Central Penn launches cannabis management degree track

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Citing a growing demand for skilled professionals in Pennsylvania‘s cannabis industry, Central Penn College is adding a Cannabis Management track to its business degree.

The new Cannabis Management concentration is within the Enola-based college’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program.

According to a release, this new concentration provides a pathway for certificate holders to grow their credentials and offers a bachelor’s-level education designed to meet the workforce demands of Pennsylvania’s growing cannabis industry. The program addresses the shortage of qualified professionals in this sector, a need the state highlighted through initiatives like the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, per the release.

Created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2024, the Grow PA Grant Program seeks to bolster the state’s workforce by supporting students pursuing eligible programs in high-demand fields.

“Pennsylvania’s commitment to building its workforce in in-demand occupations, as evidenced by the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, underscores the vital need for trained professionals in sectors such as cannabis,” Michael Bouchard, Program Director of Central Penn College’s School of Business and Professional Studies, said in a statement. “Our new Cannabis Management concentration is a forward-thinking response to this state-identified workforce shortage. We are equipping students with the specific business acumen and industry knowledge required to thrive and lead in Pennsylvania’s legal cannabis industry.”

The cannabis industry in Pennsylvania and across the nation is expanding, creating an economic landscape with a need for skilled business leaders. Businesses require professionals who understand the industry’s operational, regulatory, and market complexities. Recognizing this need and encouraged by the strong interest in its existing certificate program, Central Penn College developed the Cannabis Management concentration.

The Cannabis Management concentration provides students with an understanding of the industry landscape, from the historical context and evolving regulations to the entrepreneurial skills necessary to navigate this market. Coursework delves into key business functions as they apply to the cannabis sector, including operations, marketing, finance, and the intricate regulatory and compliance environment. The transition from the Cannabis Business certificate program allows students to apply their knowledge towards a bachelor’s degree, thus expanding their career prospects.

Industry projections show that the legal cannabis market is poised for substantial growth, creating career opportunities. Graduates of Central Penn College’s Cannabis Management concentration will be prepared for roles such as dispensary managers, compliance officers, operations supervisors, marketing specialists, and entrepreneurs within cultivation, processing, and retail segments of the industry.