Level IV - Doctor of Trichology Science™
College of Trichology ScienceThe Doctor of Trichology Science™ (DTS) is the highest academic and professional pathway offered through the College of Trichology Science at KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. Designed for experienced trichology professionals seeking advanced expertise beyond clinical certification, the program develops higher-level competency in trichological science, complex case analysis, research literacy, evidence-informed practice, clinical leadership, education, program development, professional consultation, and the advancement of the trichology profession. The program moves beyond foundational and clinical practitioner preparation into advanced scholarly and professional application. Students examine complex hair and scalp concerns through interdisciplinary perspectives involving trichological science, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and wellness, psychosocial considerations, environmental and cosmetic influences, research evidence, professional ethics, and collaborative care. Students learn to critically evaluate scientific and professional literature, translate evidence into responsible trichology practice, develop advanced clinical and educational frameworks, evaluate outcomes, contribute to professional knowledge, and provide leadership within trichology-related organizations, educational environments, clinics, and professional communities. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, DTS candidates complete a Doctoral Trichology Innovation Project addressing a meaningful problem, opportunity, educational need, clinical process, professional practice issue, or advancement within the field of trichology. The project requires research-informed planning, development of an original professional product or solution, evaluation, and formal presentation. Successful completion of all coursework, the Doctor of Trichology Science™ Comprehensive Examination, and the Doctoral Trichology Innovation Project leads to the Doctor of Trichology Science™ (DTS) credential awarded by KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. The DTS is an institutional professional/academic credential in trichology and does not confer medical licensure, physician status, or authorization to diagnose or treat disease.
- Tuition
- $7,997
- Credit hours
- 45
- Format
- Advanced Online Doctoral Coursework + Applied Research + Professional Doctoral Project
- Start
- Open Enrollment for Qualified Applicants Following Admission Review
- Duration
- 12–24 Months, Self-Paced
The Doctor of Trichology Science™ (DTS) is the highest academic and professional pathway offered through the College of Trichology Science at KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. Designed for experienced trichology professionals seeking advanced expertise beyond clinical certification, the program develops higher-level competency in trichological science, complex case analysis, research literacy, evidence-informed practice, clinical leadership, education, program development, professional consultation, and the advancement of the trichology profession. The program moves beyond foundational and clinical practitioner preparation into advanced scholarly and professional application. Students examine complex hair and scalp concerns through interdisciplinary perspectives involving trichological science, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and wellness, psychosocial considerations, environmental and cosmetic influences, research evidence, professional ethics, and collaborative care. Students learn to critically evaluate scientific and professional literature, translate evidence into responsible trichology practice, develop advanced clinical and educational frameworks, evaluate outcomes, contribute to professional knowledge, and provide leadership within trichology-related organizations, educational environments, clinics, and professional communities. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, DTS candidates complete a Doctoral Trichology Innovation Project addressing a meaningful problem, opportunity, educational need, clinical process, professional practice issue, or advancement within the field of trichology. The project requires research-informed planning, development of an original professional product or solution, evaluation, and formal presentation. Successful completion of all coursework, the Doctor of Trichology Science™ Comprehensive Examination, and the Doctoral Trichology Innovation Project leads to the Doctor of Trichology Science™ (DTS) credential awarded by KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. The DTS is an institutional professional/academic credential in trichology and does not confer medical licensure, physician status, or authorization to diagnose or treat disease.
Where this program sits in the pathway
- · Online Self-Paced — Complete the Level I foundational trichology curriculum online through self-paced coursework.
- · Online Clinical Residency — Complete the Level II clinical residency through supervised online clinical coursework, case-based learning, applied assignments, and required clinical competencies.
- · In-Person Clinical Residency — Complete the Level II clinical residency through approved hands-on clinical training at KISSED University.
Completing these programs in sequence satisfies the complete-programme requirements. There is no further curriculum to purchase afterwards.
- Level I — Level I - Certified Scalp Scientist™
- Level II — Level II - Clinical Trichology Residency™
- · Complete Clinical Trichology Pathway — Enter the complete Clinical Trichologist pathway and complete the required Level I foundational curriculum and Level II clinical residency.
- · Progressive Pathway — Complete Level I Certified Scalp Scientist™ first and then complete Level II Clinical Trichology Residency™; successful completion of both satisfies the academic requirements for the Certified Clinical Trichologist™ credential.
The complete programme contains the earlier levels. It is an enrollment pathway, not additional coursework taken afterwards.
- · Online Clinical Residency — Complete the Level II clinical residency through supervised online clinical coursework, case-based learning, applied assignments, and required clinical competencies.
- · In-Person Clinical Residency — Complete the Level II clinical residency through approved hands-on clinical training at KISSED University.
- · KISSED Clinical Trichology Graduate — Enter Level IV after satisfying the Certified Clinical Trichologist™ academic requirements through completion of the KISSED University Level I and Level II curricula.
- · Approved External Equivalency — Applicants with comparable prior trichology education may request an Academic Pathway Review to determine eligibility for doctoral-level study.
Requirements are evaluated on the coursework completed, whichever enrollment route is used. Documented comparable prior trichology education may be considered on academic review.
Where this program leads
The Doctor of Trichology Science™ represents Level IV and the culminating pathway within the College of Trichology Science. The program advances qualified trichology professionals from clinical practitioner competency into doctoral-level professional study focused on advanced trichological science, evidence-informed practice, research literacy, complex case analysis, innovation, education, leadership, and contribution to the profession. DTS candidates complete advanced doctoral coursework, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge through a final examination, and complete an original Doctoral Trichology Innovation Project. The program is designed to develop professionals capable of advancing trichology through clinical leadership, education, research-informed practice, professional consultation, program development, and innovation.
Entry point: Certified Clinical Trichologist™ or comparable trichology credential/education approved through academic admissions review.
- Step 1Establish Doctoral Eligibility
Complete Level III — Certified Clinical Trichologist™ or receive approval of comparable prior trichology education and professional preparation through academic admissions review.
- Step 2Enter Doctoral Study
Begin advanced Level IV coursework in trichological science, evidence-informed practice, research, education, innovation and professional leadership.
- Step 3Advance Scientific Knowledge
Examine advanced concepts affecting hair and scalp science through interdisciplinary and evidence-informed perspectives.
- Step 4Develop Research Literacy
Critically evaluate scientific and professional literature and distinguish quality evidence from unsupported claims.
- Step 5Analyze Complex Cases
Apply advanced reasoning to multifactorial trichology cases while maintaining appropriate professional scope.
- Step 6Translate Evidence Into Practice
Use research and professional evidence to inform responsible trichology education, services, protocols and professional decision-making.
- Step 7Develop Professional Leadership
Build competencies in education, consultation, program development, professional standards and advancement of the trichology profession.
- Step 8Identify a Doctoral Problem or Opportunity
Select a meaningful trichology-related problem, educational need, clinical process, professional challenge or opportunity for innovation.
- Step 9Develop the Doctoral Innovation Project
Research, design and develop an original evidence-informed professional project with practical application to trichology.
- Step 10Complete Doctoral Coursework
Successfully complete all required Level IV courses and assessments.
- Step 11Pass Comprehensive Examination
Successfully complete the Doctor of Trichology Science™ Comprehensive Examination.
- Step 12Complete Doctoral Project
Submit and successfully defend or present the Doctoral Trichology Innovation Project.
- Step 13Earn the DTS Credential
Complete all academic requirements for the Doctor of Trichology Science™ credential.
- Step 14Advance the Profession
Apply doctoral-level knowledge through trichology leadership, education, consultation, innovation, research-informed practice or professional development.
- Advanced Clinical Trichology Practice
- Trichology Education and Instruction
- Trichology Program Development
- Clinical Trichology Leadership
- Professional Trichology Consultation
- Trichology Research and Evidence Translation
- Complex Trichology Case Review
- Integrative Trichology Program Development
- Trichology Curriculum Development
- Professional Continuing Education
- Clinical Operations and Program Leadership
- Trichology Practice Development
- Professional Speaking and Education
- Trichology Research Literacy and Writing
- Professional Standards and Quality Improvement
- Trichology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Professional directions are illustrative. The University does not guarantee employment, income, licensure or external board certification.
8 courses
TRI-101 Introduction to Trichology
Build a strong foundation in hair and scalp science, professional terminology, consultation basics, ethics, and scope-aware trichology practice in this first course of the Certified Scalp Scientist™ curriculum.
- · Define trichology and accurately explain its historical development, contemporary purpose, and relationship to adjacent disciplines.
- · Use foundational trichology terminology correctly when describing hair structure, scalp observations, growth phases, and common concerns.
- · Differentiate the professional role of the trichologist from the roles of cosmetologists, dermatologists, physicians, and other allied professionals.
- · Describe foundational concepts in hair and scalp science, including basic anatomy, the hair growth cycle, and major internal and external influences on hair and scalp health.
TRI-102 Anatomy & Physiology for Trichologists
Build the anatomy and physiology foundation every trichology student needs to understand hair, scalp, follicles, skin, and the body systems that support healthy tissue function.
- · Use foundational anatomical and physiological terminology accurately in trichology-related discussion and documentation.
- · Describe the major layers, tissues, and accessory structures of the skin and scalp and explain their basic functions.
- · Identify the major anatomical structures of the hair follicle and explain the functional significance of each structure.
- · Explain the structure of the hair shaft and relate fiber anatomy to observable properties such as strength, elasticity, porosity, texture, and breakage.
TRI-103 Scalp Science
Study the scalp as a living biological environment and learn to observe, document, and interpret common scalp presentations within professional trichology scope.
- · Explain the biological characteristics of a healthy scalp environment, including homeostasis and scalp-hair relationships.
- · Describe the structure and function of the scalp barrier, including the stratum corneum, acid mantle, hydration, lipids, and transepidermal water loss.
- · Explain sebaceous function, sebum variability, foundational microbiome concepts, and normal keratinization and desquamation as they relate to scalp observation.
- · Differentiate and describe observable variations in hydration, oiliness, scaling, buildup, erythema, irritation, and other common scalp presentations using objective terminology.
TRI-104 History & Professional Foundations of Trichology
Explore how trichology developed as a specialized field and learn the ethical, credentialing, scope, and professional standards that define responsible contemporary practice.
- · Describe major historical developments that contributed to the emergence of modern trichology as a specialized field.
- · Explain how advances in anatomy, microscopy, dermatology, and hair science changed professional understanding of hair and scalp concerns.
- · Differentiate academic education, certificate of completion, certification, board certification, accreditation, and licensure using accurate professional terminology.
- · Analyze how jurisdiction, underlying licensure, competency, employer policy, and regulation affect professional scope of practice in trichology-related settings.
TRI-105 Herbal Medicine for Trichology
Build a strong foundation in herbal medicine for trichology through botanical terminology, materia medica, preparation methods, safety, evidence evaluation, and responsible wellness-oriented application.
- · Explain foundational principles, terminology, and evidence-informed frameworks used in herbal medicine and phytotherapy.
- · Differentiate common plant parts, major phytochemical categories, and herbal action terminology relevant to botanical preparations.
- · Compare major herbal preparation methods, including infusions, decoctions, tinctures, glycerites, oils, and topical preparations, in terms of purpose, extraction principles, and safety.
- · Construct and use a structured professional materia medica entry for botanicals relevant to scalp wellness and whole-person support.
TRI-106 The Psychology of Hair
Explore the emotional, social, cultural, and behavioral meanings of hair and hair loss, and learn compassionate, scope-conscious communication for trichology practice.
- · Explain relationships among hair, identity, self-concept, self-esteem, and body image using foundational psychological terminology.
- · Describe how cultural, social, racialized, gendered, and lifespan factors can influence the meaning of hair and hair loss without stereotyping clients.
- · Discuss individualized psychological responses to hair loss, appearance change, stress, grief, uncertainty, and coping within a trichology context.
- · Apply active listening, client-centered communication, trauma-informed principles, and expectation-setting techniques during trichology consultations.
TRI-107 Tricho-Math: Applied Mathematics for Trichology
Build practical quantitative confidence for trichology practice through applied measurement, conversions, formulation math, assessment tracking, and professional documentation.
- · Perform foundational arithmetic calculations relevant to trichology practice and verify whether results are reasonable.
- · Convert accurately among fractions, decimals, percentages, and commonly used U.S. customary and metric units.
- · Apply ratios, proportions, formulation percentages, and scaling principles to hair, scalp, herbal, and topical product scenarios.
- · Distinguish weight or mass from volume and select appropriate measurement methods for liquids and dry materials.
A Gut Feeling: Gut Health, Nutrition & Hair
Explore how digestion, nutrition, supplements, the gut microbiome, and whole-person wellness may relate to hair and scalp health while learning evidence-informed boundaries for professional trichology practice.
- · Describe the major gastrointestinal structures and their primary functions in digestion, absorption, and elimination as relevant to trichology practice.
- · Explain foundational processes of digestion, nutrient absorption, and factors that may influence nutrient availability without equating symptoms with diagnosis.
- · Differentiate established knowledge from emerging claims regarding the gut microbiome, gut-skin/hair concepts, intestinal permeability, and inflammation.
- · Compare the physiological roles of major macronutrients and selected micronutrients in normal systemic and hair biology, including deficiency and excess considerations.
Before you apply
Payment options
Program tuition is paid in full, or — where this program supports it — by purchasing eligible courses individually as you progress. The options this program offers are the ones shown at checkout.
How enrollment works
Apply first — the application is free. An approved application confirms you may enroll; enrollment and course access follow payment.
Disclosures
A KUHAS certificate of completion records the education you completed and we assessed. It is not state licensure and not external board certification, and outcomes vary by learner and jurisdiction. All tuition and fees are non-refundable once paid, except where applicable law requires otherwise.