As part of the college of the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, the MS in Cosmetic Science teaches students how to appropriately use raw materials to make new products and then develop, formulate, and assess the safety and quality of the products for human use. Students in this program learn how safe, effective, and environmentally friendly products are scientifically formulated.

UC’s Cosmetic Science online program offers both a Graduate Certificate and a nationally acclaimed Master of Science in Cosmetic Science Degree. The MS in Cosmetic Science is the most comprehensive program in the field and is led by renowned faculty with corporate and academic experience, expertise, and practical application.

Founded in 1973, our MS in Cosmetic Science is globally recognized as one of the oldest cosmetic science 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.

Program Offerings

• 100% online — no campus visits required
• World-class faculty with real-world experience and extensive academic expertise
• Option for a concentrated, one-week, hands-on laboratory formulation session on campus.
• Part-time flexibility — balance school, work and life responsibilities
• Transformative curriculum — apply lessons learned immediately in the field

Curriculum
Master of Science in Cosmetic Science-Fall 2019

Required Courses
The following courses are required for the program.
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
PCEU8010    Skin Care Science (C min)    3
PCEU8030    Hair Care Science (C min)    2
PCEU8051    Skin, Hair, and Oral Products (C min)    3
PCEU7004    Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club (C min)    1
PHIL6050    Ethical Foundations for Researchers (C min)    1 - 6
PCEU8081    Cosmetic Science Project I (C min)    2
PCEU8091    Cosmetic Science Project II (C min)    2
Surface, Colloid, and Membrane/Formulation Science
PCEU 8024 and 8025 are required courses. Students who began the program prior to Summer 2018 may have met this requirement by taking either PCEU 8020 (3 credit hours) OR PCEU 6020 and PCEU 8025 (4 credit hours).
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
PCEU8024    Introduction to Surface, Colloid and Membrane Science (C min)    2
PCEU8025    Advanced Surface, Colloid and Formulation Science (C min)    2
Statistics
Select one of the following courses:
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
EDST7010    Statistical Data Analysis I (C min)    3
PCEU7010    BIostatistics & Research Methods (C min)    3

Elective Courses
Students should select nine (9-10) credit hours of electives from the following list.
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
PCEU8005    Safety Assessment of Cosmetic and Topical OTC Drug Products: Preclinical and Clinical (C min)    2
PCEU8015    Pharmacology-Basics and Cosmetic & Personal Care Product Applications (C min)    2
PCEU8016    Consumer Understanding for Formulators-Overview and Practice (C min)    2
PCEU8021L    Cosmetic Science Laboratory (C min)    2
PCEU8023    Fragrance Science (C min)    2
PCEU8040    Color Cosmetics (C min)    2
PCEU8060    Clinical and Instrumental Testing of Skin (C min)    2
PCEU8070    Molecular Biology of Skin (C min)    2
PCEU8080    Cosmetic Microbiology (C min)    2
PHDD8010    Global Regulatory and Development Strategies of Drugs and Medical Devices (C min)    3
PHDD8080    Pharmaceutical Economics and Management (C min)    3
PCEU8017    Introduction to Cosmetic Regulations (C min)    2
PCEU8089    OTC DRUG PRODUCT AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (C min)    3
PCEU8026L    Introduction to Surface, Colloid and Membrane Science Lab (C min)

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.

Admission Requirements

Programmatic minimum admission criteria include:

• A U.S. bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from foreign country.
• A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 or foreign 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
• 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.
• Completed GRE with a score of 290/3.0 obtained within the past 5 years, or approved waiver. (No GRE is required for the Graduate Certificate). You may be eligible for a GRE waiver if you:
  • Have an undergraduate degree from UC in a relevant field
  • Have completed a graduate degree in a relevant field
  • Have numerous years of relevant work experience with demonstrated advancement
  • Have a combination of GPA and years of relevant work experience

• Completed online application through the University of Cincinnati Graduate School

Transcript Information

All college transcripts are required. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient to make offers of admission. However, all official and final transcripts must be received by the Graduate School by 30 days before the start of class enrollment to secure admission offer.

Official transcripts may be submitted with your application and sent to:

University of Cincinnati
Graduate School
110 Van Wormer Circle
Pox Office Box 00627
Cincinnati, Oho 45221-037

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required, three are preferred. (Applicants are encouraged to seek letters from individuals who can comment on research experience). Letters of recommendation from family, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy are not accepted.

Tuition fee-2 years$56,000

Total fee-2 years$92,000