Cosmetology Associate in Arts Degree Program

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Cosmetology	38 units
CS Certificate of Specialization
Braiding and Hair Design	3 units

Career Opportunities

Licensees may pursue a myriad of career opportunities including 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.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

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

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 38 units		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

Total Required Major Units: 38

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.