Program Overview

Bachelor of Science – Cosmetic Science (BSCS)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science – Cosmetic Science program is the first degree of its kind in Canada and is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and experience for careers in the cosmetic and personal care industry.

Program Details

• Campus: Seneca@York
• Delivery: Hybrid
• Duration: 6 Semesters (3 Years)
• Credential: Bachelor Degree
• School: School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

About the Program

This innovative three-year degree program intersects elements of science and art by providing a strong foundation in core sciences, such as biology and chemistry, alongside a specialization in cosmetic product formulation, including colour cosmetics. Foundational concepts are further explored through courses in organic and analytical chemistry, as well as the anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails.

Through the program’s sensorial and comprehensive curriculum, students will exercise their creative skills and gain hands-on experience with raw materials and colour theory. They will learn how to design and develop cosmetic formulations — from skin care to colour cosmetics — participate in regulatory applications, oversee quality assurance and more. The curriculum also includes a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), through the exploration and formulation of products that embrace different skin tones, conditions, genders and ages.

In addition to cosmetic product formulation, students will learn about sustainability through the study of responsible manufacturing practices and examine how these topics are addressed within the scope of marketing, social media and package design.

Skills

Throughout this program, students will develop the following skills:

• Raw material research
• Cosmetic formulation and manufacturing
• Quality mindset
• Global regulations
• Product development process
• Sustainable practices in the cosmetic industry

Work Experience

Mandatory Degree Work Term

A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.

Program Availability

• Canadian Applicants
• International Applicants

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• Cosmetic formulation chemist
• Research and development chemist
• Quality assurance associate
• Quality control technician
• Regulatory affairs associate
• Sales/technical representative
• Product development associate

Marketing opportunities also exist in the packaging, product development, advertising and media fields.

Affiliations/Associations

• Canadian Cosmetic Cluster
• Cosmetics Alliance Canada
• Society of Cosmetic Chemists

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career-ready and world-ready. This program has a mandatory co-op to help students hone essential skills for the workplace.

Renewable Scholarships

Students may qualify for a renewable scholarship and receive up to $1,000 per year when studying in any degree program.

Pharmaceutical Labs

Students will gain hands-on, practical experience in state-of-the-art pharmaceutical labs, preparing them for their in-demand career.

Academic Pathways

Seneca is a leader in academic pathways and offers options to help students transfer existing credits from a completed program or continue their studies.

Student Experiences

Graduate Career-Ready

Take the next step in academic journey at Seneca. Join thousands of graduates who are making a difference here and around the world.

Applied Research Spaces & Labs

As part of this program, students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs at Seneca@York, including the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences (SCILS) — a first-of-its-kind applied research facility, where students, faculty and industry partners can collaborate to develop, enhance and validate innovations in diagnostics and cosmetics.

Related Programs

• Chemical Laboratory Technology – Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetic Science
• Honours Bachelor of Science – Biotechnology