Wayne State University in Detroit has started offering an undergraduate certificate program this fall where students can study the emerging science of cannabis.
The certificate program aims to teach students the fundamentals of analytical chemistry, separation science, and laboratory research for jobs in the cannabis testing industry. Together, the courses prepare students for careers in cannabis testing and regulation, including both CBD and THC. It is a growing field both locally and nationally.
Cannabis as a science discipline is new and expanding, and students can learn as well as find a new way to measure a standard and contribute to the growing literature on the subject.
“A large majority of our majors are pre-med or pre-pharm or pre-PA,” says Andrea Matti, assistant professor of chemistry at Wayne State University. “But I also want an outlet for our students who don’t want to get into health care, but they genuinely just like learning about these instruments and they want to work in a lab and testing.”
Students who have completed at least 60 credits and have a GPA of 2.5 or better may apply for the cannabis chemistry certificate. The program also is open to students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree at any institution.
