SLU’s School for Professional Studies Will Offer Cannabis Science and Operations Certificate Program for Fall 2020

Growth of medical cannabis industry increases need for educated employees

ST. LOUIS, MO – Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies (SPS), which offers busy adults flexible and affordable online degree and certificate programs, is launching a new Cannabis Science and Operations certificate program.

In 2018, Missourians voted to legalize marijuana for medical use. Since then, medical cannabis manufacturing and dispensary licenses have been awarded across the state, including 70 in the St. Louis area, said Stacy Godlewski, manager of the new Cannabis Science and Operations program.

“Legalized cannabis is expected to be an estimated $150 billion industry by 2025,” Godlewski said. “In addition to Missouri, thousands of jobs are being created across the country, and there is an emerging need for educated employees to support and sustain the industry.”

According to Godlewski, there are numerous career opportunities in the industry, including laboratory technology, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, distribution logistics and wellness, among many other areas.

The new SPS certificate program is the first of its kind in the St. Louis region and will be taught by industry professionals and experienced SLU faculty. The program will address all aspects of the medical cannabis industry, including:

• The engineering principles and processes employed in manufacturing
• The known pharmacological principles of cannabis
• The roles, responsibilities and legal requirements used to operate a dispensary
• The impact of cannabis products on society (history, community, economic and ethical)

The certificate takes 16 credit hours to complete. The School for Professional Studies is currently accepting applications for this fall. To learn more, visit the program web page or email stacy.godlewski@slu.edu.