Cosmetology Degrees

A cosmetology program will give students the necessary skills and expertise to work as a professional beautician, cosmetologist or stylist. A cosmetology degree program will require students to not only to learn the basics of their trade in the classroom but to spend a great deal of time working in the field as well. This often means practicing their skills during hands-on training in a salon very often
on real-life volunteers and models. During the course of their studies, students will learn how to cut, style, color, perm and manage the hair of their customers with the purpose of teaching them to manage a wide variety of hair types and styles. Additionally, most programs will teach students how to apply makeup, do nails and a variety of other basic cosmetic procedures that can help them make a career working in or founding their own salon.

In most cases, the cosmetology degree is only offered at the Associate’s level. Once students attain their Associate’s of Science in Cosmetology and pass a state licensure exam, they will be qualified to work in their given profession, though many may undertake apprenticeships to gain additional experience when they are new in the field. Students entering into a cosmetology program can expect to take courses in topics that will help them to provide the best possible service to their customers and build their understanding of beautification processes. This can include courses like Permanent Waving, Hair Rolling, Manicure Procedures, and Hair Analysis. The vast majority of programs will also teach students business skills through courses like Business Math, Salon Operating Principles and Client Consultation.

Like most vocational careers, there is always a need for new qualified cosmetologists on the market as even in an economic downturn people still want to maintain their hair and personal appearance. Students who are flexible in the types of businesses they are willing to work with will have the easiest time finding employment, as there are a wide range of careers open to cosmetology students from low-end salons to high-end spas. Often, graduates of a cosmetology program will need to work their way up the ladder regardless of where they are working, gaining the ability to charge more and perform more complex services as their experience increases and their client base expands. Those who are particularly successful in their endeavors may even be able to open their own salons, though at present a new small business may face an uphill battle in finding success. In general, however, projections place this field as one that will see a steady rise in demand in the coming years though competition for top positions will remain tough.