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Cosmetology
The Cosmetology program prepares individuals with the skills necessary to become a licensed cosmetologist, as required by the State Board of Cosmetology. Students interested in continuing their studies toward an Associate of Applied Science degree should consult with their academic advisor.
Program Information
About Program (Skills)
Students completing the Cosmetology program will gain the following skills:
- Hair cutting, styling, coloring, and chemical texturizing techniques
- Manicure, pedicure, and nail enhancement procedures
- Skin care, facials, and basic makeup application
- Sanitation, safety, and infection control practices
- Client consultation and communication skills
- Product knowledge and proper use of salon tools and equipment
- Time management and appointment scheduling
- Salon operations and customer service procedures
- Professional ethics and state cosmetology laws/regulations
- Preparation for the Kansas State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam
Career Options
Graduates of the Cosmetology program may pursue the following careers:
- Licensed Cosmetologist
- Hair Stylist / Hair Color Specialist
- Nail Technician / Manicurist / Pedicurist
- Esthetician / Skin Care Specialist
- Makeup Artist (salon, spa, or freelance)
- Salon or Spa Manager
- Salon Owner / Entrepreneur
- Product Sales Representative or Educator
- Beauty Consultant / Brand Ambassador
- Platform Artist or Cosmetology Instructor (with experience and additional credentials)
- State Board Inspector
2 years (67 credits)
Associate of Applied Science
1 year (44 credits)
Certificate
Tuition
$30*/per credit hour
Fees
$125**/per credit hour
Books
All materials are included
Other Program Fees
$1,850
* This rate applies to residents of Ford County. The rate for residents outside of Ford County is $60/per credit hour. International rate is $80/per credit hour.
** Online Courses have an additional $10/per credit hour fee
Tuition and fees are subject to change
Fall
Spring
Students may start this program at the beginning of fall or spring semester.
Job Outlook*8.4% Growth
Annual Median Salary*$28,708
*As of August 2025
Faculty
Tina Briseno
Professor of Cosmetology
Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC) Licensed
Laurie Barb
Professor of Cosmetology
Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC) Licensed
Amber Gier
Assistant Professor of Cosmetology
Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC) Licensed
Degree Plan
Year 1
Semester 1 (14 Credit Hours):
- COS 121-1001 – Scientific Concepts – 1 Credit
- COS 125-1001 – Physical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 130-1001 – Chemical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 135-1001 – Design Services – 3 Credits
- COS 140-1001 – Cosmetology State Law – 1 Credit
- COS 141-1001 – Business Practices/Student’s Needs – 1 Credit
Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours):
- COS 121-1002 – Scientific Concepts – 1 Credit
- COS 125-1002 – Physical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 130-1002 – Chemical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 135-1002 – Design Services – 4 Credits
- COS 140-1002 – Cosmetology State Law – 1 Credit
- COS 141-1002 – Business Practices/Student’s Needs – 1 Credit
Semester 3 (15 Credit Hours):
- COS 121-1003 – Scientific Concepts – 1 Credit
- COS 125-1003 – Physical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 130-1003 – Chemical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 135-1003 – Design Services – 4 Credits
- COS 141-1003 – Business Practices/Student’s Needs – 2 Credits
Year 2
Semester 4 (12 Credit Hours):
- Program Elective – See list at MyDC3 – My Course Needs – 3 Credits
- MATH 089 – Basic Applied Math (or above) – 3 Credits
- CS 101 – Computer Concepts & Apps T→ – 3 Credits
- SP 106/206 – Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communications T→ – 3 Credits
Semester 5 (11 Credit Hours):
- *^ENG 101/102/104 – Technical Communications or English Comp I T→ – 3 Credits
- Program Elective – See list at MyDC3 – My Course Needs – 3 Credits
- Program Elective – See list at MyDC3 – My Course Needs – 3 Credits
- PE or HLTH 101 – PE Elective or First Aid T→ – 3 Credits
Year 1
Semester 1 (14 Credit Hours):
- COS 121-1001 – Scientific Concepts – 1 Credit
- COS 125-1001 – Physical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 130-1001 – Chemical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 135-1001 – Design Services – 3 Credits
- COS 140-1001 – Cosmetology State Law – 1 Credit
- COS 141-1001 – Business Practices/Student’s Needs – 1 Credit
Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours):
- COS 121-1002 – Scientific Concepts – 1 Credit
- COS 125-1002 – Physical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 130-1002 – Chemical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 135-1002 – Design Services – 4 Credits
- COS 140-1002 – Cosmetology State Law – 1 Credit
- COS 141-1002 – Business Practices/Student’s Needs – 1 Credit
Semester 3 (15 Credit Hours):
- COS 121-1003 – Scientific Concepts – 1 Credit
- COS 125-1003 – Physical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 130-1003 – Chemical Services – 4 Credits
- COS 135-1003 – Design Services – 4 Credits
- COS 141-1003 – Business Practices/Student’s Needs – 2 Credits
Key
T→ Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course
* Course requires a C or higher
^ Course has a testing or prerequisite requirement