Spelman College's eSpelman Cosmetic Science Online Certificate

Cosmetic Science Certificate

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Safe and effective hair, skin, and nail products are entering the marketplace every day. Carve out more potential for your future path by studying the scientific concepts behind your favorite cosmetics and what it takes to develop new ones.

With the eSpelman Online Cosmetic Science Certificate, you will gain a two-fold understanding of cosmetics. First, you will be introduced to the fundamental science behind cosmetics - the chemistry of what’s going on behind hair, skin, and nails and what that means for product creation.

You will dive into the trends and innovations that influence the current use of cosmetics and personal care products, particularly in communities of African descent. Prevalent concepts will center on common practices in the African Diaspora. You will gain working knowledge through projects, discussions, and other assignments.

What You’ll Learn

Upon completion of the six-course certificate, students will be able to:
  • Describe the historical and popular trends that inform beauty practices in communities of African descent.
  • Understand the basic formulations used to create products for hair, skin, nails, and teeth.
  • Communicate effectively using the appropriate terminology to describe ingredients structure, safety, stability, and function of a cosmetic formulation.
  • Understand the regulations governing the use, production, and marketing of cosmetics.

Prerequisites

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Courses

The online cosmetic science certificate requires the completion of two required courses and two elective course. Students must complete the foundational course, Foundations of Cosmetic Science, before progressing to other required or elective courses.

Program Info 

2024 Term Start Dates

Term 1: Monday, Jan. 22
Term 2: Monday, Apr. 22
Term 3: Monday, Aug. 5
Term 4: Monday, Oct. 14

Time Commitment

Approximately 6 Hours / Week

Program Duration

Four 8-week courses

Number of College Credits

12

Cost

$1,800 per course 

Format

Online
Course Name Elective / Required
Foundations of Cosmetic Science Required
Cosmetic Science Lab: Hair and Skin Formulations Required
Molecules of Life for Cosmetics Elective
Toxicology and Regulations for Cosmetic Science
Elective
 Natural Product in Fragrance Formulation Elective
 Make-up for Film and Theater Elective
 Psychology of Beauty Elective

Cost

We are launching this eSpelman Certificate at the inaugural price of $1,800 per course. This deeply-discounted rate will only be available for a limited time.

Format

All courses in this certificate are online. Learn in your own time and schedule from anywhere you choose!

Spelman Faculty Leaders

Dr. Leyte Winfield 
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Division Chair, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
eSpelman Cosmetic Science Certificate Program Leader

eSpelman Cosmetic Science Online Certificate
 

Cosmetic Regulations: What Are They?

Nearly everyone uses cosmetic products in their daily lives. Makeup, moisturizers, colognes, perfumes, hair dyes, nail products, and many others fall under the broad category of cosmetics. If you are interested in becoming a cosmetologist, or you want to start your own business in making and selling cosmetic products to people, you need to have a greater understanding of the types of cosmetic regulations that can impact your work... read more