Program Overview

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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.