Why study Cannabis Studies?

There is an increasing need for knowledgeable graduates familiar with cannabis as the industry becomes more mainstream. The new Cannabis Studies Certificate offers students a multi-disciplinary foundation for understanding the cannabis plant and the cannabis industry, enabling them to more readily gain employment in one of its many subfields.
 

Career Possibilities

Employment in the cannabis industry revolves around cultivation, processing, testing laboratories, dispensaries and physicians. Ancillary positions include those in product design, manufacturing and distribution; marketing, sales and end user support; accountants, attorneys, social media consultants, security, quality control and more. Employees in all of these areas could benefit from a Cannabis Studies Certificate.

Students will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field, with special expertise in cannabis demonstrated by achieving the Cannabis Studies Certificate. This will make them more qualified than the average graduate for a number of different employment opportunities related to cannabis.

Major Maps

The Cannabis Studies Certificate consists of five 3-credit courses (15 credits). All students will take the survey course HORT 4081/6081, Introduction to Hemp and Medical Cannabis, and the hands-on HORT 4082, Hops and Hemp Field Experience. The remaining three classes will be chosen from a menu of possible classes based on the student’s interest or job preference.

For example, a student who is interested in cultivation will focus on the horticulture and biology classes. One who would work at a dispensary will be most interested in the classes related to public health, substance abuse, and public policy. A student interested in cannabis processing would be likely to choose plant chemistry classes as well as those dealing with the effects of cannabis on the body. All students would benefit from classes in the history and cultural uses of cannabis.

HORT 4084 Hops and Hemp Field Experience is offered at the UC Center for Field Studies during the summer semester. The remaining are offered as conventional courses during the academic school year.

• Guide: Cannibis Studies Certificate

Advising

Students interested in this certificate should work with their major advisors to confirm the compatibility with their major's requirements and course schedules. Questions about the certificate should contact DAAP Admissions at daap-admissions@uc.edu or 513-556-1376.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the certificate to their program. To apply, students should submit the DAAP Undergraduate Application for Certificates and Minor online.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that they are aware that you are pursuing the certificate and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your certificate.

Students not currently pursuing a degree may declare the certificate after establishing non-matriculated status.

Graduation Requirements

Make sure that you have declared the certificate program online. Next, make sure that the certificate program director is aware of when you are finishing the program. If you are pursuing another bachelor's degree, then your certificate will be reviewed at the time that you submit your separate degree application.

Accreditation