Program Overview

Cosmetology at Cerritos College

Associate of Arts

The curriculum prepares the student for the State Board of Cosmetology Examination. Students enrolling in the Cosmetology Programs should contact the Cosmetology Department or a Cosmetology counselor for information regarding the cost of the kit, uniforms, and books. This is a full-time program. Classes meet Monday through Friday, full day. The full-time student may complete the State Board of Cosmetology Examination preparation during two regular semesters and one eight-week summer session over a period of one calendar year; or (2) three regular semesters over a period of one and one-half years.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $31,000 to over $239,000 with an average salary of $62,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Skincare Specialists
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +9.1%
  • Average Salary: $54,000
  • Salary Range: $33,000 - $57,000
• Barbers
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +7%
  • Average Salary: $40,000
  • Salary Range: $35,000 - $38,000
• First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service and Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +24.2%
  • Average Salary: $46,000
  • Salary Range: $31,000 - $80,000
• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +7.7%
  • Average Salary: $46,000
  • Salary Range: $35,000 - $46,000
• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +8.6%
  • Average Salary: $99,000
  • Salary Range: $51,000 - $104,000
• Manicurists and Pedicurists
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +8.7%
  • Average Salary: $36,000
  • Salary Range: $33,000 - $35,000
• Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling; and Managers, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +7.4%
  • Average Salary: $141,000
  • Salary Range: $77,000 - $239,000+
• Shampooers
  • Education Level: No formal educational credential
  • Job Growth: +11.2%
  • Average Salary: $35,000
  • Salary Range: $35,000 - $36,000

Program Map

Pathway: to Degree

Cosmetology

Associate of Arts

62.0 - 66.5 Units

• Major Course
• General Education Course
• Elective Course
• Milestone
• Offers Microcredential

Summer 2024

1st Term

4.0 - 4.5 UNITS

• GEN: English Composition (4.0 - 4.5 Units)
• Choose a course

Fall 2025

2nd Term

20.0 UNITS

• MAJ: COS 100A - Introduction to Hairstyling A (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 100B - Introduction to Hairstyling B (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 101A - Introduction to Haircutting A (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 101B - Introduction to Haircutting B (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 102 - Health and Safety in the Beauty Industry (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 103 - Science in the Beauty Industry (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 104A - Advanced Hairstyling A (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 104B - Advanced Hairstyling B (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 105A - Advanced Haircutting A (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 105B - Advanced Haircutting B (2.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 106 - Business in the Beauty Industry (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 107 - State Board Preparation-Hairstyling License (1.0 Units)
• MILE: Department Information

Spring 2025

3rd Term

21.0 UNITS

• MAJ: COS 108A - Haircolor A (3.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 108B - Haircolor B (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 109A - Chemical Texture A (3.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 109B - Chemical Texture B (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 110A - Makeup A (1.5 Units)
• MAJ: COS 110B - Makeup B (0.5 Units)
• MAJ: COS 111A - Skin Care A (3.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 111B - Skin Care B (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 112A - Nail Care A (3.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 112B - Nail Care B (1.0 Units)
• MAJ: COS 113A - Hair Removal A (1.5 Units)
• MAJ: COS 113B - Hair Removal B (0.5 Units)
• MAJ: COS 114 - State Board Preparation-Cosmetology License (1.0 Units)

Summer 2025

4th Term

3.0 UNITS

• GEN: U.S. History or Government (3.0 Units)
• Choose a course

Fall 2026

5th Term

14.0 - 18.0 UNITS

• GEN: Proficiency: Mathematics (4.0 Units)
• GEN: Proficiency: Health & Wellness (1.0 Units)
• GEN: Natural Sciences (3.0 Units)
• GEN: Communication and Analytical Thinking (3.0 - 5.0 Units)
• GEN: Humanities (3.0 - 5.0 Units)

Cosmetology - Associate of Arts 62.0 - 66.5 units

To ensure that you have sufficient units to graduate (at least 60 semester units/90 quarter units for an associate degree and 120 semester units/180 quarter units for a bachelor's degree), make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.