Certificate of Achievement, Cosmetology

This program prepares students for careers in the cosmetology industry through instruction in the theory and practical application of hair, skin, and nail care. Students develop technical skills in haircutting, hairstyling, chemical services, hair coloring, skincare, nail services, and makeup application. The curriculum also includes instruction in state laws and State Board standards of safety and sanitation required for professional practice and licensure. The program features unique course sequencing, including summer and evening courses, allowing students to complete the program in as little as one year. Students who complete all graduation requirements and earn a grade of “C” or better in each required course will be awarded an Associate of Science in Cosmetology.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, there were 52 completions for the Certificate of Achievement, Cosmetology program. Success rates averaged 94.7% and retention rates averaged 95.6% across the previous three academic years: 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. With the sequence of Cosmetology courses shifting from seven courses to five, we anticipate an increase in completions (approximately 60-65 students).

The Cosmetology program advances workforce development, career technical education (CTE), and regional economicsustainability. As a hands-on, industry-aligned program, cosmetology provides students with accessible pathways tolicensure, employment, and entrepreneurship within a high-demand service sector. By preparing students for immediateentry into the workforce, the program contributes to local job placement, small business development, and communityeconomic growth, which aligns with the college’s mission to support regional workforce needs.

The program also supports BCC’s Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) by fostering applied knowledge, critical thinking,communication, professionalism, and ethical responsibility. Students develop discipline-specific technical skills whileapplying foundational principles of science, sanitation, and safety. Through client consultations and salon simulations,students strengthen interpersonal communication, customer service, and cultural competency skills essential for workingin diverse community settings. In addition, the cosmetology program promotes lifelong learning and professional growth by preparing students not onlyfor state licensure but also for continued advancement in specialty certifications, business ownership, and instructionalpathways.

The curriculum integrates practical skill development with theoretical understanding, reinforcing accountability, time management, problem-solving, and professional conduct—competencies that reflect the college’s broader educational goals. By combining technical training with institutional core competencies, the Cosmetology program serves as both a workforce pipeline and a vehicle for student achievement, equity, and upward mobility within the Barstow community and surrounding region.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Deduce valid conclusions, compare viable techniques and apply principles in preparation of the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology practical and written exam.

2. Identify and analyze concepts leading to synthesis of theory for the state board written exam.

3. Produce a business plan and portfolio.

4. Demonstrate entry level skills in a clinic laboratory setting.

5. Demonstrate workplace behaviors (soft skills) necessary for success in the cosmetology industry.

The Cosmetology program at Barstow Community College is part of the college’sCareer Technical Education (CTE) offerings within the Business andEntrepreneurship pathway. The program is designed to prepare students with thetechnical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required forsuccessful completion of the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetologylicensure examination and for immediate entry into the workforce.

The program requirements are the same as for the Cosmetology Degree. The courses naturally progress as concepts are constructed to build cosmetology knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for the State Board exam. The first semester is an introduction to cosmetology fundamentals, haircutting, and product knowledge. The second semester focuses on cosmetology science along with nail and skin fundamentals. The third session (summer or nine week session)looks at the business side of cosmetology while preparing to take the State Board exam.