2026-2027 Catalog

Cosmetology A.A.S.

A55140

 

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 which enables students to develop manipulative skills.

Course work 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.

Completion of the WPCC Cosmetology Program does not guarantee that the student meets all Board requirements (1200 to 1500 clocked hours in Cosmetology study) for licensure. 

In addition to the WPCC program requirements, students must also complete the required number of hours and evaluations per the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts to qualify to sit for the licensure exams.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Apply infection control procedures to the salon environment according to NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts Examiners
  • Practice effective communication skills during a client consultation 
  • Practice proper steps of manicuring and pedicuring
  • Demonstrate correct practices of skin care
  • Perform basic hair manipulation techniques 

Also see Career and College Promise for additional options for high school students.

General Education

Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

FA, SP, SU

English/Communications

Select 3 semester hours credit from the following
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
COM 110Introduction to Communication

3

FA, SP
COM 120Intro Interpersonal Com

3

COM 231Public Speaking

3

FA, SP, SU
ENG 112Writing/Research in the Disc

3

FA, SP, SU
ENG 114Prof Research & Reporting

3

FA, SP, SU

Mathematics/Natural Science

Select 1 course from the following
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
BIO 111General Biology I

4

FA, SP, SU
BIO 112General Biology II

4

FA, SP
BIO 163Basic Anatomy & Physiology

5

FA, SP
BIO 168Anatomy and Physiology I

4

FA, SP
CHM 151General Chemistry I

4

FA, SP, SU
CHM 152General Chemistry II

4

SP, SU
GEL 111Geology

4

FA, SP, SU
MAT 110Math Measurement & Literacy

3

FA, SP
MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3

FA, SP, SU
MAT 152Statistical Methods I

4

FA, SP, SU
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4

FA, SP, SU
MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4

SP, SU

Humanities/Fine Arts

Select 3 semester hours credit from the following

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ART 111Art Appreciation

3

FA, SP, SU
ART 114Art History Survey I

3

FA
ART 115Art History Survey II

3

SP
DRA 111Theatre Appreciation

3

FA, SP, SU
DRA 126Storytelling

3

FA, SP, SU
HUM 115Critical Thinking

3

HUM 230Leadership Development

3

MUS 110Music Appreciation

3

FA, SP
MUS 112Introduction to Jazz

3

FA, SP
PHI 215Philosophical Issues

3

FA, SP
PHI 240Introduction to Ethics

3

FA, SP, SU
REL 110World Religions

3

FA, SP

Social/Behaviorial Sciences

Select 3 semester hours credit from the following
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
HIS 111World Civilizations I

3

FA, SP, SU
HIS 112World Civilizations II

3

FA, SP, SU
HIS 131American History I

3

FA, SP, SU
HIS 132American History II

3

FA. SP
POL 120American Government

3

FA, SP
PSY 150General Psychology

3

FA, SP, SU
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3

FA, SP, SU

Major Courses

Core Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
COS 111Cosmetology Concepts I

4

FA, SP
COS 112Salon I

8

FA, SP
COS 113Cosmetology Concepts II

4

FA, SP
COS 114Salon II

8

FA, SP
COS 115Cosmetology Concepts III

4

SU
COS 116Salon III

4

SU
COS 223Contemp Hair Coloring

2

FA, SP

Other Major Requirements

Other Major Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
COS 117Cosmetology Concepts IV

2

FA, SP
COS 118Salon IV

7

FA, SP
COS 130State Board Exam Prep

2

FA, SP

Required Course

Take 1 semester hour credit from the following
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ACA 115Success & Study Skills

1

FA
ACA 122Transfer & Career Success

1

FA, SP, SU

General Electives

Select 7 semester hours credit from the following courses
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ACC 129Individual Income Taxes

3

FA
BUS 110Introduction to Business

3

FA, SP
BUS 125Personal Finance

3

FA, SU
COS 121Manicure/Nail Technology I

6

FA, SP
COS 127Natural Hair Care I

6

FA, SP
COS 222Manicure/Nail Tech. II

6

FA, SP
COS 224Trichology & Chemistry

2

FA, SP
COS 225Adv Contemporary Hair Coloring

2

COS 228Natural Hair Care II

6

FA, SP
MKT 120Principles of Marketing

3

FA
PSY 215Positive Psychology

3

WBL XXXWork-based Learning (up to 6 semester hours credit)

1-6

Total Credit Hours: 68