Degree Offered
MS, Post-Baccalaureate (PBC) Certificate
Program Description
The Master of Science program in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics provides students with experiences designed to foster a deeper knowledge and understanding of the science, clinical therapeutics, and policy related to medical cannabis. The four core required courses in the program cover the principles of drug action and cannabinoid pharmacology; cannabinoid chemistry and drug delivery; clinical uses and effects of medical cannabis; and an overview of current state and federal laws and regulations along with a historical overview of medical cannabis use. Students also take four elective courses followed by two final advanced courses (Research Methodology and Expert Seminars and Discussion). Students may choose to take elective courses in the basic sciences, therapeutics, or policy. The program blends online and face-to-face instruction, and includes both synchronous (e.g., live) and asynchronous (e.g., pre-recorded) lectures, readings, and reflections, along with active learning elements, including discussion boards and individual and group assignments. The program is offered at the Universities at Shady Grove through the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
The Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy provides the flexibility of learning in an online environment. The program is designed to be completed in one year. Students will take four foundational courses that are the first four in the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program. Students have the option to transition to the MS program after completing the Graduate Certificate.
Program Admission
Targeted students include health care practitioners, scientists, growers, policy professionals, and others with an interest in medical cannabis. Candidates for admission must meet the minimum qualifications and standards established by the Graduate School including an earned baccalaureate degree or equivalent education and training from an overseas institution. Graduate Record Examinations scores are not required for admission. International applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements set by the Graduate School.
MS Degree Requirements
The master’s degree program requires the successful completion of all required and elective coursework totaling 30 credits. Students must maintain a minimum, cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to remain in good standing in the program. Complete guidelines and requirements for progression and completion are outlined in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
Required Courses
| MCST 601 | INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL CANNABIS HISTORY, CULTURE, AND POLICY | 3 |
| MCST 602 | PRINCIPLES OF DRUG ACTION AND CANNABINOID PHARMACOLOGY | 3 |
| MCST 603 | BASIC CANNABINOID CHEMISTRY AND DRUG DELIVERY | 3 |
| MCST 604 | THE CLINICAL EFFECTS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS | 3 |
| MCST 607 | NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS | 3 |
| MCST 613 | MEDICAL CANNABIS SYMPOSIUM | 1 |
| MCST 614 | MEDICAL CANNABIS CAPSTONE I | 1 |
| MCST 615 | MEDICAL CANNABIS CAPSTONE II | 1 |
Available Electives
Electives are in the basic sciences, therapeutics, or policy.
| MCST 605 | ADVANCED CANNABIS THERAPEUTICS FOR SOMANTIC CONDITIONS | 3 |
| MCST 606 | ADVANCED NEUROPSYCHIATRIC CANNABIS THERAPEUTICS | 3 |
| MCST 608 | CANNABIS GENOMICS AND PHARMACOGNOSY | 3 |
| MCST 609 | ADVANCED CANNABINOID CHEMISTRY AND ANALYTIC TESTING METHODOLOGY | 3 |
| MCST 610 | STATE AND FEDERAL CANNABIS LAWS AND POLICIES | 3 |
| MCST 611 | RESEARCH DESIGN AND MEDICAL CANNABIS | 3 |
| MCST 616 | PUBLIC HEALTH AND PATIENT ADVOCACY | 3 |
| MCST 617 | INTRODUCTION TO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS | 3 |
| MCST 618 | MEDICAL PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS | 3 |
| MCST 619 | SCIENCE WRITING IN MEDICAL CANNABIS | 1 |
Certificate Degree Requirements
The Graduate Certificate consists of the first four courses of the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program, for a total of 12 credits.
Required Courses
| MCST 601 | INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL CANNABIS HISTORY, CULTURE, AND POLICY | 3 |
| MCST 602 | PRINCIPLES OF DRUG ACTION AND CANNABINOID PHARMACOLOGY | 3 |
| MCST 603 | BASIC CANNABINOID CHEMISTRY AND DRUG DELIVERY | 3 |
| MCST 604 | THE CLINICAL EFFECTS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS | 3 |