University of the Sciences (USciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) announced a new program for students interested in the cannabis industry: a specialized Cannabis Industry Masters of Business Administration (MBA) option (1). Enrollment is currently open with online courses set to begin in September.

According the University, the coursework is an option of USciences’ specialized MBA in pharmaceutical and healthcare business, which is a hybrid curriculum with students taking courses online with occasional visits to campus. The “Cannabis Industry Option” MBA is reportedly the first of its kind in the U.S., offering education in the business of cannabis, hemp, and dispensary operations. The cannabis option was created in partnership with USciences’ Substance Use Disorders Institute as well as feedback from individuals in the industry. The option includes four elective courses specific to medical cannabis regulations and industry such as “Introduction to the Medical Cannabis Industry;” “Finance and Regulation in the Medical Cannabis Industry;” and “Cannabis Marketing and Sales.” There is also a project-based course where students will work to write a business plan or bring a product to market.