized cannabis continue to add jobs at double-digit rates. The industry currently supports 428,000 jobs with a predicted 1.5 million or more positions in a mature U.S. legal cannabis market. Career paths include jobs related to cultivation and harvest, sales, laboratory technician, regulatory compliance, manufacturing, and more.

MEET YOUR FACULTY

Our faculty members are leading professionals in their fields of study and work very hard to provide a high-quality educational experience using an up-to-date curriculum.

Brian Barringer

  • Professor
  • Chair, Department of Biology
715-346-2452

Ann Impullitti

  • Associate Professor

Shannon Riha

  • Associate Professor