Top Cannabis Agriculture Degree Programs
The top cannabis agriculture degree programs include degrees from community colleges, traditional colleges, universities, and career schools. New education programs focus on specific parts of the cannabis sector.
The goal of cannabis agriculture degree programs is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the expanding cannabis industry, whether they intend to work in cannabis cultivation, processing, or other related fields.
This article was originally published November 27, 2023 and was last updated January 29, 2026.
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1. Santa Rosa Junior College
Associate of Science in Hemp Agriculture
The Associate of Science (AS) in Hemp Agriculture at Santa Rosa Junior College provides a comprehensive foundation for students seeking positions in the hemp industry. This cannabis plant science degree program delivers both lecture and hands-on laboratory experience. Topics include plant science, growth, and development; soil and plant nutrition; integrated pest management; nursery and crop production; irrigation methods, system design, and troubleshooting; and principles of sustainable agriculture. These cannabis agriculture courses offer contextualized units specific to aspects of the hemp plant. This cannabis agriculture degree program of study is also available as a certificate option.
- Campus Location: Santa Rosa, California
- Credits: 60 credits
- Delivery: in-person on campus
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Cost: $46 per-unit (more)
2. Finger Lakes Community College
AAS in Horticulture: Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Track
Finger Lakes Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Horticulture: Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Track. This cannabis farming degree combines core cannabis agriculture courses with three cannabis-specific classes that blend classroom learning and seminars with hands-on training in cannabis biology and cultivation. Regional experts, growers, and professionals will provide first-hand knowledge of the regulatory and legal frameworks in cannabis cultivation and distribution.
- Campus Location: Canandaigua, NY
- Credits: 64 credits
- Delivery: in-person on campus
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $220 per credit (more)
3. SUNY Niagara
AAS in Horticulture: Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Track
The SUNY Niagara Horticulture program prepares students for employment in the green industry by engaging them in the art and science of plants. This cannabis farming degree program emphasizes sustainable horticultural techniques, the latest scientific research, and best management practices.
- Campus Location: Sanborn, New York
- Credits: 60 credits
- Delivery: Face-to-Face on Campus or Asynchronous Web-Based
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $220 per credit (more)
4. SUNY Morrisville
minor in Specialty Crops and Cannabis Production
The SUNY Morrisville cannabis agriculture degree track starts with the specialty crops and cannabis production certificate program. If you choose to advance your education, the certificate is stackable and transferable to the 60 credit two-year horticulture Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Additionally the certificate provides a minor in the four-year horticulture business management Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree.
- Campus Location: Morrisville, New York
- Credits: 27 credits for certificate, 60 for AAS, and 120 for BTech
- Delivery: in person, on campus
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $471 per credit
5. Western Illinois University
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Cannabis Cultivation Minor
The School of Agriculture at Western Illinois University offers a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Cannabis Cultivation Minor. This new minor covers cannabis anatomy, physiology, breeding, and propagation methods. Students also learn management techniques, post-harvest processing, commercial production, crop rotations, and product applications.
- Campus Location: Macomb, IL
- Credits: 120 credits for BS
- Delivery: in person, on campus
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Cost: $343 per credit (in-state)
6. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Cannabis Production and Management Certificate
The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offer a cannabis horticulture certificate. Its cannabis agriculture courses include crop production, plant breeding, pest management, and plant physiology.
- Campus Location: Urbana, IL
- Credits: 11 credits, 4 courses
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Cost: $436 per credit
7. Utah State University
course: The Science and Technology of Medical Cannabis Cultivation
The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Utah State University offers a unique online cannabis agriculture course. It provides an in depth understanding of how to optimize yield and quality in medical Cannabis.
- Campus Location: Logan, Utah
- Credits: certificate upon completion
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Cost: $1,495
8. Kishwaukee College
AAS in Agribusiness with a Cannabis & Hemp Cultivation Certificate
Kishwaukee College offers a 61 credit Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Agribusiness degree. On the way to earning this cannabis agriculture degree, students can complete 25 hours and earn the Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation Certificate.
- Campus Location: Malta, Illinois
- Credits: 61
- Delivery: in person
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Cost: $152 per credit
9. Columbia-Green Community College
Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Microcredential
The 9-credit Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Microcredential introduces students to a wide variety of positions related to cannabis agricultural cultivation and processing. It is designed for those with farming backgrounds to prepare for an industry shift and for those new to cannabis growing and cannabis agricultural manufacturing.
- Campus Location: Hudson, NY
- Credits: 9
- Delivery: online asynchronous
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $639
10. University of Connecticut
classes in cannabis agriculture
UConn offers the nation’s first university class on the fundamentals of cannabis agriculture. Each summer, UConn offers two Horticulture of Cannabis courses. Online Horticulture of Cannabis Courses at UConn are Introduction to the Horticulture of Cannabis and Advanced Cannabis Horticulture: Production and Industry. The two, 3-credit cannabis agriculture courses can be completed 100% online.
- Campus Location: Storrs, Connecticut
- Credits: 3 credits per class
- Delivery: online asynchronous
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Cost: $0 per credit
What degree do you need to work in cannabis agriculture?
To become a cannabis grower, you need to have experience working in the cannabis agriculture industry. Places to gain experience are typically a farm, greenhouse, or a nursery. Some growers attend cannabis agriculture programs or have a bachelor’s degree in soil science, horticulture, plant biology, or a related subject.
There is no specific degree required to grow cannabis. However, having a cannabis agriculture degree or a degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills for cultivating cannabis plants.
Additionally, some states and countries may require a license or certification for legal cannabis cultivation, which may have specific educational or training requirements. Overall, a combination of education, experience, and passion for cannabis cultivation can be beneficial for success in this field.
What do cannabis agriculture degree programs teach?
Cannabis agriculture degree programs teach students about the science and practical skills required to cultivate cannabis plants, from seed to harvest. These programs cover various topics, including cannabis plant science courses, soil and nutrient management, pest and disease control, as well as harvesting and processing techniques. Some programs also explore advanced subjects such as plant genetics and breeding.
Key components of cannabis agriculture degree programs include:
- Plant Science Courses and Botany: This section includes botany and genetics, seed germination and transplanting, and plant care and growth.
- Cultivation Techniques: Students learn about indoor and outdoor cultivation, soil and growing media, irrigation and nutrient management, pest and disease management, as well as harvesting and processing.
- Advanced Topics: This part covers breeding and genetics, cannabis plant science courses, plant propagation, and strategies for optimizing yield and quality.
What is the job title for a someone who grows Cannabis?
Cannabis cultivators and growers are the professionals who grow cannabis. The Master Grower is 100 percent responsible for your cultivation program. Also referred to as the Head Grower or Cultivation Manager, this position is the single most important asset for any commercial cultivation facility.
You don’t need to attend cannabis agriculture programs to get a job in this sector. But, with a degree in cannabis agriculture, students can easily pursue various careers in the cannabis industry. Some common job titles for graduates include:
- Cannabis Cultivator or Grower
- Cannabis Plant Breeder
- Quality Control Manager
- Extraction Technician
- Compliance Specialist
- Sales representative for a cannabis company
- Marketing manager for a cannabis brand
- Dispensary Manager
- Cannabis Consultant
How Much Can You Make in Cannabis Agriculture?
The amount of money you can make with a cannabis agriculture degree or certificate from one of these cannabis agriculture programs varies. Geographic location, experience, and also the employer can affect how much you earn.
Marijuana Grower Entry-Level
A marijuana grower entry-level job is a position in the cannabis industry that involves growing and cultivating cannabis plants for medicinal or recreational use. This job typically requires little to no experience, making it a good entry-level position for individuals looking to start a career in the cannabis industry.
AVERAGE SALARY: $15 to $20 per hour (Indeed)
Cannabis Grower or Cultivator
Cannabis cultivators, or growers, are experts at managing the growing, harvesting, and planting of cannabis plants. This role is paramount as it helps supply the initial product. Cannabis cultivators are typically entry-level positions that also offer growth opportunities.
AVERAGE SALARY: $54,372 (Indeed)
Medical Marijuana Grower
A medical marijuana grower is responsible for cultivating and harvesting medical grade marijuana plants for medicinal use. This job requires a cannabis agriculture degree and a strong knowledge of horticulture, plant anatomy, and cultivation techniques.
AVERAGE SALARY: $53,000 (Salary dot com)
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