Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Sciences is designed to provide students with the knowledge required for the research and development of safe, reliable, and functional cannabis products.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Relate concepts of pharmacology and pharmaceutics to the development and therapeutic use of cannabis products
- Propose strategies for the development of safe, stable, and functional cannabis products that meet or exceed current regulatory frameworks
- Apply analytical and bioanalytical techniques to assess the quality of cannabis products and the presence of cannabis metabolites in biological matrices for pharmacological studies
Courses
BPS 520: Cannabinoid Pharmacology
Investigates the endocannabinoid system and the use of cannabinoids to modulate biological processes. Explores delivery modes, bioavailability, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential of the major cannabinoids.
BPS 522: Cannabis Extraction Processes and Laboratory Testing
Explores relevant extraction processes of the cannabis plant to ultimately isolate metabolites (cannabinoids and terpenes). Examines laboratory testing procedures and workflows for composition analysis, contaminant analysis, and quantification.
BPS 523: Formulation and Manufacturing of Cannabis Products
Guides students through the process of developing safe and functional cannabis products. Explores formulation development and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to produce safe and reliable products.
BPS 524: Analytical and Bioanalytical Techniques in Cannabis Science
Examine innovative techniques for cannabis product and biological matrix analysis for cannabinoids and their metabolites. Instrument operation and the use of mass spectrometry in pharmacokinetic analysis will be explored.
Tuition per credit based on 2023/2024 academic year rates (subject to change): $856
Admissions
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Completion of undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences, biological sciences, chemistry, engineering or other health science related field
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- GRE NOT required
- Resume/CV and personal essay (300-500 words) discussing:
- Interest in cannabis field
- Relevant work experience
- Reasons for applying to the online program at URI
- Professional goals, as well as plans for achieving these goals
Fall 2024 Dates
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Career Opportunities
Advance your career with URI Online.
With 38 states allowing medical cannabis and 23 states now having adult use markets, legal cannabis has become the fastest growing industry in the United States. The legal cannabis workforce has tripled over the past five years, outpacing the height of the technology sector’s job growth.
Cultivation Specialist
Responsible for growing cannabis plants, optimizing growing conditions, monitoring plant health, and ensuring compliance with regulations
Extraction Technician
Uses various methods to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants to produce concentrates, oils, and other products
Compliance Officer
Ensure that businesses comply with local, state, and federal regulations governing the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products
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The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Learn more about continuing education credits.