Cannabis Science Degree Programs

June 11, 2025

Cannabis is a fascinating plant, offering unique properties that contribute to many areas including health therapy, chemistry, horticulture and biology. The field is still relatively new and rapidly growing, giving you the skills you’ll need to pursue a successful career. If you possess technical or scientific skills, a strong attention to detail, and a passion for innovation, a degree in cannabis science could be a great fit for you.

Why Pursue Degrees in Cannabis Science?

Cannabis science is an emerging field offering opportunities for both personal growth and career advancement. There are so many reasons to consider degrees in cannabis science, including:

  • High demand – This industry continues to grow as we find new and innovative ways to benefit from cannabis. There are many job opportunities including those related to cultivation, retail dispensaries, extraction, and product formulation. By pursuing a cannabis science associate or bachelor’s degree, you can gain expertise and become an invaluable asset.
  • Driving social change – Obtaining a degree in cannabis science will allow you to be an advocate for this exciting field. You’ll have the knowledge to drive social change and inspire others by showcasing the potential of cannabis.
  • Industry expertise – Our program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to become successful in the exciting and growing field.
  • Networking opportunities – In this field, you’ll also gain many networking opportunities, as you can connect with industry leaders, potential employers, and like-minded peers.

Explore Career Opportunities with Cannabis Science Associate and Bachelor Degrees

Obtaining a cannabis science degree opens doors to many different careers within this growing field. You’ll be sure to find something that suits you as your knowledge and skills can be applied in areas like horticulture, extraction labs, and dispensaries. Some roles that you could find yourself pursuing include:

  • Cannabis laboratory technician – Lab technicians play a key role in the cannabis industry, as they ensure products are safe for consumption and adhere to required standards. As a lab technician, you will be responsible for testing the purity and potency of the product, as well as looking for the presence of any contaminants.
  • Horticultural technician – As a horticultural technician, you’ll provide daily care for cannabis plants and create an ideal environment for optimal plant growth.
  • Analytical scientist – This role ensures the quality and safety of cannabis products. Some responsibilities of these individuals include identifying or measuring contaminants, developing techniques for testing cannabis products, conducting studies on applications or effects on cannabis, and more.
  • Chef – A cannabis science degree could even land you a job as a chef, combining your knowledge of cannabis with culinary skills.
  • Cannabis consultant – If you have an interest in patient care, this may be a great career to consider. In this role, you’ll be involved in understanding the therapeutic potential of cannabis, its interactions with the body, and how to best treat medical conditions with it.
  • Laboratory director – As a lab director, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all testing activities, ensuring accurate results and troubleshooting any issues. You will also ensure that lab equipment is functioning properly and operations are running smoothly.
  • Production supervisor – As a production supervisor, you’ll oversee the daily operations of a cannabis horticulture and extraction facility.
  • Educator or trainer – As an educator, your job will be to teach others about cannabis science, safe consumption, usage techniques, and more. You’ll also be an advocate, explaining key uses, providing any necessary training, promoting awareness, and more.

The Future of Cannabis Science Degrees

Science and technology have transformed the way that we live, continuously opening new doors of innovation.  Some statistics that showcase the growth in this industry include:

  • The global cannabis market is projected to grow from $57.18 billion in 2023 to $444.34 billion by 2030 (CannabisMD)
  • For five years in a row, employment in the industry increased by greater than 27% with more than 280 new jobs created every day last year (Leafly)
  • The legal cannabis sector supports approximately 440,445 full-time equivalent jobs in the U.S., making it a major employment sector (CannabisMD)
  • The adult-use cannabis market is predicted to reach approximately $37 billion by 2026, driven by increased customer acceptance (CannabisMD)
  • The global cannabis plant cultivation market was valued at $392.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.3% from 2023 to 2030 (Bizplanr)

How P.I.T. Can Help You Start Your Journey Today

If you’re looking to find a school where your opportunities are designed and tailored to meet your educational needs, Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is the perfect fit. We give you a career-focused education, using a hands-on learning approach to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to stand out in your future careers. We’re dedicated to setting students up for success, and if cannabis studies interest you, we offer a variety of programs designed to advance your career.

Our Cannabis Science Associate Degree Programs

We offer three cannabis science associate degree programs:

  • Cannabis horticulture – This program is suited for those who want to start their own business or manage a growing and extraction operation. You’ll be exposed to all levels of a grow operation including the careful examination of the botany, growth, harvesting, and extraction aspects.
  • Cannabis health therapy – If you’re looking to work in healthcare and expand your knowledge about the cannabis industry, this is a perfect career path for you. In diverse roles, you’ll be able to promote both health and wellness through the use of cannabis.
  • Cannabis business – This cannabis science business associate degree option focuses on the business side of the cannabis industry. Students will be exposed to various levels of integrated business models through an examination of the science, botany, marketing, and accounting aspects of a cannabis business.

Our Cannabis Science Business Bachelor’s Degree Program

We are also proud to offer a cannabis science business bachelor degree program focusing on understanding the regulations, ethical considerations, and market strategies of the industry. You’ll gain an understanding of the business and scientific dimensions of medical and adult-use cannabis, allowing you to navigate and stand out in this emerging field.

Being a part of any of our programs will ensure that you understand the many facets of cannabis, ranging from the botany of the plant to the therapeutic benefits it can provide to people. In addition to preparing students for their future endeavors, by choosing P.I.T for degrees in cannabis business, you’ll reap benefits including:

  • Individualized attention
  • Free tutoring
  • Flexible instruction
  • Financial aid
  • 15-1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Resources like transfer assistance, career help, counseling and more

Contact Us to Learn More About Degrees in Cannabis Science

Are you interesting in pursuing a cannabis science degree? Start your journey at P.I.T. today and be sure to reach out if you have any questions.