Cosmetology Associate in Arts Degree Program

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Cosmetology	57 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 entry-level job placement by successfully passing program benchmarks as assessed through earning the credentials required to sit for the state licensing exam.
Graduates will pass the National Interstate Council (NIC) California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology theoretical (written) section of the cosmetology licensing exam.
Graduates will pass the National Interstate Council (NIC) California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology practical (hands-on) section of the 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.

Qualifications for Cosmetology Licensing

State Law requires that applicants for licensing be at least 17 years of age, have completed the 10^th grade or its equivalent, and completed a cosmetology course from a school approved by the board. Additional qualifications apply. Contact the Cosmetology Department for further information.

Cosmetology Applications

Cosmetology Program applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Applications are available in the department and online on the Cosmetology website. Applicants are required to attend a program specific orientation in addition to college orientation workshop. New classes start twice yearly in the fall and spring semesters.

Admissions priority is given to San Mateo Community College District residents.

When space is available, students with previous training may be eligible for admission to the Advanced Standing program in Cosmetology within a one-year period of withdrawal from a pervious school and upon submission of State Board records to the Cosmetology Department.

No student who has completed more than 600 hours of approved training in another school will be admitted to the Advanced Standing program.

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 curriculum via modern technologies, individual training, group projects, and supervised practice on the public; linking theoretical knowledge to hands-on (practical) experiences. An exceptional faculty and staff deliver instruction on hair styling and cutting, chemical applications (hair color, curling, and straightening), nail, facial, and makeup services, specialty classes, and portfolio preparation culminating in a professional photo shoot.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 57 units		Units
COSM 712	Fundamental Cosmetology I	10 units
COSM 722	Fundamental Cosmetology II	10 units
COSM 732	Intermediate Cosmetology III	10 units
COSM 742	Intermediate Cosmetology IV	10 units
COSM 746	Advanced Cosmetology V	5 units
COSM 749	Advanced Cosmetology VI	5 units
COSM 758	Advanced Techniques/Photo Shoot	3.5 units
COSM 759	Advanced Techniques/Hair Specialties	3.5 units

Total Required Major Units: 57

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.