Introduction to the Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis

The Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis is a pioneering program that offers a comprehensive exploration of two rapidly evolving industries. This program provides students with a holistic understanding of dietary supplements and medical cannabis, covering their history, legislative frameworks, and research and development.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis is a 30-credit-hour program that can be completed in two years. The program is fully online and is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary foundation for a successful career in the dietary supplement or medical cannabis sectors.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive and requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 66 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants must also submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume or curriculum vitae.

Grade-Point Average (GPA)

• 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

Personal Statement

• Describe career goals
• Outline academic and professional preparation for graduate study
• Explain motivation for pursuing the M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis

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)

• Outline educational background
• Detail professional experience
• List relevant skills, certifications, or other experiences

Application Deadlines

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

Curriculum

The program requires 30 hours of online coursework, which is fulfilled by successfully completing the courses listed below. The program is designed to be completed in two years, with students spending one year focusing on dietary supplements and their second year on medical cannabis.

Year 1

• Fall 1: BMS 652: Regulation of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)
• Fall 2: BMS 653: Formulation and Manufacturing of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)
• Spring 1: BMS 651: Fundamentals of Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy (3 hours)
• Spring 2: BMS 654: Identification and Authentication of Dietary Ingredients (3 hours)
• Summer 1: BMS 655: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Dietary Supplements (3 hours)

Year 2

• Summer 2: BMS 665: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Cannabinoids (3 hours)
• Fall 1: BMS 662: Cannabis Policy and Law (3 hours)
• Fall 2: BMS 663: Formulation and Manufacturing of Cannabis Products (3 hours)
• Spring 1: BMS 661: Cannabinoid Identification, Genomics, and Engineering (3 hours)
• Spring 2: BMS 664: Chemistry and Standardization of Cannabis (3 hours)

Other Academic Requirements

• Graduate students are required to complete an online professional portfolio during the curriculum.
• Graduate students are required to attend the Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals, an in-person symposium held at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Oxford campus at least once during the program.

Tuition Information

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

Career Opportunities

The Masters in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis nurtures two types of career paths:

• Existing cannabis or dietary supplement professionals considering a leadership, research, or policy role.
• Researchers and industry workers better understanding these burgeoning industries and their growing influence on health and wellness.

Scholarship Opportunities

1. Aeroma Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis Scholarship

• Award: Two scholarships of $500 each
• Eligibility: Available to online students enrolled in the masters degree program in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis.
• Application Requirements:
  • One-page personal statement describing academic and professional achievements, reasons for applying, and how this scholarship will support 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 masters degree program in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis.
• Application Requirements:
  • One-page personal statement describing academic and professional achievements, reasons for applying, and how this scholarship will support career goals.
  • Resume
  • Electronic copies of graduate-level transcripts (official or unofficial accepted)
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

Why Earn This Degree at Ole Miss?

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 the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education.

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.

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.

National Center for Cannabis Research and Education

The National Center for Cannabis Research and Education explores the plants health effects to encourage new studies, influence policymaking and outreach efforts, and develop education programs.

Different Career Opportunities with This Degree

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

Conclusion

The Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis is a unique and comprehensive program that provides students with a multidisciplinary foundation for a successful career in the dietary supplement or medical cannabis sectors. With its fully online format, competitive admission requirements, and diverse career opportunities, this program is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their knowledge and skills in these rapidly evolving industries.

Degree Overview:

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Program Overview:

• The Master of Science in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis program at the University of Mississippi is a pioneering program that offers a comprehensive exploration of two rapidly evolving industries, providing students with knowledge from the ground to the consumer.
• The program is SACSCOC-accredited and delves into the intricate facets of dietary supplements and medical cannabis, covering their rich history, legislative frameworks, and research and development.
• The 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.
• Graduates of the program are equipped with a multidisciplinary foundation for a successful career in the dietary supplement or medical cannabis sectors.

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Objectives:

• The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and expertise to actively contribute to the evolving industries of dietary supplements and medical cannabis.
• It seeks to prepare students for careers in government regulations, research, product innovation, and other leadership roles in these industries.

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Program Description:

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the science, manufacturing, and formulation behind natural products and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• It covers the historical context of both dietary supplements and cannabis as complementary and alternative medicine.
• The program also explores the pharmacology, phytochemistry, and plant genetics of cannabis and dietary supplements.
• Students will gain insights into the research, product design, and development processes in both industries, while considering safety, quality assurance, and public health concerns.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

• The program is a two-year, 30-credit-hour program.
• Students spend one year focusing on dietary supplements and their second on medical cannabis.

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Curriculum:

• The program covers the following topics:
• Science of dietary supplements
• Science of medical cannabis
• Manufacturing and formulation of dietary supplements
• Manufacturing and formulation of medical cannabis
• Federal and state regulations for dietary supplements
• Federal and state regulations for medical cannabis
• Pharmacology of dietary supplements
• Pharmacology of medical cannabis
• Phytochemistry of dietary supplements
• Phytochemistry of medical cannabis
• Plant genetics of dietary supplements
• Plant genetics of medical cannabis

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Papers

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Assessment Criteria:

• Students are assessed on their knowledge of the course material, their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, and their ability to communicate their findings effectively.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote learning, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Hands-on activities

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program is unique in its focus on both dietary supplements and medical cannabis, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of these two rapidly evolving industries.
• The program is also unique in its online format, which allows students to complete their studies from anywhere in the world.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the dietary supplement and medical cannabis industries, including:
• 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

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Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for leadership roles in the dietary supplement and medical cannabis industries.
• They will have the knowledge and skills to develop new products, conduct research, and inform policy decisions.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Research
• Product development
• Regulatory affairs
• Healthcare policy
• Education

University of Mississippi

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Overview:

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. It is a time-honored institution known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich tradition of success. Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing students with boundless opportunities.

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Services Offered:

Academics:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, as well as a variety of graduate programs. The university also provides a Freshman Studies program for undecided students.

Admissions:

The university offers comprehensive admissions services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including campus visits, request information, and application processes.

Student Life:

Ole Miss provides a diverse and engaging student life experience, including campus living, student involvement, support and resources, campus recreation, and international student support.

Research:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers opportunities for students to engage in research with expert faculty across various fields.

Athletics:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program, with teams competing at the highest level of college athletics.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ole Miss boasts a vibrant student community with a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can experience the renowned tailgating tradition in the Grove, explore the charming town of Oxford, and participate in various student organizations. The university also emphasizes community engagement and service opportunities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Ole Miss offers a high-quality education with a wide range of programs and expert faculty.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic and engaging student experience with numerous opportunities for involvement and social interaction.

Strong Community:

Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of community, both on campus and in the surrounding town of Oxford.

Research Opportunities:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

Athletics Tradition:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program and passionate fan base.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Programs:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, including programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and more.

Graduate Programs:

The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.

Special Programs:

Ole Miss provides special programs for undergraduates, such as study abroad opportunities and programs tailored to specific interests.

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Other:

Regional Campuses:

Ole Miss has regional campuses located in DeSoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Rankin, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Alumni Network:

Ole Miss has a strong alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

Community Engagement:

The university is actively involved in the Oxford community and surrounding areas, offering various programs and initiatives.

Campus Culture and Traditions:

Ole Miss has a rich history and unique traditions, including the iconic Grove and the "Hotty Toddy" cheer.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.