Prospective students may benefit from reviewing the following responses to frequently asked questions about the Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis programs.
Is this an online program?
All coursework is completed online, the only requirement we have is that students travel to our Rockville, Md., campus once per semester (fall and spring) of each academic year for our one-day symposia. These are days where you interact with your classmates, faculty/staff and industry experts, you would do this a total of four times for the two-year program.
I live too far away to attend the symposiums each semester, am I still able to participate in the program?
It is a requirement of the program to travel to the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., twice a year (once in the fall, once in the spring) for the one-day symposia. The inability to do so would affect a student’s ability to matriculate through the program.
Is this a full-time or part-time program?
This is a 30 credit; two-year program and it is considered part-time. To be considered a full-time student at UMB, students must be enrolled in more than 9 credits per semester. Generally, students either take 6 or 7 credits per semester.
What types of positions can students get after they graduate?
Many of our recent graduates have sought employment in research and clinical positions within the medical cannabis space. We also have some entrepreneurs who have or are starting their own business ventures and others who are looking to get into advocacy. Obtaining this degree gives our graduates a leg up in the medical cannabis field and our graduates work in a variety of settings.
Does the program prefer applicants who have work experience in the medical cannabis field?
Although experience in the cannabis industry is not required for acceptance into the program, our committee does look favorably on experience a prospective student might have in the medical cannabis space.
Is tuition remission available?
Tuition remission should be available to full-time UMB (only) employees, we recommend you verify your eligibility with your human resources department.
Are Veteran’s benefits available?
Yes, we have a number of students in our program who utilize VA benefits
For more information, please contact the UMB Graduate School’s VA Certifying School Official (CSO) Theresa Murray tmurray@umaryland.edu
Do you offer an accelerated option for those who wish to complete the program in less than two years?
Currently we do not offer have an accelerated option.
Do you allow for course auditing?
At this time, we do not allow students to audit courses.
Is Federal Financial Aid available to students in this program?
Yes, many of our students utilize financial aid.
For more information, please contact: University Financial Assistance: https://www.umaryland.edu/fin/ email: aidtalk@umaryland.edu
Do I have to be online at a certain time or complete coursework on my own time?
The online portions of the course are asynchronous (recorded lectures, readings, etc.), so there is some flexibility in when you complete assignments as long as they're submitted by the due date. Many of our students are working professionals.
You can expect to spend 10-15 hours a week completing activities for each course (this includes reading materials, watching lectures, and completing assignments). Everyone works at a different pace so this may vary between students. All the online activities are “asynchronous” so you don’t have to log on at a certain time, you just have to make sure assignments are completed by the due date.
Can you tell me a bit about the faculty who teach in the program?
Most faculty are professors at our pharmacy school with expertise in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, and pharmacotherapy. Some course managers will also bring in outside experts to discuss certain topics in the curriculum.
What level of authority would I have on the therapeutic side of medical cannabis after completing this program? Would this qualify me as a medical professional that can diagnose and prescribe to treat patients?
Completion of this program does not replace the specific state requirements with regards to recommending/certifying patients for medical cannabis.
I don’t have strong background in science, can I still be successful in the program? Are there any science courses you would recommend I take before applying to the program?
In opening enrollment to students from many different academic backgrounds, we’ve worked hard to ensure our courses are accessible to those who don’t have a strong background in science or medicine. We believe that a strong interest and the ability to reach out with questions when needed will serve students well regardless of their previous field of study. The only requirement is that you possess a bachelor's degree, and it can be in any topic. There are no specific classes you need to have taken since we have developed the program to educate a diverse class. You can also listen to a podcast or watch the short video below featuring Dr. Andrew Coop to get a sense for the level of science in this program.
Is the curriculum challenging for someone with a strong science/technical background?
Our instructors have designed flexibility into course activities and assignments to make them both accessible to those without a science background, and interesting and challenging to those with a science background (such as yourself). We will also provide students who desire further insight with additional resources to build upon concepts taught in the course.
We recognize that some students may have advanced clinical or scientific degrees and that some course material may be a review for those students. We have designed our activities to be accessible to students without a science background while also being interesting and challenging to those who do have such training, including different discussion questions, higher level essays and assignments, and peer-to-peer teaching opportunities.
Does tuition have to be paid in full or per semester?
Tuition is charged per semester and tuition payment plans are available through the student accounting office.
More detailed questions regarding payment of tuition can be directed to Office of Student Accounting- 410-706-2930 or studentaccounthelp@umaryland.edu
Are scholarships/grants or assistantships available?
If scholarship funds become available, the information is sent to newly admitted and continuing students who may be eligible. This varies year to year. We do not currently have grants or assistantships available.
What planned practical experiences are included in the program?
There are no planned internships or laboratories as part of this program. However, students do have an opportunity to meet and network with professionals working in the medical cannabis community/industry at our twice-yearly symposia at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. These happen in the fall and spring of each academic year.
ADMISSIONS:
When is the application deadline for the next fall semester?
June 1: The online application and fee must be submitted, and all supplemental items received and processed. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted to be considered for conditional acceptance.
August 1: Official transcripts must be received and processed, or acceptance will be cancelled.
How do I submit supplemental materials?
Once you have completed the initial online application and paid the $75.00 application fee, you will be taken to a page where you can upload your supplemental documentation including: personal statement, resume/CV, request letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts.
For questions about submitting supplemental items, please contact the UMB Graduate School Admissions office at gradapply@umaryland.edu
Who should I ask for letter of recommendation?
We suggest asking for letters from former faculty, employers, colleagues, or other individuals who know you know professionally, and who can speak to your academic and professional abilities and goals, as well as your ability to be successful in a graduate-level academic program.
How many words should the personal statement be?
The statement should be between 300 to 500 words and should address their academic and/or professional career goals and objectives in pursing graduate study.
Where do I send my transcripts?
Official mailed transcripts (via USPS) should be sent in sealed envelopes to:
ATTN: Admissions
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Graduate School
620 West Lexington St., Suite 5110
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1508
Packages/documents sent to us via a non-USPS carrier such as UPS, FedEx or DHL must be addressed to:
HS/HSL
Attention: Graduate School Admissions
601 West Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Official electronic transcripts may be sent directly from your degree-granting institution to gradapply@umaryland.edu
Transcripts (U.S. only) may also be provided through one of the following transcript clearinghouse services:
http://www.parchment.com/c/college/search/browse/
http://www.studentclearinghouse.org/etx_registry.php
https://iwantmytranscript.com/
What option do I select when deciding where to send transcripts electronically through a transcript service? You should select:
- U of MD - Baltimore Graduate School
Or - U of MD Baltimore Records
When will application decisions be made?
Once all application materials (including supplemental materials) are received, the admissions committee will review completed applications on a rolling basis. Once a decision is made, it will be updated in the application portal and you will receive an email from the graduate school.
Please check this link for updates regarding your application status: https://umaryland.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login
Unofficial transcript questions:
We encourage prospective students to upload unofficial transcripts which can be used for conditional acceptance into the program.
Can international students apply for this program?
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore due to the amount of online courses. Nonimmigrants in other visa categories permitted to study (i.e. H-4, A-2, etc.) may apply. Please note for-credit study is prohibited in visitor visa status (i.e., B-1, B-2, ESTA/Visa Waiver Program). Please visit the Office of International Services website (www.umaryland.edu/ois) for more information.
The MS in MCST program hosts informative student panels which help prospective students and visitors better understand what to expect as a student enrolled in this first-of-it’s-kind graduate program.