Campus Duration Credential Awarded School
Seneca@York 6 Semesters (3 Years) Bachelor Degree School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

About the Proposed Program

At Seneca Polytechnic, we develop new programs to respond to the needs of employers and the changes of an evolving labour market.

Seneca’s new proposed Bachelor of Science – Cosmetic Science program is the first degree of its kind in Canada and is designed to equip you with the industry-relevant skills and experience for careers in the cosmetic and personal care industry. 

This innovative three-year degree program intersects elements of science and art by providing a strong foundation in core sciences, such as biology and chemistry, alongside a specialization in cosmetic product formulation, including colour cosmetics.

You will exercise your creative skills through exploration and hands-on experience with raw material options and colour theory. You will learn how to design and develop cosmetic formulations — from skin care to colour cosmetics — participate in regulatory applications, oversee quality assurance and more. Foundational concepts are further explored through courses in organic and analytical chemistry, as well as the anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails.   

As part of this program, you will learn about sustainability through the study of responsible manufacturing practices and examine how these topics are addressed within the scope of marketing, social media and package design. 

The curriculum also includes a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), through the exploration and formulation of products that embraces different skin tones, conditions, genders and ages.

This program is currently pending ministry approval with its first start planned for September 2024.

Program Highlights

  • first three-year degree program of its kind in Canada
  • flexible delivery that allows you to attend lectures in person or online

  • innovative, sensorial and comprehensive curriculum that focuses on the intersection of science and art through in-person lab experiences working with cosmetic formulations, colours and textures 

  • emphasis on EDI and sustainability 

  • access to the Seneca Centre for Innovation and Life Sciences (SCILS) new research space as well as state-of-the-art equipment and labs

  • a wide range of experiential learning opportunities, including designated workshops, activities, lab-based assignments and an industry-relevant capstone project

  • work-integrated learning experience that enables you to build your professional network and ground your academic work in a real-world environment alongside experts in the field

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

  • Cosmetic formulation chemist  

  • Research and development chemist 
  • Quality assurance associate  

  • Quality control technician

  • Regulatory affairs associate   

  • Sales/technical representative

  • Product development associate

Marketing opportunities also exist in the packaging, product development, advertising and media fields.