Revised 7.31.24
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE.
A Course of Study for
COSMETOLOGY
The Cosmetology Department is an exciting place of color, shape, and beauty. We welcome you to join our
program, where you can obtain the education you need to succeed in the cosmetology, skin care, and nail care
industries. These well-established programs will prepare you for a career as a platform artist, educator, stylist,
colorist, salon owner, sales representative, and makeup artist, as well as offer you the opportunity to work in the
television and movie industries, or on cruise ships. Our program prepares you to take the State board examination
for a cosmetology license.
Information regarding the cosmetology program is available in the Cosmetology Department, (310) 434-4292, and
through the SMC website (www.smc.edu).
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Associate Degree
• Barbering (33 units to total 1,000 hours)
• Cosmetology (25 units to total 1,000 hours)
Certificates of Achievement
• Cosmetology (25 units to total 1,000 hours)
• Esthetician (16 units to total 600 hours)
• Nail Care (11 units to total 400 hours)
• Salon Business (14 units)
ASSOCIATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum grade point
average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) in degree applicable coursework and a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units,
including:
• Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course
was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
• Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or IGETC;
• Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
A Certificate of Achievement is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum overall
grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a designated minimum number of units, including:
• Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course
was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
• Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have
the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis.
All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.
Note: Department Certificates are not noted on student transcripts. Students must submit a petition to the
relevant academic department to be awarded a Department Certificate.
CATALOG RIGHTS
A student may satisfy the requirements of a degree that were in effect at any time of the student’s continuous
enrollment. Continuous enrollment means attendance in at least one semester (Fall or Spring) in each academic
year.
Revised 7.31.24
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE.
BARBERING, ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The Cosmetology Department is an exciting place to learn about the barbering industry. We welcome you to join
our program where you can obtain the practical and technical skills necessary for optimal success. The classrooms
are similar to a salon/barbershop atmosphere, with the latest technology creating a positive learning environment
for students. Students will have the opportunity to provide services for members of the community, students,
faculty and staff of Santa Monica College, including family and friends. This well-established department will
prepare you for a barbering license from the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. After
successful completion of the program and passing the state board exam, a career in barbering offers multiple
employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, such as: platform artist, educator, barber, colorist, salon owner,
sales representative, cruise ships, television and film industries. Information regarding the barbering program is
available at the Cosmetology Department, (310) 434-4294, and through the SMC website (www.smc.edu).
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to demonstrate entry
level skills in hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, shaving with a razor, men’s styling and chemical texture. Upon
completion, the student will be eligible to take the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensure exam. The
student will be able to recognize and demonstrate the importance of and practice of ethical behavior in a
professional work setting. Apply theories, principles, and concepts of skills learned that apply to
Barbering and follow the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Rules and Regulations.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (33 UNITS)
(Effective Fall 2024)
Required Hours:
1,000 hours minimum, including the courses as specified below
Required Hours:
1,000 hours minimum, including the courses specified below
Required Level 1 Courses:
COSM 10A
Related Science 1A
COSM 11B
Hair Styling 1
COSM 10B
Related Science 1B
COSM 11C
Hair Coloring 1
COSM 11A
Hair Cutting 1
COSM 11D
Permanent Waving
Required Level 2 Courses:
COSM 20
Related Science 2
COSM 21C
Hair Coloring 2
COSM 21A
Hair Cutting 2
COSM 21E
Curly Hair Techniques 2
COSM 21B
Hair Styling 2
COSM 42
Short Hair Cutting
Required Level 3 Courses:
COSM 30
Related Science 3
COSM 31A
Hair Cutting 3
COSM 31C
Hair Coloring 3
COSM 31E
Multi Texture Styling
COSM 77
Barbering
Required Level 4 Courses:
COSM 64
Salon Management
COSM 78
Barbering 2
Required State Board Course:
COSM 50R
Written Preparation for Barbering State Board Exam
Required Salon Courses:
Before enrolling in Salon classes, you must have completed ALL Level 1 classes. Any combination of Salon
classes is acceptable.
COSM 95A
Salon Experience
Salon Experience
COSM 95B
Salon Experience
Salon Experience
Revised 7.31.24
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE.
COSMETOLOGY, ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate professional level
skill in her cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, nail care, and skin care. Additionally, the student will be proficient in health
and safety procedures in common use in salons. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to take the California State
Board of Cosmetology and Barbering licensure exam.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (25 UNITS)
(Effective Fall 2023)
Required Hours:
1,000 hours minimum, including the courses specified below
Required Related Science Courses:
COSM 10A
Related Science 1A
COSM 10B
Related Science 1B
COSM 20
Related Science 2
COSM 30
Related Science 3
COSM 50A
Written Preparation for Counseling State Board Exam
Required Hair Cutting Courses:
COSM 11A
Hair Cutting 1
COSM 21A
Hair Cutting 2
COSM 42
Short Hair Cutting
Required Hair Styling Courses:
COSM 11B
Hair Styling 1
COSM 21B
Hair Styling 2
Required Hair Coloring Courses:
COSM 11C
Hair Coloring 1
COSM 21C
Hair Coloring 2
Required Permanent Wave Course:
COSM 11D
Permanent Waving
Required Curly Hair Technique Course:
COSM 21E
Curly Hair Techniques 2
Required Nail Care Courses:
COSM 16
Nail Care 1
COSM 26
Nail Care 2
COSM 36
Nail Care 3
Required Esthetician Courses:
COSM 18
Skin Care 1
COSM 28B
Skin Care 2B
COSM 28A
Skin Care 2A
COSM 48B
Advanced Make-Up
Required Salon Management Course:
COSM 64
Salon Management
Salon Experience Courses:
Theory and Practical Activity: In order to fulfill any outstanding required hours, students must enroll in one or more
of the following Salon courses (2 units minimum).
NOTE: Students may NOT enroll in any of the courses below until they have completed at least 300 hours of
practical activity AND have completed all of the following COSM courses above: 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E,
16, and 18.
COSM 95A
Salon Experience
COSM 95B
Salon Experience
COSM 95C
Salon Experience
Revised 7.31.24
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE.
ESTHETICIAN, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The esthetician program provides students with professional-level skill in client consultation, skin analysis, and
manual, chemical, and electrical facials, as well as eyebrow shaping, waxing, the application of strip and individual
eyelashes, and makeup application. Additionally, students will become proficient in health and safety procedures
in common use in salons and spas. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to take the State Board of
Cosmetology and Barbering/NIC Esthetician licensure exam.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate entry-level
proficiencies needed in a professional spa environment including skin analysis, product application, massage and
waxing techniques required for specific skin types and skin conditions. Students will be able to demonstrate
knowledge of electrical modalities and chemical peels at a level applicable to enter the esthetic workplace as well
as pass their California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Esthetic examination.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (16 UNITS)
(Effective Fall 2023)
Required Hours:
600 hours minimum including the courses specified below
Required Related Science Courses:
COSM 10A
Related Science 1A
COSM 30
Related Science 3
COSM 10B
Related Science 1B
COSM 50E
Written Preparation for Esthetician
State Board Exam
COSM 20
Related Science 2
Required Esthetician Courses:
COSM 18
Skin Care 1
COSM 38B
Mechanical Exfoliation
COSM 28A
Skin Care 2A
COSM 38C
Chemical Exfoliation
COSM 28B
Skin Care 2B
COSM 48
Skin Care 4
COSM 38
Skin Care 3
COSM 48B
Advanced Make-Up
Required Salon Management Course:
COSM 64
Salon Management
Theory and Practice Activity: In order to fulfill any outstanding required hours, students must enroll one or more
of the following Salon courses: (1 unit minimum)
NOTE: Students may NOT enroll in any of the courses below until they have completed at least 90 hours of
practicum activity AND have completed all of the following COSM courses: 10A, 10B, and 18.
Salon Experience Courses:
COSM 95A
Salon Experience
COSM 95C
Salon Experience
COSM 95B
Salon Experience
COSM 95D
Salon Experience
Revised 7.31.24
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE.
NAIL CARE, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The Nail Care program provides students with professional level skill in manicures, pedicures, nail tips, acrylics, gel
nails, and 3-D nail art. Additionally, students will become proficient in health and safety procedures in common
use in salons and spas. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to take the State Board of Cosmetology and
Barbering/NIC Manicure licensure exam.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the Nail Care program, students will demonstrate professional
level skill in manicures, pedicures, nail tips, acrylics, gel nails, and 3-D nail art. Additionally, the student will be
proficient in health and safety procedures in common use in salons and spas.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (11 UNITS)
(Effective Fall 2023)
Required Hours:
400 hours minimum including the courses specified below
Required Related Science Courses:
COSM 10A
Related Science 1A
COSM 20
Related Science 2
COSM 10B
Related Science 1B
COSM 50N
Written Preparation for Nail Care
State Board Exam
Required Nail Care Courses:
COSM 16
Nail Care 1
COSM 36
Nail Care 3
COSM 26
Nail Care 2
COSM 46
Nail Care 4
Required Salon Management Course:
COSM 64
Salon Management
Theory and Practical Activity: In order to fulfill any outstanding required hours, students must enroll into one or
more of the following Salon courses: (1 unit minimum)
NOTE: Students may NOT enroll in any of the courses below until they have completed at least 80 hours of
practicum activity AND have completed all of the following COSM courses: 10A, 10B, and 16.
Salon Experience Courses:
COSM 95A
Salon Experience
COSM 95C
Salon Experience
COSM 95B
Salon Experience
COSM 95D
Salon Experience
Revised 7.31.24
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE.
SALON BUSINESS, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
*Students may complete the area of emphasis (major) requirements in effect at the time enrollment begins or the
requirements in effect at graduation as long as continuous enrollment is maintained. *Continuous enrollment
means attendance in at least one semester (Fall or Spring) in each academic year.
At least 50% of the units required for Department Certificates must be completed at Santa Monica College.
Department Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or
area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.
A Department Certificate in Salon Business will aid cosmetologists, estheticians and manicurists in establishing and
running their own business/salon.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the Salon Business Certificate, students will demonstrate an
understanding of the key points for operating and supervising a salon/spa business. Students will be able to apply
business principles to the salon and spa business.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (14 UNITS)
Required Courses:
ACCTG 21
Business Bookkeeping
3
BUS 34A
Introduction to Digital Marketing (formerly BUS 34)
3
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
COSM 64
Salon Management
2
Select 1 Course from the following:
BUS 1
Introduction to Business
3
BUS 20
Principles of Marketing
3
BUS 65
Management Principles
3
TEACHER TRAINING (IN COSMETOLOGY)
This program is temporarily suspended. Many of the required classes are not being offered at this time. If you are
interested in this certificate program, please contact the Cosmetology department at (310) 434-4292.