Program Overview

MS in Cosmetic Science

Overview

The graduate program in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati aims to train students who will become the future leaders in Cosmetic Science. We offer both a Graduate Certificate (GC) and our nationally-acclaimed Master of Science (MS) in Cosmetic Science online to part-time and full-time students. We also offer the conventional thesis-based MS and PhD degrees in Pharmaceutical Science with emphasis in Cosmetic Science.

Program Details

• Duration: 2 Years
• Total Credits: 30
• Award: MSCOS

Success

The program focuses on providing students with the know-how to develop cosmetic and personal care products that delight consumers and improve their quality of life. Course offerings include:

• The physiology and pharmacology of pertinent therapeutic or benefit systems of the skin and hair, as well as those associated with approved OTC drug categories.
• The underlying physical, biophysical, colloidal, and interfacial chemistry and formulation science of skin and hair cosmetic products, and OTC drug products.
• Experimental design and statistical evaluation, product evaluation techniques (in vitro and clinical) including stability evaluations, cosmetic microbiology, consumer research, US FDA cosmetic and drug regulations, and product development approaches.
• A concentrated one-week hands-on laboratory formulation session at the University of Cincinnati is also an option.

Career

As a career focus, the student will be trained to understand:

• The know-how to apply physiology/biology of relevant skin, hair, and/or OTC drug targeted organ systems as these relate to achieve or evaluate the desired outcome of the use of cosmetic and personal care products.
• The ability to formulate cosmetic and personal care product types (emulsions, suspensions, gels, solutions, aerosols, etc.) to meet desired product attributes using an understanding of the physical and chemical basis of these formulations.
• The ability to identify and evaluate potential new actives and benefit delivery approaches from the relevant literature that could provide improved product performance.
• The know-how to develop new product formulation approaches from evaluation of existing products and the relevant literature, and from designed experimentation to create products with improved benefits and consumer experience.
• The ability to develop comprehensive product development programs to meet new product criteria and timing.
• An understanding of methods to evaluate new and existing products for consumer acceptance, performance, and stability.
• Familiarity with relevant governmental regulations (primarily US) which will help confirm product compliance.
• The ability to prepare written assessments/proposals and orally present and defend them.
• Develop project management skills that will enhance leadership opportunities.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a range of courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of cosmetic science.

UC Advantages And Special Opportunities

Started in 1973, our Master of Science in Cosmetic Science is now globally recognized as one of the oldest graduate programs in the country. Our innovative programs help prepare students today to gain knowledge of cosmetic science that help them develop as industry leaders for tomorrow.

Admission Requirements

Programmatic minimum admission criteria include:

• A U.S. bachelors degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent non-U.S. degree
• A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 or non-U.S. equivalent
• At least one semester of undergraduate course work in organic chemistry and calculus, or related fields; or the equivalent as determined by the graduate program
• Resume/CV
• Two letters of recommendation are required, three are preferred.
• If English is not your native language, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 90 (internet-based) or 235 (computer-based) is required. IELTS score of 7 or higher is preferred or a Duolingo score of 110 or higher is also acceptable.
• Completed online application

Transferring To UC

Students who are accepted into the MS program are eligible to apply for advanced standing.

International Student Requirements

International students are eligible to apply. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The minimum score required for admission is 90 (internet-based test).

Graduation Requirements

To fulfill graduation requirements the student must complete a minimum of 30 graduate hours while in the program, with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. A capstone project is required as a final project to demonstrate program proficiency.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester - August 1
• Spring Semester - December 1
• Summer Semester - April 1

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.