Cannabis Science and Operations, Certificate

Saint Louis University offers a cannabis science and operations certificate online to help produce quality employees to meet the demand of this booming new industry.

Thousands of jobs are being created as a result of the rising legalization of cannabis across the country. The global legal marijuana market size is expected to reach USD 102.2 billion by 2030. This certificate program addresses all aspects of the cannabis industry, including cultivating, growing and producing. You will learn about dispensing and the pharmacological properties of cannabis. Graduates of this certificate program can pursue positions in sales and marketing, dispensary management, quality assurance and laboratory technology, among other areas.

As part of the Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies, this program offers enterprising adults like you a flexible option to meet your personal and career goals. With multiple start dates available, you can begin working toward your certificate at any time. All courses are offered in eight-week terms through SLU Online, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.  

Faculty

As a student in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, you’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are dedicated to your professional success. Learn more on our faculty page.

Careers

The list of possible jobs in the cannabis industry is quite extensive. With a certificate in cannabis science and operations, you will be prepared to pursue various in-demand positions in the following broad categories:

  • Cultivation
  • Laboratory technology
  • Distribution logistics
  • Dispensary management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Sales and marketing
  • Quality assurance
  • Wellness specialist
  • Edible development

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Cannabis Science & Operations $400
Active Duty/Veteran (TA eligible or GI Bill); First Responders $295

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

 
 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specifically for new students.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  1. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge of plant science, soil, nutrients and cultivation practices to the growing of cannabis.
  2. Graduates will be able to explain the engineering principles behind and processes employed in the manufacturing of cannabis products.
  3. Graduates will be able to explain the known pharmacological principles of cannabis.
  4. Graduates will be able to explain the roles, responsibilities and legal requirements used to operate and sustain a cannabis dispensary.
  5. Graduates will be able to describe how cannabis products impact society (history, community, economic and ethical).

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application
  • High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
  • Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
  • Official transcript from the most recent institution attended
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first-term coursework.
 
The School for Professional Studies welcomes adult learners who are seeking an undergraduate education after life circumstances interrupted their educational journey. Adult life circumstances, for the purposes of admission, would include individuals with at least one of the following characteristics:
 
  • Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
  • Attends part-time for at least part of the academic year
  • Works full-time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
  • Is financially independent
  • Has dependents other than a spouse
  • Is a single parent
  • Has other demands that make traditional education less feasible
 

Program Requirements

CSO 1000Cannabis Fundamentals: Growing, Manufacturing & Dispensing3
CSO 1500Cannabis Plant Science & Cultivation3
CSO 1600Cannabis Extraction & Product Production3
CSO 1700Cannabis Compliance & Dispensing3
CSO 2000Pharmacological Properties of Cannabis3
CSO 2010Cannabis Law & Entrepreneurship3
Total Credits18

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum of 2.00 GPA and receive a C or better in all certificate classes. 

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
Fall 1  
CSO 1000 Cannabis Fundamentals: Growing, Manufacturing & Dispensing 3
Fall 2  
CSO 1500 Cannabis Plant Science & Cultivation 3
 Credits6
Spring
Spring 1  
CSO 1600 Cannabis Extraction & Product Production 3
Spring 2  
CSO 2000 Pharmacological Properties of Cannabis 3
 Credits6
Summer
CSO 1700 Cannabis Compliance & Dispensing 3
CSO 2010 Cannabis Law & Entrepreneurship 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits18