Program Overview

Cosmetology Certificate of Achievement

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
  • Cosmetology | 60 units
• CS Certificate of Specialization
  • Braiding and Hair Design | 3 units

Career Opportunities

Licensees may pursue a myriad of career opportunities, including but not limited to: independent salon stylists, estheticians, nail technicians, salon and spa owners/managers, product inventors/educators, movie/television/runway/platform and print work artists, beauty bloggers, writers, and school educators. Emerging and experienced cosmetologists enjoy worldwide opportunities with licensing reciprocity and equivalency accepted in most states and countries. Work opportunities are not limited by demographic indicators such as age, gender, or education level.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Graduates will articulate and demonstrate theoretical and practical (hands-on) discipline competency that will support initial licensing and entry-level job placement.
• Graduates will pass program benchmarks and earn the credentials required to sit for National-Interstate Council (NIC) California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exam.
• Graduates will pass the National-Interstate Council (NIC) California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exam.

About the Program

The Cosmetology program at CSM is designed to give students the finest training and experience available, and to prepare them for qualification to take the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination for licensure as a cosmetologist. Through the expertise of a talented faculty and exposure to professional cosmetologists and salon owners, students can learn hair design, hair coloring, hair analysis, skin care, nail care, and aesthetic enhancement of the body.

Skilled cosmetologists find employment with full-service and specialty salons. Licensed cosmetologists also have the freedom to work either full or part-time, and employment opportunities are available without regard to gender or age. The employment outlook for cosmetologists is good, with positions presently outnumbering applicants.

Recommended High School Preparation

• Coursework in Art, Business Mathematics, Accounting, Psychology, and Interpersonal Communication.

Program Overview

The CSM Cosmetology program embraces a student-centered approach to collaborative team teaching and delivers current and comprehensive curricula via modern technologies, individual training, group projects, and supervised practice on the public, linking theoretical knowledge to hands-on (practical) experiences. Instruction on hair styling and cutting, chemical applications (hair color, curling, and straightening), nail, facial, and makeup services, cosmetology specialty classes, and portfolio preparation to include resume preparation and job placement support.

Program Requirements

Requirements

• Required Core Courses: 38 units
  • COSM 712 | Cosmetology I | 9.5 units
  • COSM 722 | Cosmetology II | 9.5 units
  • COSM 732 | Cosmetology III | 9.5 units
  • COSM 742 | Cosmetology IV | 9.5 units

Upon satisfactory completion of 1000 total hours with grades of "C" or higher, students are qualified to take the California State Board of Cosmetology examination for licensure as a Cosmetologist.

Total Required Units: 38