Prospective students may benefit from reviewing the following responses to frequently asked questions about the Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis programs.
All coursework is completed online for both the MS and certificate programs. Students in the MS program are required to travel to our Rockville, Md., campus once per semester for our one-day symposiums. These are events where students can interact with classmates, faculty/staff, and industry experts. MS students will attend a total of four symposia during the two-year program (once in the fall and once in the spring of each academic year).
Students enrolled in the MS program are required to travel to the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., twice a year (once in the fall, once in the spring) for the one-day symposia events. Individuals who are unable to attend the symposiums in person are not eligible for enrollment in the MS program.
This is a 30 credit; two-year program, and it is considered part-time. To be considered a full-time student at UMB, students must be enrolled in more than 9 credits per semester. Generally, students in the MS program take 6 or 7 credits per semester.
Our graduates work in a variety of settings. Many of our graduates are employed in research and clinical positions within the medical cannabis field. Additionally, many of our students are entrepreneurs who have pursued business ventures after graduation, while others are involved in advocacy and activism. Obtaining this degree gives our graduates a leg up in the medical cannabis field, and our graduates work in a variety of settings.
Although experience in the cannabis industry is not required for acceptance into the program, our committee does look favorably on prospective students' experience in the medical cannabis space.
Tuition remission should be available to full-time UMB (only) employees, and we recommend you verify your eligibility with your human resources department.
The online portions of the course are asynchronous (recorded lectures, readings, etc.), so there is some flexibility in completing assignments as long as they are submitted by the due date. Many of our students are working professionals.
You can expect to spend 10-15 hours a week completing activities for each course (this includes reading materials, watching lectures, and completing assignments). Everyone works at a different pace, so this may vary between students. All the online activities are “asynchronous,” so you do not have to log on at a specific time. However, you must make sure assignments are completed by the due date.
In opening enrollment to students from many different academic backgrounds, we’ve worked hard to ensure our courses are accessible to those who don’t have a strong background in science or medicine. We believe that a strong interest and the ability to reach out with questions when needed will serve students well, regardless of their previous field of study. The only requirement is that you possess a bachelor's degree, which can be in any topic. There are no specific classes you need to have taken since we have developed the program to educate a diverse class. You can also listen to a podcast or watch the short video below featuring Dr. Andrew Coop to get a sense for the level of science in this program.
Our instructors have designed flexibility into course activities and assignments to make them accessible to those without a science background and interesting and challenging to those with a science background (such as yourself). We will also provide students who desire further insight with additional resources to build upon concepts taught in the course.
If scholarship funds become available, the information is sent to newly admitted and continuing students who may be eligible. This varies from year to year. We do not currently have grants or assistantships available.
There are no planned internships or laboratories as part of this program. However, students enrolled in the MS program can meet and network with professionals working in the medical cannabis community/industry at our twice-yearly symposia at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md. These happen in the fall and spring of each academic year.
Students must complete the certificate program before transferring into the MS program. Students interested in moving from the certificate to the MS will need to formally apply to the MS program (deadline mid-March). This requires submitting an official application which includes a letter of support from one of the MCST program co-directors.
The certificate option is suitable for people seeking a more limited course of study. The certificate is also appropriate for individuals unsure if they are ready for the master’s program.
Students who start in the certificate program can transition to the MS program after completing the certificate if they wish to do so.
If you are denied but would like to be considered for the MS program, you are encouraged to set up an appointment with one of the program co-directors to discuss your options.
