Overview

As the cannabis industry continues to grow rapidly, there is an increasing demand for healthcare professionals, scientists, and researchers who are experts in the science, therapeutics, and policy of medical cannabis. At the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy, we are leading the way in the scientific investigation, quality assurance, and clinical evaluation of plant-based medicines. Our Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine (CSM) is a fully online, interprofessional certificate program that educates health professionals on the scientific use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products for therapeutic options. Throughout this online certificate program, you will learn from experienced faculty and researchers, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and discover how cannabis science and medicine can be used to provide safe, high-quality patient care.

Program Details

Our Cannabis Science and Medicine certificate program is designed for pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals who want to optimize overall clinical outcomes, enhance their knowledge of cannabis chemistry, and better serve their patient populations. During your online certificate program, you’ll take flexible, self-directed courses and participate in live, case-based discussions led by clinical practice experts, clinical researchers, medicinal plant chemists and pharmacologists, and legal and regulatory leaders.

The CSM program requires a total of nine core credit hours in order to complete the certificate, and you will have the opportunity to take an optional two-credit laboratory methods course if you’d like to supplement your pharmacology, therapeutics, and legal and regulatory coursework. Your CSM certificate can be completed in as few as two semesters, but you are allowed to take up to two calendar years to successfully complete the program. Completion of this graduate certificate will also enable you to apply your earned credits (9 to 11 credit hours) toward a 30 credit hour Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree with an emphasis in Cannabis Science and Medicine.

Tuition & Fees

At CU Anschutz, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education without breaking the bank. When you earn your CSM graduate certificate, you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your healthcare career.

We can answer any of your questions about tuition costs, help you take care of paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your CU Anschutz degree.

Application fee: $100

Total tuition cost for the Cannabis Science and Medicine graduate certificate*:

• 9 credit hours: $6,957
• 11 credit hours: $8,503

*Estimated tuition costs. Additional fees may apply. Contact us using the form on this page for more details.

Admissions

The CSM certificate program is open to applicants who:

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree (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).
  • Must have completed at least one year within the program’s curriculum and be in good standing with a cumulative professional GPA of at least 2.0.
  • Must be in good standing with any internship licensing agency.

Application Materials

To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine, you will need to submit the following application materials by the deadline:

• $100 application fee
• Online application
• Personal statement
• Resume/CV
• Official transcripts
• Photo identification
• English Language Proficiency test scores (international applicants only)

After submitting all required application materials, you can expect to receive an admission decision from the Cannabis Science and Medicine program within two weeks.

Apply Now

As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why we're available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.

Whether you want to talk through your degree plans, learn more about a specific program, or start your application, we are here to provide friendly support as you decide if CU Anschutz is the right fit for your future. Start the conversation by calling us at 303-860-5604 or filling out the form above for more information.