Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis, M.S.

Applications to the Online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis 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. Because admission is competitive, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. A GRE score is not required for admission.

1. 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.

2. Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a personal statement describing:

• Career goals
• Academic and professional preparation for graduate study
• Motivation for pursuing the M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis

3. 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.

4. 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.

The School of Pharmacy’s Department of BioMolecular Sciences structures the Master’s in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis as a two-year, part-time, 30-credit-hour program. The program 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 asynchronous 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 two courses in the summer semester between Year 1 and Year 2. The program is designed to be completed in two years.

Year 1

The cost per credit hour for the M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis is $675 (Fall/Spring 2025-2026).

For more information on the estimated cost of attendance, please visit the cost of attendance calculator here.

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:

• 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
• Builds understanding of pharmacology, phytochemistry, and plant genetics

Due to the continued federal prohibition of marijuana, Congress has not authorized any exceptions permitting the use of VA education benefits for coursework related to cannabis. As such, VA education benefits cannot be applied to cannabis-related programs at this time.

Until further notice, students enrolling in such programs will be fully responsible for all associated tuition, fees, and program costs, as no VA funding will be approved.

We encourage students to consult with the School Certifying Officials in the Veteran and Military Services office for guidance prior to enrolling in any program involving cannabis related courses.

veterans@olemiss.edu

1. Aeroma Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis Scholarship

Award: Two scholarships of $500 each
Eligibility: Available to online students enrolled in the master’s degree program in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis.

Application Requirements:

• One-page personal statement describing your academic and professional achievements, reasons for applying, and how this scholarship will support your career goals.

• Resume

• Electronic copies of graduate-level transcripts (official or unofficial accepted)

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

2. Sky-High Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis Scholarship

Award: Two scholarships of $500 each
Eligibility: Available to online students enrolled in the master’s degree program in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis.

Application Requirements:

• One-page personal statement describing your academic and professional achievements, reasons for applying, and how this scholarship will support your career goals.

• Resume

• Electronic copies of graduate-level transcripts (official or unofficial accepted)

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

 Scholarship Application