Online Master of Science in Cosmetic Science
UC’s online Cosmetic Science program offers both a Graduate Certificate and a Hygienic Manufacturing of Cosmetic Products Graduate Certificate with a nationally acclaimed Master of Science in Cosmetic Science Degree.
Master of Science in Cosmetic Science Program Overview
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 country’s oldest cosmetic science graduate programs. Our innovative programs help prepare students today to gain knowledge of cosmetic science that help them develop as industry leaders for tomorrow.
Want to know what to expect from UC’s online Cosmetic Science program? Hear from program director Dr. K.P. Ananth. In this video, learn more about who this program is for and what you can expect to gain from the online Cosmetic Science program.
Master of Science in Cosmetic Science Program Highlights
High Quality Education
Earning a Cosmetic Science Degree is a great career choice for those interested in the science behind creating personal care and beauty products. Many students come from large cosmetic companies with chemistry or engineering degrees. Other students come from non-science majors such as business and marketing interested in learning more about the science behind the products.
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.
A graduate degree in Cosmetic Science can help those looking to advance or grow their careers in cosmetics and personal care.
Students and faculty of UC Online’s Cosmetic Science program represent some of the world’s leading cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies. Students can network with working professionals from notable brands, including:
- L’Oréal
- Unilever
- Estée Lauder
- P&G
- Johnson & Johnson
Flexibility
- 100% online: no campus visits required
- Part-time flexibility: balance school, work, and life responsibilities
- Transformative curriculum: apply lessons learned immediately in the field
- Option for a concentrated, one-week, hands-on laboratory formulation session on campus
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
- A U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a foreign country in the field of science such as chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, or similar fields
- 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
- For international students, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 90 (internet-based) or 235 (computer-based), or a Duolingo English Test of at least 110 is accepted.
- Transcripts must be submitted for evaluation to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluating Services (NACES; www.naces.org).
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Two letters of reference are required.
- References should come from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills. Letters of recommendation from family, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy are not accepted.
A professional and current resume or curriculum vitae.
Provide two paragraphs on why you plan to pursue this program and how you plan to use this degree in your career.
Students living abroad are eligible to pursue this program, but will not be qualified for F-1 Visa status in this online program
Applicants with college coursework completed outside the United States are required to provide a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation for each college or university you attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be obtained from a service listed on the NACES member website.
Students who are not permanent residents of the United States or earned a degree from an institution where English was not the language of instruction must complete a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test when applying. The minimum score required for admission is 90 (internet-based test). If you have a bachelor's degree or higher from a United States university, this requirement will be waived. IELTS score of 7 or higher is preferred or a Duolingo score of 110 or higher is also acceptable.
Transcripts must also be submitted for evaluation to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluating Services (NACES; www.naces.org). Reference the Official Transcript Submission Policy for Enrollment for more information.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
April 1, 2026 August 1, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
- The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The University of Cincinnati is an Ohio Public Institution, and each of its programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).
- The University of Cincinnati Online’s programs continues to rank among the best in the nation by U.S. News Rankings, a leading rankings site for education. Notably, the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy was recently ranked 30th in the country for US pharmacy schools.
“The University of Cincinnati has helped me in my career in so many different ways. Not only did I become a better cosmetic scientist; I connected with other chemists, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. The extensive curriculum offered by the university broadened my understanding of the field, enabling me to approach problems with a more innovative mindset."
Cynthia J.
Master of Science in Cosmetic Science Graduate
Ecaterina, a 2024 graduate from University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Cosmetic Science program, reflects on her educational journey and how it paved the way for a promotion.
Program graduate Celine and Program Director Dr. K.P. Ananth discuss how the online format of the program opens doors for opportunities at the 2023 James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy Graduation.
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