Graduate

Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis

Carve out your place in two in-demand industries to advance policy, patient care, research, and product design.

Scientist inspecting cannabis plants.

About this Program

This pioneering program offers a holistic exploration of two rapidly evolving industries, providing comprehensive knowledge from the ground to the consumer. This SACSCOC-accredited program delves into the intricate facets of dietary supplements and medical cannabis, covering their rich history, legislative frameworks, and research and development.

This 30-credit-hour fully online program builds on the University's more than half-century legacy of studying cannabis and dietary supplements. It presents a well-rounded curriculum, dedicating equal time to both disciplines. Whether you aspire to influence government regulations, advance research, lead product innovation, or excel in the dietary supplement or medical cannabis sectors, this program equips you with a multidisciplinary foundation for a successful career.

Mississippi has joined the growing list of states legalizing medical cannabis. We aim to contribute to the highly regulated medical cannabis industry, which encompasses dispensaries, growers, researchers, and product developers, by providing a thorough education. Simultaneously, the dietary supplement industry is experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand for products that promote well-being and support overall health. As consumers seek alternatives to enhance their health and wellness, we aim to educate the professionals involved. The online Master's in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis provides individuals nationwide with the knowledge and expertise to actively contribute to these evolving industries.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Master's Program

    Area of Study

    Health and Social Services

    Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology

    Pharmacy

    Duration

    2 Years

    Degree

    M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis

    Program Location

    Online

    Required Credit Hours

    30

    Why earn this degree at Ole Miss?

    Scientist observing plant species.

    What We Stand On...

    The Ole Miss program stands on decades of scientific research and education, particularly from the School of Pharmacy, the National Center for Natural Products Research, and, more recently, the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education.

    Scientist observing chemical reactions.

    50 Years of Excellence!

    For over 50 years, Ole Miss has pushed the boundaries of scientific and medical knowledge surrounding cannabis and related compounds like THC and CBD. The University receives contracts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to cultivate marijuana and related materials. Prior to this, Ole Miss supplied the Drug Enforcement Administration with contaminant-free cannabis and extracts meeting strict FDA standards for clinical research purposes.

    Batch of dietary supplements.

    National Center for Natural Products Research

    The National Center for Natural Products Research collaborates with many sectors to explore natural products that can be used to improve human health and agriculture as crops, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and agrochemicals. The Center’s research and development efforts focus on dietary supplements, crops, and pharmaceuticals.

    Learn More
    Scientist looking at chemical vial.

    National Center for Cannabis Research and Education

    The National Center for Cannabis Research and Education explores the plant’s health effects to encourage new studies, influence policymaking and outreach efforts, and develop education programs. Insights help advance treatments for serious diseases, influence cannabis-related drug developments, and allow health professionals to create more informed and balanced patient care plans.

    Learn More

    Different Career Opportunities with this Degree!

    • Government agencies related to consumer products
    • Cannabis-regulating state agencies
    • Cannabis- and dietary supplement-related research and development
    • The dietary supplement industry
    • The pharmaceutical industry
    • Healthcare policy

    Begin Your Journey

    Ready to take the first step? Then, let's get started. Below, you can find all the additional information you need about applying to our program. Have questions? Our staff will be here to guide and assist you.

    Selection for admission into the online Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis will be based on the following admission requirements:

    • Grade-Point Average: A cumulative grade-point average during the last 66 hours of undergraduate coursework on college transcripts. At least 22 hours of coursework must be in the basic or applied sciences. Programmatic prerequisites are classes in chemistry and biology; however, work experience can substitute for the courses.
    • Personal Statement:  A personal statement of career goals, preparation and readiness for graduate school, and motivational factors related to pursuing graduate study in dietary supplements and medical cannabis.  
    • Letters of References: At least two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references.
    Fall 2024: July 1
    Spring 2025: November 1
    Summer 2025: April 1

    The School of Pharmacy’s Department of BioMolecular Sciences structures the Master’s in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis as a two-year, 30-credit-hour program. Students spend one year focusing on dietary supplements and their second on medical cannabis.

    Within this format, the program covers the science, manufacturing, and formulation behind natural products and all applicable federal and state regulations.

     

    Online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis

    The Online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medicinal Cannabis is a non-thesis, online graduate program designed to provide fundamental and applied knowledge of natural products for a career in the dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and medicinal cannabis industries. All students enrolled will take online classes focused on dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in the first year, followed by online classes in medical cannabis in the second year. Additional information is available in the program description at Ole Miss Online.

    COURSE REQUIREMENTS

    The program requires 30 hours of online coursework, which is fulfilled by successfully completing the courses listed below. Two courses are taken consecutively in the fall semester, two courses consecutively in the spring semester, and one course in the summer semester of each year. The program is designed to be completed in two years.

    BMS 651: Fundamentals of Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy (3 hours)
    BMS 652: Regulation of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)
    BMS 653: Formulation and Manufacturing of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)
    BMS 654: Identification and Authentication of Dietary Ingredients (3 hours)
    BMS 655: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)

    BMS 661: Cannabinoid Identification, Genomics, and Engineering (3 hours)
    BMS 662: Cannabis Policy and Law (3 hours)
    BMS 663: Formulation and Manufacturing of Cannabis Products (3 hours)
    BMS 664: Chemistry and Standardization of Cannabis (3 hours)
    BMS 665: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Cannabinoids (3 hours)

    OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

    Graduate students are required to complete an online professional portfolio during the curriculum.

    Graduate students are required to attend an in-person symposium, the Oxford–International Conference on the Science of Botanicals, at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Oxford campus at least once during the program.

    ADMISSION

    Selection for admission into the Online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis will be based holistically upon the admission requirements listed below. Admission is competitive, so it is unlikely that all students meeting the minimum requirements will be admitted. The GRE score is NOT required for admission. An online application is completed through the Graduate School website.

    A. Grade-Point Average: A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 during the last 66 hours of undergraduate coursework on college transcripts. At least 22 hours of coursework must be in the basic or applied sciences. Programmatic pre-requisites are classes in chemistry and biology; however, work experience can substitute for these courses.

    B. Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement of career goals, preparation and readiness for graduate school, and motivational factors related to pursuing graduate study in dietary supplements and medical cannabis.

    C. Letters of References: Applicants are required to submit at least two letters of recommendation (from professional and/or academic references).

    For questions or additional information, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. David A. Colby, at dacolby@olemiss.edu.

    The Master’s in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis nurtures two types of career paths:

    • The structure supports existing cannabis or dietary supplement professionals considering a leadership, research, or policy role.
    • The coursework helps researchers and industry workers better understand these burgeoning industries and their growing influence on health and wellness.

    In addition to meeting industry and state demands for professionals knowledgeable about both medical cannabis and dietary supplements, the program:

    • It is open to current industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge base and advance their careers
    • Equips professionals in both the dietary supplement and cannabis fields to understand research, policy, and products
    • Explores the scientific foundation of dietary supplements and cannabis along with their related uses
    • Provides insights into the historical context of both dietary supplements and cannabis as complementary and alternative medicine
    • Trains professionals to contribute to research, product design, and development in both industries while considering safety, quality assurance, and public health concerns
    • Covers federal and state laws and regulations for both dietary supplements and cannabis, including aspects related to good manufacturing practices, labeling, and marketing
    • Delves into pharmacology, phytochemistry, and plant genetics
    Dr. David Colby
    dacolby@olemiss.edu
    662-915-1766
    Melissa Rodriguez King

    We're Here For You

    Welcome! I am the Program Manager for the School of Pharmacy Graduate Programs and am here to help you with whatever you may need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance.

    Melissa Rodriguez King

    Program Manager

    Next Steps

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