Esthetician, Associate in Arts Degree
Banner Code: 2_AA_ESTH
Control Number: 11440
Financial Aid Eligible
The Esthetics Program consists of one-semester with a minimum of 600 hours of training to prepare the student for a career in skin care. The student will learn bone structure, chemistry of products, skin analysis, use of packs and masks, electric modalities, corrected makeup, and correct use of products. Upon completion, the student is eligible to take the California State Board examination to become a Licensed Esthetician. 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. In addition to the 600 hours, the student will include general education requirements to receive the Associate in Arts degree. The program offers a full-time, day-only program. Students attend classes Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. 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 esthetician kit. Kits must be purchased with cash, money order or cashier check only. No credit cards or personal checks accepted.
Program Level Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Evaluate and assess the skin care regime for the client.
- Obtain basic knowledge and information to pass the State Board Examination thru continued assessment by instructors, by completing State Board assignments and procedures in the prescribed time and passing with a 75% or greater.
- Analyze, evaluate and demonstrate skills necessary for a successful career as an Esthetician, including proper hygiene and good grooming, professional ethics, customer relations and general salon management practices.
Potential careers students may enter upon completion are as follows:
- Esthetician
- Salon or day spa esthetician
- Medical aesthetician
- Makeup artistry
- Camouflage therapy
- Manufacturer’s representative
- Salesperson or sales manager
- Cosmetics buyer
- Esthetics writer or beauty editor
- Travel industry (cruise ships)
- Educator
- Skin care company owner
- Product development
- Mobile esthetician
- State licensing inspector or examiner
- State Board member
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
COSM G071 | Esthetics - Level 1 | 10.5 |
COSM G072 | Esthetics - Level 2 | 10.5 |
Major Total | 21 | |
GE Pattern (Local, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC) | 18-39 | |
Total Units | 60 |
Recommended Program Sequence
These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students. The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1:
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Semester 1 | ||
COSM G071 | Esthetics - Level 1 | 10.5 |
COSM G072 | Esthetics - Level 2 | 10.5 |
Units | 21 |
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Semester 2 | ||
ENGL G100 | Freshman Composition ^ | 4 |
Area E: Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development or any additional course from Area A-D | 3 | |
Elective coursework for a total of 6 units | 6 | |
Units | 13 |
Year 2:
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Semester 3 | ||
Area C: Arts & Humanities course | 3 | |
Area D: Social & Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
Elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
Math Competency | 3 | |
If Mathematics is satisfied by competency, select Area A2: Communication and Analytical Thinking course | ||
Units | 12-14 |
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Semester 4 | ||
Area B: Natural Sciences course | 3 | |
Ethnic Studies Competency | 3 | |
Elective coursework to reach a minimum of 60 units | 6-8 | |
Units | 12-14 | |
Total Degree Units | 60 |
- ^
Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement.