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Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Cannabis Science

Certificate

Gain the knowledge you need to pursue diverse roles within the rapidly growing cannabis sector, including scientific research, medical and clinical applications, drug design, policy development, and product innovation.

Program curriculum Explore Bouvé College of Health Sciences
A group of students in white lab coats stands around a teacher in a laboratory. The teacher holds a beaker while the students observe, take notes, and hold lab equipment, indicating an educational science experiment.
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
9 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Thrive in an expanding industry

Northeastern University’s Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Science bridges the gap between academia and industry in the expanding cannabis sector. This program is designed for students with a science background who want to pursue diverse roles within the cannabis sector, including scientific research, medical and clinical applications, drug design, policy development, and product innovation.

The 100% online curriculum includes cannabis history, business, law, and policy with a primary focus on the chemical, biochemical, pharmacological, scientific, health, and therapeutic aspects of cannabis. Students will gain an understanding of analysis and applications, the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), the medicinal and clinical implications of cannabis, and the research needed in an evolving field.

  • Study 100% online in a flexible program with full- and part-time options that can be completed in as few as nine months.
  • Leverage the expertise of Northeastern’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is renowned for its research programs in cannabis biology and pharmacology.
  • Learn from instructors with direct cannabis industry experience in product commercialization and legal, oversight, and regulatory policies.
  • Integrate multidisciplinary knowledge, including science, law, and business, to address industry challenges and solve problems using critical thinking and data analysis skills.
  • Compete for growing jobs in the industry or gain the knowledge needed to advance your career in healthcare, public policy, health law, or public health.
  • The U.S. cannabis industry is expected to reach almost $45 billion in revenue in 2025. (Statista, 2025)
  • As of early 2024, there were estimated to be 440,445 full-time equivalent jobs supported by legal cannabis—representing a 5.4% year-over-year increase. (The 2024 Vangst Jobs Report)
  • Cannabis sales grew by $2.6 billion in 2024. (Whitney Economics)
  • In 2024, more than $20 billion in cannabis tax revenue was generated—while the alcohol industry generated $9.6 billion. (Statista, 2024)
  • Many states have considerable job growth potential as markets such as California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and more have yet to realize their cannabis industry potential. (The 2024 Vangst Jobs Report)

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Fall Term: August 1

Spring Term: December 1


  • Application

  • Application fee

  • One letter of recommendation

  • Undergraduate degree transcript

  • Bachelor of Science in science field

  • Personal statement

  • Resumé

  • TOEFL or IELTS exam scores (for those whose native language is not English)

  • Please note: All international applicants will need to provide a Scholaro, WES, ECE, or Spantran.

“In a world rewriting its rules around cannabis and hemp, this course offers a rare compass. It is the only one of its kind—interweaving laws, standards, and politics into a single narrative. Students are invited to explore not just a plant, but the fractal landscape where scientific inquiry, regulatory frameworks, and market forces converge.”

Jahan Marcu

CEO of Delaware Analytical, LLC

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Gain the skills and knowledge for new and evolving career opportunities across a wide variety of fields.

Build a scientific foundation

Demonstrate advanced understanding of the biological, chemical, and pharmacological properties of cannabis, including its effects on human physiology and health.

Gain analytical and research skills

Apply advanced techniques to analyze products, assess quality control, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, as well as laws governing cultivation, distribution, and use.

Understand therapeutic applications

Assess the evidence-based therapeutic uses of cannabis and cannabinoids for managing medical conditions, considering patient safety and emerging clinical guidelines.

Promote social and ethical responsibility

Analyze the social, cultural, and ethical impacts of cannabis legalization and commercialization, including equity in access and implications for public health.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Market outlook
Industry at a glance
Here's a look at current market trends and the career landscape.

Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $23,352
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)