Food & Plant SciencE

Plants have evolved thousands of potentially useful compounds over millions of years on Earth. As long as humans have been around, we have studied and tried to understand and use these plant products to improve our health. This certificate program is an introduction to medicinal plants and how they can be used to treat illnesses. Throughout the courses, you will examine both the historical and biochemical aspects of integrating plant-based medicine into your own personal health plan. You will examine each of the body’s systems in detail and develop an understanding of what plants might be useful in treating that system, based on knowledge collected from around the world. This certificate is not a replacement for consulting with a physician; it is intended as an exploration of alternatives that you may not have considered or about which you would like to learn more. Familiarity with high school-level chemistry and biology will help you be successful in this program. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear.

Whether designing a home garden or working commercially in landscape design, you want to ensure that the planting plan will result in a landscape that thrives. The success of any planting design will ultimately be dependent upon knowledgeable site assessment and analysis, appropriate plant selection, soil remediation, and clear communication of design intentions. This certificate program will familiarize you with woody plant identification, appropriate plant use, and design and landscape establishment in various human-impacted landscapes. By practicing site assessment and related planting design in various simulations, you will gain confidence in identifying and selecting landscape plants, evaluating soil, and creating new planting plans. You’ll come away from the program having developed critical new insights and skills to create innovative landscapes in any setting. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear.

The craft brewing industry provides more than 150,000 jobs in the United States alone and has been rapidly expanding for several years now. Whether you’re looking to enter this growing field or are a home brewer, this certificate program will give you the skills you need to create and refine your own beer recipe. Throughout this program, you will have the opportunity to walk through a hands-on exploration of the four main ingredients used in beer production and their impact on the final product. This in-depth look at each ingredient includes the chemistry and calculations needed to determine the best combination and ratios of ingredients for brewing. You will investigate how malt, hops, yeast, and water impact the aroma and flavor of your beer then determine how to achieve your desired recipe and style. After completing this program, you will be well equipped with the expertise and tools to develop, brew, and refine craft beer. Note: You will be asked to purchase beer ingredients and other materials for various activities and projects before your courses begin. This may amount to around $100. You will receive a full list of materials at the time of enrollment. Familiarity with high school-level chemistry, advanced high school-level algebra, and basic calculations will help you be successful in this program.

Have you wondered about the work that goes into making a perfect glass of wine that engages the senses? There are many commonly held beliefs about wine grape production, with some more true than others. Yet one thing is certain: Winemaking is so much more than just crushing grapes. In this certificate program, you will take an introductory look at the art and science of viticulture and enology, or the study and practice of grape farming and winemaking. You will embark on a journey that will take you from unearthing the historical foundation of this timeless tradition to exploring modern challenges and developments, all while sharpening your skills toward becoming a wine professional and an expert at the table. As you go on this winemaking journey, you will enhance your knowledge of grape production and winemaking from the ground, to the grape, to the glass. Note: You will be asked to purchase wines and other materials for various activities and projects. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear.

In this certificate program, you will discover the rich history and potential of medicinal cannabis. You will begin by learning the applications of cannabis medicine, analyzing ancient medical practices and juxtaposing them with modern applications. By examining the evolution of medical cannabis growth and production methods, you will gain insight into the plant's pharmacology and extraction methods. Through instruction and practice, you will explore the impact of growing conditions, cannabinoids, and extraction methods on health benefits. You will also investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system as a neuromodulator, recognizing cannabis as a complex plant with hundreds of bioactive compounds. You will build an understanding of the nuances of drug metabolism for individual patients and discover potential side effects and interactions. Finally, you’ll explore FDA drug approval processes and the importance of testing medical cannabis products. Join us to unlock the multifaceted world of medicinal cannabis and its potential to revolutionize healthcare. Familiarity with college-level biology or chemistry as well as some background in basic pharmacology and/or botanical/plant biology will help you be successful in this program. You will be asked to purchase ingredients and other materials for various activities and projects before your courses begin. This may amount to $35. You will receive a full list of materials at the time of enrollment. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear. NOTE: Cornell University, as a federally funded institution, cannot accept payment directly from cannabis companies. This program contains information about cannabis, a federally illegal substance, and is intended for individuals aged 21 and above.

With applications ranging from textiles to CBD and health foods to fuel, the hemp industry in the United States is booming. In order to keep up with the rapidly growing demand for seeds, hemp breeders and seed technicians are highly sought after, and significant growth in employment opportunities is expected to continue into the next decade. This certificate program will cover the essential elements of starting a successful hemp breeding program. You will gain a deeper understanding of plant genetics and how they are applied to crop improvement. By combining both traditional and modern breeding techniques, you will design a plan to produce a crop with a desired combination of traits to help your plant succeed in a particular environment. From there, you will discover how to evaluate the success of a breeding trial — a process which is particularly complex when tracking and evaluating multiple traits of interest. As you gain a deeper understanding of plant intellectual property law, you will also plan how to appropriately protect your new variety. To complete your certificate, you can choose the focus area most relevant to you and your personal or professional needs, including food product development, entrepreneurship, or business management. By the completion of the program, you will have acquired a strong foundation in hemp genetics and be ready to create an effective breeding program. Familiarity with college-level biology, plant science, and basic descriptive statistical calculations will help you be successful in this program. For the best experience in this program, it is strongly recommended to take these courses in the order that they appear. NOTE: Cornell University, as a federally funded institution, cannot accept payment directly from cannabis companies. If you are affiliated with a cannabis business, please enroll and pay all fees as an individual. If you have questions about enrollment, please email us at info@ecornell.com.

As the U.S. hemp industry thrives across textiles, CBD products, health foods, and fuel, it's sparking a green revolution. The cultivation of hemp unlocks remarkable environmental and economic possibilities. Throughout these six comprehensive courses, you will explore the world of hemp plants and cultivation. First, you’ll develop a foundational scientific understanding of cannabis terminology, species, and cultivars. You’ll then explore various propagation methods and their specific purposes, allowing you to align these techniques with your growth, production, and agricultural goals. You will also gain an understanding of the environmental factors impacting optimal growth for indoor hemp cultivation. You’ll develop an understanding of the strategies utilized to achieve the successful outdoor cultivation of industrial and large-scale hemp plants. Throughout the program, you’ll discover how to combat threats from insect pests, weeds, and plant pathogens. Lastly, you’ll determine the precise timing and methods for harvesting hemp crops, tailored to your agricultural objectives. This certificate program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s dynamic cannabis industry. By the time you complete this program, you will have developed a deep understanding of hemp cultivation, placing you at the forefront of the burgeoning cannabis industry. You will have six months to complete the required elements for this certificate program, but this flexible approach allows you to finish sooner based on your schedule.

Want to build a career in the food industry? In this certificate program, you will explore the fundamental operations that the food industry relies on, ranging from mechanical processes like mixing to cutting-edge advancements such as irradiation and cold plasma. Throughout the program, you'll identify the mechanisms behind these food processing unit operations and the specialized equipment required for each. You will also gain insight into the processing parameters that guarantee safe and consistent food products. As the courses progress, you’ll discover the overarching principles that support optimal food processing strategy and design across many kinds of food operations to ensure product safety and consumer acceptance. Along with mastering the conceptual foundations, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises and calculations that guide the work of industry professionals and contribute to efficient, reliable food processing systems. To be successful in this program you should have general familiarity with chemistry, microbiology, physics and calculus. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear.

In today’s rapidly evolving cannabis sector, staying ahead of legal changes is crucial. With laws and policies frequently changing, it’s essential not only to understand what to look for but also to know how to find the most up-to-date information relevant to your role in the industry. This certificate program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape of high-THC cannabis. You will explore federal regulations as well as New York State's unique regulatory structures compared to other states. You’ll analyze strategic business entity choices, delve into taxation nuances, and examine the dynamic field of medical cannabis legalization. Upon completing this certificate program, you will be equipped with the knowledge required to make informed decisions, implement responsible practices, and successfully navigate the growing cannabis industry. Note: Cornell University, as a federally funded institution, cannot accept payment directly from cannabis companies. This program contains information about cannabis, a federally illegal substance, and is intended for individuals aged 21 and above. You’ll have six months to complete the required elements for this certificate program, but this flexible approach allows you to finish sooner based on your schedule.

Whether you’re a cultivator, processor, or marketer, this certificate program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving hemp market. The courses cover a wide range of topics, from the biological characteristics of the hemp plant and its diverse applications to the intricate processes involved in cannabinoid extraction and the historical and current significance of hemp in various industries. As you progress through the program, you will have the opportunity to review the nuances of the hemp industry, focusing on the plant’s genetic variations, market classifications, and the legal distinctions between hemp and marijuana. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of the cannabinoid extraction process, including the isolation and refinement of phytochemicals such as CBD and THC, as well as the tools used for cannabis analysis. In addition, you’ll explore the history of hemp grain and fiber, the unique structure and composition of hemp fibers, and their diverse applications. You will come away from the courses equipped with the expertise needed to make informed decisions in the hemp industry, the ability to apply best practices in cannabinoid extraction and analysis, and an appreciation for the versatility of hemp along with its growing importance in various consumer and industrial markets. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear.

Food is one of the largest industries in the world. Expectations of customers continue to evolve and create opportunities for new products. In this certificate program, you will be guided through the iterative process of bringing a new food product or innovation to market. The first course starts with defining and testing the feasibility of your food product. You will proceed through the process of creating protocepts, conducting and incorporating consumer research, refining your initial concept, and determining how the product will meet safety requirements and quality expectations. Throughout the courses, you will also address the regulatory requirements associated with food products, investigate different manufacturing and production options, and create a framework for bringing your product to market. Each course includes a project in which you will have the opportunity to apply what you have studied to your own food idea. By the end of this certificate program, you will be able to navigate the science and business processes to successfully develop safe, high-quality food or beverage products. For the best experience in this program, it is strongly recommended to take these courses in the order that they appear.

These courses equip beekeepers from the hobby level to the commercial level with the concepts, knowledge, and best management practices needed to pass Cornell University’s Master Beekeeping Certificate written, oral, and field examinations. By the end of these beekeeping courses, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to keep colonies healthy and productive year after year. You’ll be able to expand the amount, quality, and type of bee products and services you produce, and you’ll have the understanding to determine whether to take advantage of the business opportunities that beekeeping can provide. You’ll gain a deep understanding of honey bees as living organisms and be able to navigate controversial topics so you can communicate with credibility in the beekeeping community. Lastly, you’ll be able to act as a resource to educate new beekeepers and participate in bee research and outreach.  In order to receive the final certificate, students must contribute meaningfully to a set number of discussions, moderated by Cornell University Master Beekeeping facilitators, and pass the written, oral, and field exams. The exams include a written exam, the delivery of a presentation, and a field exam where individuals will demonstrate key beekeeping skills. A Cornell University Master Beekeeping Certificate from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Entomology, will be awarded to individuals who successfully complete the required coursework and receive a passing grade on all three exams. The courses in this certificate program are required to be completed in the order that they appear. The exams can be scheduled and completed simultaneously. Please note there is a prerequisite of three years’ minimum experience in order to enroll in the program.