Cannabis Biology and Chemistry, Master of Science
Program Overview
The Cannabis Chemistry and Biology MS program at CSU Pueblo allows individuals interested in the field of cannabis to gain a graduate degree in the science associated with cannabis.
The program is beneficial to students who desire to work on the scientific side of the cannabis industry. The program can be tailored to individual student needs and future directions (doctoral program, analytical laboratory, research laboratory, etc.).
The majority of the coursework is centered around cannabis, but elective courses can expand the student's knowledge in scientific areas beyond cannabis.
Students choose our program for many reasons:
- Reputation and quality of faculty
- Small class size and access to faculty
- Modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology
- Professional advising staff
"This graduate program will prepare students to undertake a career in the industry or to further their education in a doctoral program."
- Dr. David Lehmpuhl, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I have to complete a thesis for this MS degree?
Yes, the degree requires that all students write and successfully defend a thesis based on their research.
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Can this degree be completed online?
Currently, no. This is a thesis-only degree, students must perform research that is completed in a laboratory environment on campus under the supervision of a faculty member. On-campus work is required for the degree, even if some of the coursework may be offered in an online format. Students not interested in a degree may be able to complete a post-baccalaureate certificate using online coursework. Please contact the chemistry department chair for more information. -
WHAT CAREERS COULD I PURSUE WITH THIS DEGREE?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for students completing the degree includes the following:- Agricultural and Food Scientists
- Biological Technicians
- Biochemists
- Biophysicists
- Chemical Technicians
- Chemists and Material Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
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WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES?
- Students will understand the basic chemical and biological principles applied in these fields and how those principles can be applied to the emerging field of cannabis science.
- Students will understand cannabis physiology and growth, the pharmacological implications, and the practical applications for the industry.
- Students will use contemporary instruments and techniques for studying plant biological and chemical processes.
- Students will develop communication and interpersonal skills to enhance their working relations with co-workers, other professionals, the public and non-governmental organizations.
- Students will develop skills in reading and interpreting the scientific literature and in presenting a synthesis of it accurately in oral and written form.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills using experimental design and the scientific process
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WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PURSUING THIS DEGREE AT CSU PUEBLO?
- Our location in southern Colorado provides a strong agricultural expertise in producing cannabis and cannabis products.
- A Cannabis Biology and Chemistry program at a Hispanic-Serving Institution like CSU Pueblo will address the nationwide demand for diversity in employment within the industrial hemp and cannabis industries.
- The Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) established at CSU Pueblo by the state of Colorado in 2016 has enhanced the capability and capacity of CSU Pueblo faculty expertise in cannabis significantly. The international ICR Conference hosted on campus every year has established CSU Pueblo as a major contributor to cannabis science on a world-wide platform, including the launch of a Springer hosted Journal of Cannabis Research.
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ARE CAREER OPTIONS LIMITED TO THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
The CBC program will prepare students for work in Chemistry, Biology, natural products, and other scientific fields as well as allow them to enter graduate school or professional school in any number of areas.
This degree is highly interdisciplinary and gives students a solid foundation in both chemistry and biology. As a result, students will be able to be competitive in a wide variety of businesses outside of the cannabis industry.
The degree is flexible enough with elective credits to allow students to gain expertise in business, social science, ethics, public policy, or another area that will align with their interests and make them broadly desirable in a post-higher education environment.
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WHY STUDY CANNABIS BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY?
Educating students who are capable of understanding cannabis science is required for the industry in all its aspects to be effective and safe for the consumer. Much like forensic science, cannabis science is basic science applied to a set of specific topics and students with this degree will be employable in any number of science positions and could pursue further education in chemistry, biology, or any number of professional fields and would not be limited to just the cannabis industry. -
WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK WITH MARIJUANA OR HIGH THC CANNABIS WHILE IN THIS PROGRAM?
The degree program is federally compliant meaning that students will be able to work with federally legal industrial hemp for which we have a Colorado Department of Agriculture license but will not be working with marijuana with THC >0.3%.
