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Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Studies

Are you looking to learn more about the cannabis industry, but aren’t sure where to start?

If so, our cannabis studies certificates, microcredentials or minor may be the right choice for you.

The College of Professional Studies cannabis studies programs have the option to be fully online and are aimed at educating students who want to learn more about cannabis cultivation, business practices, and policy. 

Cannabis expert and Syracuse University professor Dr. Junella Chin, who teaches CAN 320: Cannabis Science and Health, says that cannabis education is crucial in today’s landscape. 

“It helps mitigate stigma, promotes regulatory compliance, advances research, and is crucial from a harm reduction perspective,” says Chin. “Educating consumers fosters responsible use, enabling individuals to make informed decisions, understand potential risks, and seek professional guidance when needed.”

In 2022, there were over 417,000 full-time employees in the cannabis industry in the United States, according to Vangst Jobs Report 2023.

So which cannabis studies program is the right fit for you?

Cannabis Studies Minor

The 18-credit cannabis studies online minor provides a foundation of knowledge across the cannabis industry including governing laws, plant science and extracts, medicinal properties, plant cultivation and harvesting, as well as business and employment opportunities. 

Students enrolled in this minor learn a wide variety of skills, including identifying the difference between marijuana and hemp products, defining the legal and regulatory systems governing the industry, and learning the science behind the use of cannabis-derived products.

So what kind of courses does this minor entail? Students enrolled can take a wide range of cannabis-centered courses, ranging from classes on startups (CAN 310 – Cannabis Startups) to social justice (CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy and Social Justice).

This minor is open to all Syracuse University undergraduates in good standing with the approval of their home college and must enter the program no later than the first semester of junior year.

Cannabis Studies Credit Certificate 

Similar to the minor, the 15-credit cannabis studies online credit certificate provides a comprehensive knowledge base across the cannabis industry. 

Students enrolled in the credit certificate can learn about cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution, as well as policy and business practices. 

Students enrolled can choose five of the six courses below:

  • CAN 301 – Cannabis Business Operations  
  • CAN 310 – Cannabis Startups  
  • CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy and Social Justice  
  • CAN 320 – Cannabis Science and Health  
  • CAN 325 – Cannabis Cultivation  
  • CAN 330 – Cannabis Manufacturing, Processing & Distribution

Prior higher education experience is required for this certificate.

Cannabis Studies Microcredentials

The College of Professional Studies offers five cannabis education microcredentials: the Business of Cannabis, Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture, Cannabis Healthcare, Medicine, and Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management, and Cannabis Product Development & Design Certificate.

The Business of Cannabis

Designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, this program provides the essential knowledge and strategies to thrive in the dynamic world of the cannabis business.

From navigating legal and regulatory frameworks to understanding industry trends and effective marketing strategies, our experienced instructors equip students with the insights needed to make informed business decisions in this ever-changing industry. 

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a prestigious Business of Cannabis certificate of completion and a digital badge marking the verification of the skills learned in the program. This microcredential will enhance your credibility and provide a competitive edge as you pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors or advance your career within established cannabis companies.

Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture 

Throughout this program, you’ll delve into the fundamental principles of cannabis agriculture, from seed selection and germination techniques to proper soil composition and nutrient management. 

Whether you dream of starting your own cannabis farm or joining a reputable cultivation operation, our online course provides you with a solid foundation to thrive in the world of cannabis agriculture and horticulture.

Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine

In this 100 percent online program, you’ll learn the intricacies of cannabis medicine, empowering you to feel confident in offering precise product recommendations and assisting individuals in treating various ailments and conditions with cannabis. Through our intentional curriculum, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the therapeutic potential of different cannabis strains, delivery methods, and dosages.

Upon completion of the cannabis studies programs, participants will gain access to the GF Institute Employer Network, a platform of cannabis companies eager to hire graduates with this type of qualification.

Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management 

In today’s cannabis industry, legal compliance is one of the biggest challenges for cannabis businesses of all sizes, soaring the demand for skilled cannabis compliance professionals. Our Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management program will give you the expertise to navigate this complex landscape, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this high-demand field. 

Upon completion, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue the Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP) designation through the esteemed Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE). 

As a bonus, when you enroll in this program, you’ll receive a one-year ACCCE membership. This grants you exclusive access to additional resources and training materials designed to deepen your understanding of the complexities and risks inherent in the commercial cannabis industry.

Cannabis Product Development & Design 

The Cannabis Product Development & Design program has been crafted to guide you through the intricacies of cannabis product development. Begin with the foundational principles of cannabis science and discover industry terminology, decarboxylation, and various extraction techniques. Enhance your learning experience with interactive exercises, discussion forums, and hands-on projects.

“Collaborate with peers, explore career paths, and remain adaptable to the evolving nature of the cannabis industry. This dynamic mix will set you on a path for success. Remember that the cannabis industry is still evolving, so staying adaptable and open to new opportunities will serve you well,” Dr. Chin says.

Are you ready to begin your education in cannabis studies? 

Request more information about cannabis studies today!

By Isabel Bekele and Hope Alvarez

College of Professional Studies Helps Meet the Needs of Military-Connected Students

When it comes to providing impactful educational opportunities for service members, veterans and military family members, Syracuse University consistently ranks among the top schools in the country. A key component to that success is the ongoing innovation at the College of Professional Studies in adapting to the needs of military-connected students wherever they are in the world.

The College of Professional Studies was integral to Syracuse University being named among the top private schools for online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, and that same commitment to military-connected students extends to graduates of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

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College of Professional Studies Recognizes 12 Post-Traditional Students Inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Alpha Sigma Lambda is the nation’s largest and oldest chapter-based honor society for nontraditional students. The Society was founded in 1945-46 and today has more than 300 institutional chapters. The Syracuse University chapter is the Beta Delta Chapter and was established in 1977.

Alpha Sigma Lambda’s aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. Alpha Sigma Lambda is dedicated to the advancement of scholarship and recognizes high scholastic achievement in an adult student’s career. By so doing, this Society encourages many students to continue toward and to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees.

To be considered for membership a candidate must be matriculated and have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours and represent the top twenty percent of the class, with a minimum grade point index of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

On March 8, the College of Professional Studies recognized the following students at the 2024 Alpha Sigma Lambda reception:

  • Marisa Ashworth
  • Victoria Barnum
  • Sarah Blair
  • Samantha Bonocora
  • Katie Brody
  • Alexander Cook
  • Teagan Dow
  • Miguel Rodriguez Peraza
  • Robert Salvato
  • Ryan Simmons
  • Jason Smith II
  • William Stewart III

Your Guide to Remote Learning: 3 Tips to Elevate Your Online Learning Experience

How can you create the perfect at-home learning space? Start here. 

In the past, getting a degree online meant choosing between a narrow subset of options. In 2024, however, online learning is now a norm for many students, especially those looking to gain new skills or switch career paths. 

But while the rise of online learning has further normalized getting an online degree and learning from home, it isn’t without its challenges, including increased distractions, trouble connecting with peers, and overall boredom. 

To combat finding yourself in a remote learning slump, try these three tips to avoid burnout and help elevate your online learning experience.

1. Declutter your space 

Without the spatial structure of an office or classroom, concentrating on the task at hand can be even more difficult. And without the obligation to be somewhere in person, the temptation to log into class or work from your bed can be all the more alluring. However, creating an organized space to complete your work is a critical first step in ensuring success when learning from home. 

If possible, working from a desk (even one that’s in your bedroom) is ideal. To mimic the feeling of a traditional learning space, adding a calendar or even some personal photos to your desk set-up can recreate the essence of a typical work setting. If you are studying from your bedroom, make sure your room is free of clutter, and your bed is made. Going even further, taking a few minutes out of your morning routine to declutter your space can be a great habit to build. If you start doing this daily, the act of preparing your remote learning space will eventually feel as natural as brushing your teeth. While these may seem like minimal changes, they can make all the difference in your productivity.

While learning from home, it’s also just as important to declutter mentally and digitally as it is physically. This can mean different things for different learners. For example, turning your phone and laptop on “Do Not Disturb” while doing schoolwork is a great way to ensure your brain isn’t running in a million different directions and mentally cluttered with messages to respond to. 

Decluttering your digital space, as your laptop is now your classroom, can also be a major help. Start by archiving old assignments you don’t actively need and organizing school files into distinct folders on your computer. While your LMS, or Learning Management System, will facilitate where you can find and submit assignments, keeping track of your personal copies and files of assignments is a great way to stay organized and ensure academic success. To brush up on other online learning terms like LMS, read our virtual vocabulary blog post.

The Office of Online Student Success at the College of Professional Studies can also serve as a resource to help you navigate the ins and outs of remote learning. By offering a wide range of strategies to help you feel more comfortable in the online environment, OSS is there to provide students with resources that empower them to reach their goals while earning their degree online. 

2. Minimize external distractions

Whether it’s the barking of a dog, the buzzing of a TV, or the calls of a child, learning from home can present many more distractions than the traditional classroom setting. When learning remotely, it’s important to set boundaries with those that you live with to ensure a calm work environment that produces the same levels of productivity you would achieve in person. 

Investing in noise-canceling headphones, closing your bedroom or office door, and communicating with your household that work means work are just a few ways you can do this. 

Additionally, it’s important to limit digital distractions, such as scrolling through social media, texting friends, or engaging in other non-school-related activities. A 2019 study published in the Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning found that the use of technology in class for noneducational purposes was distracting to almost half of students, with 49 percent of students surveyed saying “off-task” technology use was distracting to them. For a refresher on what technology you should be using during online learning, check out our technical requirements guide.

Time-based focus strategies, such as the Pomodoro Technique, a time-management strategy based on 25-minute focused work intervals followed by five-minute breaks, have also proven successful in helping students lock in without distraction. While you might’ve heard of this method before, it’s worth revisiting— researchers at University of California, Irvine found it can take nearly 23 minutes to resume work after an interruption. So, time-blocking might just be your new best bet for minimizing distractions.

While online learning can be filled with distractions of everyday life, it’s important to minimize these distractions as much as possible to maximize the unique benefits of learning from home. Whether you’re a 9-5 working parent, a traveling entrepreneur, or just someone looking to revisit your education, remote learning is a great way to work towards your goals without disrupting your existing life. 

3. Develop a routine

Taking classes online means that you won’t be doing things like walking to class, driving the same route to campus, or beginning your day with some sort of journey that acts as a buffer between your morning and the beginning of your school day. 

While cutting out commuting time is great for time-saving, it’s still important to develop a sense of routine, even if you’re online. If you’re enrolled in one of our many online undergraduate programs, which feature synchronous classes, you can organize your schedule around the times you know you’ll be logged into class. 

For example, if you have class at the same time every Monday morning, it can be tempting to wake up 10 minutes before your lesson starts. However, taking the extra time to wake up 30 minutes earlier to clean your space, make breakfast, and review your to-do list for the class, can not only ensure you feel more prepared and productive but also aid in creating a sense of routine while learning from home. 

Remote learning is the perfect route for those who want to expand their knowledge while also juggling multiple commitments in their lives. There are countless benefits— you can continue working, pursue your side gig, or take care of your family, all while completing a degree. 

At the College of Professional Studies, our online undergraduate programs were designed to fit into your routine, not reroute it. With the addition of some new habits, you can develop a routine that accommodates your existing life, while also serving you on your new educational journey. 

The next time you find yourself in a rut while studying from home, try incorporating these tips into your week— after all, when you’re doing something as significant as getting an education from the comfort of your bedroom, small changes can make a big difference!

To learn more about our online programs, visit our academics page to see how learning from home can work for you.

By Isabel Bekele 

Career Corner: Fast Facts About a Career in Cybersecurity

Considering a career in cybersecurity? Here’s what you should know about this lucrative and exciting field.

When you picture a “cybersecurity expert,” you may envision the Hollywood version: a person typing away in a white van or surrounded by computers in a control room. 

In reality, cybersecurity is not a career path that exists solely on the big screen. As more of our professional world becomes digitized, cybersecurity experts are the key to ensuring that the data businesses, organizations, and governments share stays private and uncompromised. 

Cybersecurity is a career path growing in both need and popularity. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were over 700,000 open roles in cybersecurity as of August 2022. Jobs for information analysts are expected to jump 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, a clear indication the field is on the rise. According to staffing agency Mondo, the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the U.S. can be anywhere from $102,000 to $208,000.

What can you do with a degree in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a diverse field with a wide range of roles. Virtually every organization– from hospitals to universities– has data they need to protect, which means the need for cybersecurity analysts exists in every sector. Below are just a few examples of what a role in cybersecurity can look like for you:

  • Computer forensic analysts evaluate technology to recover data. They often aid in gathering information that police can use during criminal investigations, mainly focused on cybercrime.
  • Security consultants are professionals who inform businesses on how they can upgrade their security protocols. They develop strategies for making businesses keep their data more secure.  
  • Security specialists are those in charge of monitoring a company’s potential breaches. They address cyberattacks in real time and edit security measures to prevent attacks in the future.

Beyond these roles, cybersecurity can also venture into related fields such as:

  • Information Security
  • Network Setup
  • Core Database, Coding and Scripting
  • Auditing
  • Network Protocols
  • Systems Administration
  • Health Care 
  • Finance and Accounting

Is Cybersecurity right for you?

Being a cybersecurity professional may be the right field for you if you’re passionate about technology, but are more interested in the privacy side, and don’t see yourself studying in a program such as software engineering or computer science. 

For those with an interest in compliance, national security, or data protection, cybersecurity is a career path that can provide both personal and professional fulfillment. A career in cybersecurity means that you’ll play a vital role in whatever business or organization you become a part of, and can rest assured in knowing that you’re keeping your coworkers’ work safe and secure. 

At Syracuse University, our Bachelor of Professional Studies program in Cybersecurity Administration provides essential skills for managing the people and technologies that protect information, information systems, and infrastructures. The 120-credit program gives students an understanding of network setup, database coding, and systems administration. It’s also 100 percent online, has six start dates, and is accommodating to part-time students.

A B.P.S. degree is different from a normal degree in that it’s more career-oriented, meaning the program is hyper focused on providing you with the necessary skills for your intended profession. If a full degree isn’t the right choice for you at this time, Syracuse University also offers a 15-credit Cybersecurity Certificate. 

Ready to learn how you can start your journey in this exciting field? Read more about our programs here, and see how you can get started in cybersecurity today.

By Isabel Bekele