Cannabis MBA Program Being Offered by N.J. College
With New Jersey permitting the sale of adult-use cannabis by licensed retailers starting April 21, Rowan University’s School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Glassboro is launching a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) concentration and a certificate of graduate study focused on cannabis commercialization.
“Companies directly involved with cannabis cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and retail sales need experts from other industries to adapt, extend and expand best practices into the highly regulated cannabis market,” said Dr. Sue Lehrman, dean of the Rohrer College of Business (RCB). “There is also strong and growing demand for ancillary businesses that complement and serve the fast-growing cannabis industry in New Jersey and beyond.”
Opened in 2022 as part of the RCB, Rowan’s School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship furthers opportunities for professional startups and fosters a cross-campus entrepreneurial mindset.
“Like any new industry, New Jersey’s fast-evolving cannabis sector will require smart, innovative professionals to help businesses reach their full potential,” said Dr. Eric Liguori, founding head of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Graduates of Rowan’s new MBA concentration or certificate of graduate study programs will be creative problem-solvers ready on Day 1 to help lead, drive and develop this exciting new industry.”
Potential career pathways in the cannabis industry include roles in accounting and taxation, finance and banking, data analysis, marketing and branding, supply chain, and human resources in addition to opportunities in cultivation, production and retail.
Students in the cannabis commercialization concentration will complete two required courses: Evolution of the Cannabis Industry and Business Model Innovation in Cannabis. One elective course is chosen to tailor toward achieving individual career goals.
“Our online MBA will prepare students from across the country for this fast-developing job market,” noted Jennifer Maden, assistant dean and director of graduate studies in the Rohrer College of Business. “Students will build and refine their business acumen, sharpen and expand their knowledge specific to the cannabis industry, while simultaneously expanding their networks across industries.”
New Jersey adopted reform legislation in 2010 to issue licenses for the cultivation, manufacture and sale of marijuana, at first for doctor-supervised patients with specific conditions, and then for adult use. Rowan has been working with industry leaders since 2021 to create workforce development and research opportunities in cannabis.
“Rowan University is interested in more industry collaborations to develop internships for our students, full-time jobs for our graduates, and much-needed research studies around cannabis,” said Bob Bullard, assistant vice president of Professional Success. “We know there will be significant demand for professional, highly skilled employees in this sector and we’re well-prepared to meet those needs.”
Visit Rowan University’s Cannabis Institute for Research, Policy and Workforce Development for more information.
