The general Cosmetology program consists of a minimum of 1000 hours of training to provide entry-level skills to students who desire a career in the cosmetology profession. Students will develop expertise in the science and techniques of hair, skin makeup and lab experience in cosmetology. Upon completion, the student is eligible to take the California State Board examination to become a Licensed Cosmetologist. Students in this program must maintain a minimum grade of C (2.0 GPA) in all courses in order to advance to the next level in the program. The program is offered as a full-time, day-only program. Students attend classes Monday through Friday. Student attendance is mandatory. English-speaking and comprehension skills are critical to success as well as safety in this program. Students with inadequate English proficiency may be dropped from the program until adequate proficiency is achieved. The Cosmetology Department has established standards of conduct and personal grooming. Additionally, there are attendance policies that must be adhered to by all students enrolling in the program. For further information regarding requirements, contact the Cosmetology Office. State law requires that students be at least seventeen years of age and have a valid social security number or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) when applying for the California State Board examination.

Material Costs
The Cosmetology Department Office will provide information about the required uniform, shoes and material fee which covers the cost of the cosmetology kit. Kits must be purchased with cash, money order or cashier check only. No credit cards or personal checks accepted.

GWC will not accept hours completed at other institutions.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate all areas of cosmetology while observing the safety and sanitation rules set forth by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
2. Review the written California State Board Cosmetology Licensure Examinations.
3. Demonstrate the skills necessary to build and maintain an ongoing clientele in the cosmetology salon environment and industry.
4. Apply work ethics within the cosmetology industry.
5. Recall industry requirements regarding resumes, hiring, and keeping records of business transactions.

Potential careers students may enter upon completion are as follows:

• Beauty salon
• Self-employed cosmetologist
• Personal care services
• Resorts
• Cruise ships
• Nursing homes and retirement communities
• Military bases
• Public institutions
• Hospitals
• Prisons
• Educational instructors
• Beauty salon managers/directors
• Beauty salon owners
• Trichologist
• Celebrity hairdresser
• Sales – hair/wig products
• Video/television
• Film print commercial photo shoots
• Distributors 
• Entrepreneurial avenues

Review Graduation Requirements.

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
COSM G021	Cosmetology, Level I	9
COSM G022	Cosmetology, Level II	9
COSM G023	Cosmetology, Level III	9
COSM G024	Cosmetology, Level IV	9
Total Units		36

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general maps for students to finish all requirements for the Certificate. There may be advisories or time requirements that students may want to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Year 1:

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 1
COSM G021	Cosmetology, Level I	9
COSM G022	Cosmetology, Level II	9
Units		18

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 2
COSM G023	Cosmetology, Level III	9
COSM G024	Cosmetology, Level IV	9
Units		18