The Cosmetology curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. The curriculum provides a simulated salon environment that enables students to develop manipulative skills.
Coursework includes instruction in all phases of professional imaging, hair design, chemical processes, skin care, nail care, multi-cultural practices, business/computer principles, product knowledge, and other selected topics.
Graduates should qualify to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. Upon successfully passing the State Board exam, graduates will be issued a license. Employment is available in beauty salons and related businesses.
The Mountain Tech Spa, an on-campus spa facility, provides practical experience for Cosmetology students under the direction of College faculty.
The Cosmetology program is approved by the:
North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
1207 Front Street, Suite 110
Raleigh, NC 27609
- Phone: (919) 733-4117
- Fax: (919) 733-4127
- Website: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Specific Program Requirements
- General college admission requirements.
- Submission of proper documentation is required by the Spa Therapies and Operations Department and the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners prior to class start. Required documentation includes Hepatitis B record, current government-issued photo ID showing date of birth, and social security card (or tax ID card or student visa information).
- Completion of required Hepatitis B vaccine. The first dose is to be completed by the first day of class. Second Hepatitis B vaccine is to be completed at least one month after the first dose. The third dose must be completed six months after the first.
- To earn hours, Cosmetology students must be physically present in the laboratory. When leaving a laboratory, students must clock out.
- Students must be able to differentiate between colors with or without reasonable accommodations and be comfortable working directly with chemicals found in products used in the cosmetology industry
- Students should be able to use cosmetology equipment such as clippers and shears and be able to stand for prolonged periods with or without reasonable accommodations.
Specific Requirements
Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, BUS, CIS, and COS
Courses in this program
| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA-115 | 1 | ||
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This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. |
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| CIS-113 | 1 | ||
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This course introduces basic computer usage for non-computers majors. Emphasis is placed on developing basic personal computer skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic computer applications. |
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| COS-111 | 4 | ||
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This course introduces basic cosmetology concepts. Topics include safety, first aid, sanitation, bacteriology, anatomy, diseases and disorders, hygiene, product knowledge, chemistry, ethics, manicures, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently apply cosmetology concepts in the salon setting. |
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| COS-112 | 8 | ||
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This course introduces basic salon services. Topics include scalp treatments, shampooing, rinsing, hair color, design, haircutting, permanent waving, pressing, relaxing, wigs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate salon services. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| COS-113 | 4 | ||
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This course covers more comprehensive cosmetology concepts. Topics include safety, product knowledge, chemistry, manicuring, chemical restructuring, and hair coloring. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently apply these cosmetology concepts in the salon setting. |
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| COS-114 | 8 | ||
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This course provides experience in a simulated salon setting. Topics include basic skincare, manicuring, nail application, scalp treatments, shampooing, rinsing, hair color, design, haircutting, chemical restructuring, pressing, wigs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate these salon services. |
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| ENG-111 | 3 | ||
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This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM-120 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations. |
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| COS-115 | 4 | ||
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This course covers more comprehensive cosmetology concepts. Topics include safety, product knowledge, salon management, salesmanship, skin care, electricity/light therapy, wigs, thermal hair styling, lash and brow tinting, superfluous hair removal, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently apply these cosmetology concepts in the salon setting. |
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| COS-116 | 4 | ||
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This course provides comprehensive experience in a simulated salon setting. Emphasis is placed on intermediate-level of skincare, manicuring, scalp treatments, shampooing, hair color, design, haircutting, chemical restructuring, pressing, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate these salon services. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| COS-117 | 2 | ||
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This course covers advanced cosmetology concepts. Topics include chemistry and hair structure, advanced cutting and design, and an overview of all cosmetology concepts in preparation for the licensing examination. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of these cosmetology concepts and meet program completion requirements. |
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| COS-118 | 7 | ||
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This course provides advanced experience in a simulated salon setting. Emphasis is placed on the efficient and competent delivery of all salon services in preparation for the licensing examination and employment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in program requirements and the areas covered on the Cosmetology Licensing Examination and meet entry-level employment requirements. |
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| MAT-110 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems and to analyze and communicate results. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUS-139 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an introduction to the principles of entrepreneurship. Topics include self-analysis of entrepreneurship readiness, the role of an entrepreneur in economic development, legal problems, organizational structure, sources of financing, budgeting, and cash flow. Upon completion, students should have an understanding of the entrepreneurial process and issues faced by entrepreneurs. |
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| BUS-270 | 3 | ||
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This course provides basic knowledge of self-improvement techniques as related to success in the professional world. Topics include positive human relations, job-seeking skills, and projecting a positive self-image. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competent personal and professional skills necessary to get and keep a job. |
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| COS -260 | 2 | ||
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This course provides an overview of the design concepts used in cosmetology. Topics include the application of art principles and elements to artistically design hair, nails, and make-up and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and techniques associated with design concepts. |
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| PSY-150 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. |
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| HUM-115 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. |
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See your advisor for General Education substitutes.
Curriculum is based on the 2023-24 catalog.
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