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Graduate Certificate

Dietary Supplements Graduate Certificate

Expand your knowledge and skills in research and development, analytical techniques, regulation, and formulation within the dietary supplements industry.

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Dietary Supplements in a Petri Dish

About the Online Graduate Certificate in Dietary Supplements

Within the health and wellness industry, the dietary supplements market is expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities for professionals to meet the increasing demand across research and applied positions.

Our Graduate Certificate in Dietary Supplements is designed to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in research and development, analytical techniques, regulation, and formulation within the dietary supplements industry.

This online asynchronous part-time program is fully accredited and recognized as a component of the School of Pharmacy's online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis. Credits earned from this one-year certificate program can be applied toward the online master's program, making it easy to transition to advanced education.

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    Program Information

    Degree

    N/A

    Emphases

    Dietary Supplements

    Required Credit Hours

    12

    Program Type

    Specialist Program

    Program Location

    Online

    School

    School of Pharmacy

    Duration

    1 Year

    Are you ready to earn a graduate certificate?

    Learn more about earning an online graduate certificate at the University of Mississippi.

    Begin Your Journey

    This program is designed for entry and mid-level professionals seeking to build or strengthen their expertise in manufacturing, research and development, regulatory affairs, quality control, formulation, and analytical chemistry. It is especially well-suited for:

    • Professionals in the dietary supplement industry looking to advance their careers
    • Scientists and researchers interested in natural products
    • Industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of supplement regulations
    • Individuals interested in transitioning into the dietary supplement industry

     

    Complete in 1 Year

    Industry-Relevant

    Gain knowledge and skills directly applicable to the dietary supplements and nutraceuticals industries.

    Experienced and Research-Focused Faculty

    Learn from experienced professionals and researchers in the field.

    Flexible Course Selection

    Choose 4 courses from a selection of 5 to tailor your learning experience.

     

    Applications to the Online Graduate Certificate in Dietary Supplements must be submitted through the UM Graduate School website. All materials are accepted only through the online application system; please do not send any documents directly to the department.

    Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of all submitted materials and the criteria listed below. A GRE score is not required for admission.

    • Grade-Point Average (GPA)
      • Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 66 hours of undergraduate coursework. At least 22 hours must be in basic or applied sciences. Prerequisite coursework includes chemistry and biology, though relevant work experience may substitute for these courses. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to the UM Graduate School. Only the Graduate School can post transcripts to your application file.
    • Personal Statement
      • Applicants must submit a personal statement describing:
        • Career goals
        • Academic and professional preparation for graduate study
        • Motivation for Pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Dietary Supplements
    • Letters of Recommendation
      • At least two letters of recommendation are required from professional or academic references. Recommenders must upload their letters directly through the online application system.
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
      • Applicants must provide a current resume or CV that outlines:
        • Educational background
        • Professional experience
        • Relevant skills, certifications, or other experiences
        • This document helps the admissions committee evaluate your readiness for graduate-level study and the professional context of your application.

     

    Fall: July 1
    Spring: November 1
    Summer: April 1

    This fully online certificate features classes that explore:

    • Subjects such as natural products, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

    • Research and development.

    • Analytical techniques.

    • Policy and formulation in the dietary supplement industry

    Fall and Spring term courses are completed in 6 weeks, while the Summer term course is completed in 4.

    Students choose three of the remaining four courses to tailor the program to their goals:

    Fall 1: BMSC 6520: Regulation of Dietary Supplements (3 hours) REQUIRED
    Fall 2: BMSC 6530: Formulation and Manufacturing of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)
    Spring 1: BMSC 6510: Fundamentals of Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy (3 hours)
    Spring 2: BMSC 6540: Identification and Authentication of Dietary Ingredients (3 hours)
    Summer 1: BMSC 6550: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)

    The certificate program is part-time and can be completed within one year. Students are required to complete 12 credits.

    Tuition

    The cost per credit hour for the Graduate Certificate in Dietary Supplements is $675 for the Fall/Spring 2025–2026 academic year. Students can use the Tuition Calculator for additional assistance in estimating total program costs.

    Financial Aid

    At this time, financial aid is not available for students enrolled in the certificate program. However, financial aid opportunities are available for students pursuing the online M.S. in Dietary Supplements & Medical Cannabis program.

    Continue your studies!

    Advance from the Graduate Certificate to the Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis.

    What classes do you take to get an online graduate certificate in Dietary Supplements?

    These are the courses you can take to earn your graduate certificate.

    GR-PH

    BMSC 6510: Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytoc

    3 credits

    BMS 651 is an asynchronous online course designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of pharmacognosy. Students will learn about the historical basis of pharmacognosy, including landmark events that have shaped its evolution. Throughout the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the chemical space around dietary supplements and develop skills in analyzing and synthesizing reliable scientific literature. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge by authoring key monograph sections such as identity, and chemical composition for a dietary ingredient.

    GR-PH

    BMSC 6520: Regulation of Dietary Supplements

    3 credits

    BMS 652 is an asynchronous online course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the regulatory landscape of the dietary supplement industry. By exploring key legislation, going over cGMPS, as well as challenges related to monitoring safety, enforcement, and compliance, students will be able to make informed decisions around compliance. The course will also provide students with hands-on experience in responding to FDA Form 483s, creating compliant product labels, and identifying cGMP violations with case studies. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and mitigate compliance risks and ensure products and operations meet regulatory requirements.

    GR-PH

    BMSC 6530: Formulation and Manufacturing of Dietary

    3 credits

    BMS 653 is an asynchronous online course in which students will learn about the formulation and manufacturing of dietary supplements. We will briefly highlight the cGMPs that govern this area; however, most of the course will be spent working through manufacturing from start to finish including areas such as research and development, sourcing, formulation from conception, sustainability, and testing. The culmination of this course will equip students with the ability to formulate a dietary supplement from concept to market ready while maintaining cGMP compliant records along the way.

    GR-PH

    BMSC 6540: Identification and Authentication of Die

    3 credits

    BMS 654 is an asynchronous online course designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of the identification and authentication of dietary ingredients. Students will learn nomenclature specific to individual ingredient identification as well as the terminology associated with this field. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of the analytical tools and techniques utilized in evaluating raw and processed materials and products for identity, purity, strength, and composition (IPSC). A final report will demonstrate students' ability to profile an unknown dietary ingredient with fit for purpose proposed analyses to determine IPSC.

    GR-PH

    BMSC 6550: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Dietary S

    3 credits

    BMS 655 is an asynchronous online course focused on the pharmacology and toxicology of dietary supplements. Through the exploration of basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how dietary ingredients interact with the body and their potential contraindications. Students will learn how to evaluate products and individual ingredients for potential interactions, and the culmination of the course will prepare students with the skills to make evidence-based decisions regarding formulating products with minimized risks.

    FAQs

    Have questions about the program? Find more information below.

    The Graduate Certificate prepares students for a variety of careers within the growing dietary supplement industry. Graduates gain knowledge and skills applicable to roles in formulation and manufacturing, quality control and assurance, laboratory operations, regulatory affairs, product development, supply chain management, consulting, project management, sales and technical support, research coordination, and education and training. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to contribute across multiple sectors of the industry and adapt to its evolving needs.

    Yes. Students who successfully complete the online Graduate Certificate program may apply all 12 credit hours toward the online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Cannabis. To continue into the master's program, students must complete the certificate, formally apply for admission to the M.S. program, and meet all remaining degree requirements if admitted.

    The Graduate Certificate is a great option if you're looking for a shorter, more focused program or want to explore the dietary supplements field before committing to a master's degree. If you later decide to pursue the M.S. program, you may apply for admission, and credits earned in the certificate program can be applied toward the master's degree.

    Yes. The Graduate Certificate is designed with working professionals in mind. All courses are delivered online in an asynchronous format, giving you the flexibility to complete coursework when it best fits your schedule while staying on track with course deadlines. This format makes it easier to balance graduate education with work, family, and other professional responsibilities.

    No. Previous work experience in the dietary supplements industry is not required for admission. However, applicants with relevant professional experience may be able to use that experience to satisfy certain prerequisite coursework during the admissions review process. The program welcomes students from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds.
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    Get to know the Graduate Program Coordinator

    “This program is the first of its kind in the nation and addresses a major need in the workforce through the strengths of faculty at the School of Pharmacy.”

    David A Colby

    Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Research Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director of Online Graduate Programs for BioMolecular Sciences

    Connect with us on LinkedIn!

    Receive the latest news on our programs through our LinkedIn page, and connect with industry and academic professionals in the field.

    Ole Miss Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis Online Programs on LinkedIn    

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