Maine’s Beal University Launches Cannabis Degree Programs

Maine’s Beal University has formally launched its cannabis-focused online associates and bachelor’s degree programs, which are expected to enroll their first class of students this May. The programs include an associate degree in Cannabis Business Administration and Cannabis Laboratory Science, and a bachelor’s degree in Medicinal Plant Sciences.

Sheryl DeWalt, Beal University President, said that the college’s “mission focuses on providing educational programs aligned to the employer needs,” and the programs are aimed at meeting the demands of the growing industry.

“The cannabis industry has been rapidly expanding these past few years, this created tremendous employment opportunities and demand for workers trained in the cannabis field.” – DeWalt in a statement

The university collaborated with local cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, retail stores, and testing laboratories to fully understand their needs, and the degree programs were created to provide students the opportunity to learn the skills to become employed in various cannabis fields.

DeWalt said the programs are being offered entirely online because the mode “enables the programs to be available for students to enroll from anywhere.”

“Our courses utilize engaging content through digital simulation and interactive experiences,” she said. “This gives our students the ability to learn and retain the subject matter more easily.”

The program received support from certified Nurse Practioner AnnMarie Fredericks, and Registered Nurse Merideth Albert, of Vetted Cannabis, a Sanford, Maine-based medical cannabis dispensary, who said they “endorse and promote Beal’s programs to provide educational enrichment for the emerging medical cannabis industry.”