Cannabis Science and Medicine

The online nature of the course and self-directed learning modules will allow flexibility for learners and offer wide geographic engagement.

• Self-directed learning will be complemented by online, synchronous live, case-based discussions and/or activities guided by clinical practice experts, clinical researchers, medicinal plant chemists and pharmacologists, and legal and regulatory leaders.
• 9 credit hours of core coursework in pharmacology, therapeutics and legal & regulatory issues.
• Optional opportunity to complete an additional 2-credit hours of coursework focusing on the chemical analysis of plant-based medicines (comprised of an online 2 credit hour laboratory methods course).
• Completion of this Graduate Certificate in CSM will also enable those desiring advanced study to apply their earned credits (9 to 11 credit hours) toward a 30-credit hour Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis in CSM.

The Cannabis Science and Medicine (CSM) certificate is an online, interprofessional graduate certificate program educating healthcare professionals on the scientific use of cannabis and cannabis derived products for therapeutic options. The certificate is open to applicants who:

• Have completed a B.S. or B.A. (or higher) in a biological, chemical, medical science or allied health program; OR
• Are enrolled and in good standing in an accredited health sciences professional school (MD, DO, PA, PharmD, DMD/DDS, RN, BSN, APRN, or other as appropriate).
  • Completed at least one year within their program’s curriculum and are in good standing with a cumulative professional grade point average of at least 2.0.
  • Be in good standing with any internship licensing agency.

• The curriculum is comprised of four courses for a total of 9 required (core) credit hours.
• Individuals with laboratory interests wishing to supplement the pharmacology, therapeutics and legal & regulatory coursework can opt to take a laboratory methods course (2-credit hours) and on-campus laboratory methods workshop (1-credit hour) for a combined total of 11-credit hours. While the coursework can be completed in as few as two semesters, students will have up to two calendar years to successfully complete the coursework.

Tuition for the Cannabis Science and Medicine Graduate Certificate is $773 per credit hour for a total of $6,957 (9 credits) to $8,503 (11 credits). As an extended studies nondegree program, All in state, out-of-state and international students receive the same tuition rate. ​

The Cannabis Science and Medicine Graduate Certificate is an extended studies nondegree program. It is not eligible for the University of Colorado employee tuition assistance benefit or Federal Financial Aid. Non-CU employees should check with their employer’s human resources department about tuition benefits available.

Applications for MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cannabis Science and Medicine track, are submitted electronically through the Graduate School of the University of Colorado Denver. After signing up for an account, select 'Master's' under the 'Academic Interests' menu and scroll down to 'Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences' and select "MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences."

Application requirements are:

• a completed Graduate School application
• a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in biology, chemistry, or a related field from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• a written statement expressing interest or demonstrated experience, if applicable, in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and the applicant's intended specialty track (i.e., cannabis science and medicine, clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug discovery, molecular and systems toxicology, or pharmaceutical biotechnology and drug delivery)
• three references from persons familiar with the applicant's prior academic performance, potential, character, and suitability for graduate study (using a standardized template provided to prospective students)

Additionally:

• the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required
• the TOEFL is required of applicants for whom English is not their first language

Applications will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received. The application deadline for Fall admission is March 31.

The online nature of the course and self-directed learning modules will allow flexibility for learners and offer wide geographic engagement.

• Self-directed learning will be complemented by online, synchronous live, case-based discussions and/or activities guided by clinical practice experts, clinical researchers, medicinal plant chemists and pharmacologists, and legal and regulatory leaders.
• 9 credit hours of core coursework in the fundamentals of pharmaceutical sciences, ethics, and biostatistics.
• 15 credit hours of cannabis science & medicine-specific coursework, including endocannabinoid physiology and cannabinoid pharmacology, clinical therapeutics of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, the chemical analysis of cannabis, scientific writing, seminars, and legal and regulatory considerations in cannabis research and therapeutics.
• A minimum of 3 credit hours of elective coursework in drug development, toxicology, pharmacogenomics, or public health topics.
• A final, 3 credit hour capstone project on a cannabis-related project designed by the student and faculty mentor
• The only on-campus course is a 1 credit hour laboratory workshop on cannabis extraction and analytical methods that accompanies the 2 credit hour online course. Students unable to travel to Colorado for the 1 credit hour laboratory component can select an additional elective course
• While the coursework can be completed in as little as four semesters over two academic years, the Graduate School of the CU Anschutz Medical Campus allows up to seven years for completion of a Master of Science degree.