UC Offers New Online Cosmetic Science Program

CINCINNATI—The first in the United States to have graduate programs that emphasize cosmetic science, the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Pharmacy is now offering what is believed to be the first distance-learning degree program in this specialty.   

“Most people working in the cosmetics industry have their undergraduate degree in either chemistry or biology,” says Randy Wickett, PhD, professor and director of the cosmetic science program. “They haven’t had any specific training on how to formulate and measure the effects of products on the skin and hair.”

According to Wickett, students interested in the graduate cosmetics program often work full time and may travel frequently, which can make it difficult to participate in a traditional graduate program.

“People from all over the country have asked me how they can participate in courses taught by UC faculty without actually living in Cincinnati and coming to campus,” says Wickett. “The distance learning program is an excellent option for them. They’ll be getting the same quality training, and they can complete coursework online at a time and location convenient for them.”

Students will only be required to travel to UC twice for about two days during their graduate training.

The college offers both a master’s of science and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences with an emphasis in cosmetic science; however, only the master’s program will be offered online. The first student graduated from the college’s cosmetic science program in 1974, and Wickett hopes the first class of students in the new distance learning program, which begins in the fall, will graduate in 2008.

For more information on the cosmetic science online program, e-mail randy.wickett@uc.edu or visit http://pharmacy.uc.edu/.

UC College of Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacy colleges in the United States and is supported by an active research faculty. PharmD graduates have a 100 percent placement rate prior to graduation, and are highly sought after by professional and pharmaceutical employers. The most recent class of PharmD graduates achieved a 100 percent passing grade on the National Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NABPLEX).