Cannabis Agriculture and Operations Associate of Applied Science

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

This program is pending NMU Board of Trustees approval. The board will meet Thursday July 9 - Friday, July 10.

Graduates of NMU’s Associate of Applied Science in Cannabis Agriculture and Operations are prepared for careers in cannabis cultivation, compliance, and product operations. This 60-credit program provides a comprehensive foundation in cannabis production systems, facility management, and regulatory frameworks. Students gain practical knowledge of sustainable cultivation methods, pest management, environmental controls, harvesting, processing, and retail operations. The curriculum integrates two preexisting stackable certificates, Cannabis Agriculture and Cannabis Operations, with specialized coursework in industry software, safety, and compliance. These same certificates may also ladder into the existing CO PBW BAS degree. Designed for flexibility, the program supports both full-time and part-time students through asynchronous online learning options. Graduates are equipped for entry- to mid-level roles in cultivation management, compliance coordination, product processing, and dispensary operations within the growing cannabis industry.

Total Credits Required 60 Credits

General Education Courses 15 Credits

Select general education courses within the specified limits for a total of 15 credits.

Effective Communication [EFFC]  - 0-2 courses **
Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis [QUAR]   - 0-1 course
Social Responsibility in a Diverse World [SOCR]   0-1 course
Integrative Thinking [INTT]  0-1 course
Human Expression [HUME]  0-1 course
Perspectives on Society [PERS]  0-2 courses
Scientific Inquiry [SCII]   0-2 courses

**If a student intends to ladder up to a BAS, EN111 and EN211 are recommended.

Technical Core Courses 32 Credits

PBW 101 - Applied Natural Wellness Retail 4 Credits
CO 110 - Cannabis Growing Operations 4 Credits
CO 111 - Cannabis Fundamentals 4 Credits
CO 121 - Cannabis: Uses and Effects 2 Credits
CO 131 - Dispensary Operations 2 Credits
CO 210 - Cannabis Product Development and Manufacturing 4 Credits
CO 211 - Federal Dispensary Regulations 2 Credits
CO 212 - State Dispensary Regulations 2 Credits
CO 310 - Environmental Control Systems-1 2 Credits
CO 320 - Integrated Pest Management Disease and Pest Identification 2 Credits
CO 410 - Environmental Control Systems-2 2 Credits
CO 420 - Integrated Pest Management Disease and Pest Treatment 2 Credits
CO 289 - CAO AAS Graduation Assessment 0 Credits

General Electives 13 Credits

Notes

There will be variation in General Education and Elective Credits. A minimum of 28 is required between Gen Eds and electives to bring the credit count up to the required 60 for an associate degree.
PBW 101 is included because it is a required component of the Cannabis Operations certificate, which is embedded within this AAS. Including it ensures students can still earn the CO certificate as a “safety stop” within the stackable credential pathway.