Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences is a specialized field dedicated to the scientific and operational aspects of pharmaceutical and cosmetic product development, manufacturing, and distribution. This program equips students with advanced knowledge in the formulation, stability, and large-scale production of therapeutic and consumer health products, preparing them for leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
- Pharmacoeconomics: Analyzes the cost-effectiveness and economic impact of pharmaceutical therapies and healthcare interventions.
- Industrial Management: Focuses on strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency within pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
- Operations Management: Addresses the design, control, and optimization of production processes in drug and cosmetic manufacturing.
- Preformulation Evaluation: Involves assessing the physical and chemical properties of drug substances before formulation development.
- Product Formulation and Reformulation: Covers the design and modification of dosage forms to enhance efficacy, safety, and patient compliance.
- Drug Product Development: Encompasses the entire lifecycle from concept to market-ready pharmaceutical product, including testing and optimization.
- Stability Testing: Evaluates how formulations degrade over time under various environmental conditions to ensure shelf life and safety.
- Dosage Design: Involves determining optimal drug delivery systems and dosing regimens based on pharmacokinetics and patient needs.
- Pilot Scale-Up: Translates laboratory-scale processes into industrial-scale production while maintaining product quality and consistency.
- Drug Marketing: Explores strategies for positioning, promoting, and distributing pharmaceutical products in competitive markets.
- Quality Control: Implements standardized testing and monitoring procedures to ensure product safety, purity, and compliance with specifications.
- Drug Information: Focuses on the accurate dissemination and interpretation of scientific data related to pharmaceutical products.
- Legal and Regulatory Affairs: Addresses compliance with national and international laws governing drug development, approval, and distribution.
Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences degrees, including Managers, All Other, Industrial Production Managers and Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,095,080 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Industrial Production Managers 11-3051 | $121,440 | $74,900 - $197,310 | 234,380 | $58.39 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $88,790 in Indiana to $161,987 in District of Columbia—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,095,080 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences is found at Northeastern University Professional Programs (840 graduates), University of Cincinnati (UC), Main Campus (72 graduates), Long Island University (LIU) (61 graduates), University of Toledo (UToledo) (19 graduates), and San Diego State University (SDSU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,000 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Professional Programs |
Master's
|
840 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
72 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Long Island University (LIU) |
Master's
|
61 | Brookville, New York | Private | liu.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU Metro) |
Master's
|
2 | Teaneck, New Jersey | Private | fdu.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC) |
Master's
|
1 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | rcm.upr.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences degree?
Salaries for Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Industrial Production Managers earn around $121,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $161,987 compared to $88,790 in Indiana. Approximately 1,095,080 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northeastern University Professional Programs (840 graduates), University of Cincinnati (UC), Main Campus (72 graduates), and Long Island University (LIU) (61 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Industrial Production Managers, and Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 1,095,080 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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