SPRINGFIELD — American International College said Thursday it will offer a master’s degree in cannabis science and commerce beginning in the fall semester.

It’s the first master’s degree of its kind in this region, but follows undergraduate and certificate-level programs introduced in 2019 at AIC and Holyoke Community College with its Cannabis Education Center.

The new AIC degree is a 30-credit program designed for people interested in a career in the cannabis industry, according to a news release. One of the requirements, according to AIC’s website, is a “cannabis capstone” research project.

The college plans to provide students with an understanding of the science, business and legal issues associated with the cannabis industry. The program offers education in the areas of basic science including chemistry, horticulture, cultivation, uses and delivery systems; business management, marketing and operations; and federal and state laws and policies.

The industry supports nearly a quarter-million jobs, AIC said, citing the March 2020 report issued by the website Leafly.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission reported sales of $420 million in the state’s legal marijuana industry in 2019.

Connecticut and its medical marijuana industry served nearly 40,000 patients with estimated sales approaching $60 million, supporting nearly 1,400 jobs, AIC said. New Hampshire reported a $22.5 million market for medical marijuana and more than 400 jobs. Rhode Island has posted nearly 50% year-over-year growth, topping $50 million in sales with more than 1,000 jobs at its medical marijuana providers, the college said.

For more information on the degree program, visit aic.edu/cannabis.