Minot State University Bachelor’s in Medicinal Plant Chemistry Review
Like it or not (and if you’re reading this – you probably do!), marijuana is mainstream, and it’s here to stay. In addition to the numerous states and countries that have and are liberalizing their marijuana policies, the clear sign to this fact is that numerous major public and private universities now offer marijuana-related programs.
These include short seminars, all the way to full degrees.
One of those degrees being offered is a Bachelor’s in Medicinal Plant Chemistry from Minot State University. Although this program covers more than just cannabis, it has a large emphasis on the plant. Below is an overview of this program:
Summary of Program
“As a medicinal plant chemistry major at Minot State, you’ll be part of the only program in the state and one of only two four-year medicinal plant chemistry programs in the nation”, states the degrees course overview. “While pursuing coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus and completing a capstone research project, you’ll earn over 600 hours of laboratory experience while focusing on the extraction, separation, and analysis of compounds and chemicals from plant material.”
In addition, “You will learn the theory, skills, and techniques necessary to work in the medicinal cannabis, hops, botanical supplements, and food science industries. Hands-on laboratory experiences will prepare you for extraction, quality assurance, and quality control roles.”
Potential Career Options
Some potential marijuana-related career options you can expect to be relevant to this course include:
Extraction, purification, and analysis of compounds from plants:
- Medicinal cannabis
- Hops extracts for craft brewing
- Essential oils
- Herbal extracts
Potential salary: $75,000 – $90,000
Quality control/quality assurance
- Ensure safety and purity of commercial products (food, beverages, pharmaceuticals) through testing and eximination
Potential salary: $65,000 – $75,000
Forensic chemistry
- Drug testing of employees, partners and even corpses
Potential salary: $65,000 – $80,000
Ranking of University
According USNews.com, Minot State University is ranked:
- #111 in Regional Universities Midwest
- #145 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #32 for Top Public Schools
Course Overview
Below is the full official course overview:
Medicinal Plant Chemistry
Offered: On campus
Learn with Minot State
As a medicinal plant chemistry major at Minot State, you’ll be part of the only program in the state and one of only two four-year medicinal plant chemistry programs in the nation.
While pursuing coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus and completing a capstone research project, you’ll earn over 600 hours of laboratory experience while focusing on the extraction, separation, and analysis of compounds and chemicals from plant material.
You will learn the theory, skills, and techniques necessary to work in the medicinal cannabis, hops, botanical supplements, and food science industries. Hands-on laboratory experiences will prepare you for extraction, quality assurance, and quality control roles.
Consider a medicinal plant chemistry profession
According to Forbes magazine, the legal medicinal cannabis industry is projected to grow from $52 million in 2017 to $2.5 billion by 2027. As of July 2019, medicinal cannabis is legal in 33 states and D.C., and many states require the product to be used in its extracted form. Other botanical products, such as essential oils, are extracted using processes and techniques similar to those used for cannabis.
As craft brewing continues to grow, many hops suppliers have discontinued doing analysis of outside samples in order to focus on internal demands. As brewmasters increasingly use hops extracts in their recipes, the market for workers skilled in extraction and analysis is expected to grow in this industry.
Skilled professionals are, and will continue to be, needed to perform extraction, purification, and analysis of products originating from plants.