Cosmetology COSM

15 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027

COSM 1 Introduction to Cosmetology Procedures

Units: 16
Hours: 6 hours lecture, 30 hours lab
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: COSM 10 and COSM 11 can be substituted for Cosmetology 1. First time students must purchase the complete kit of supplies from the El Camino College Bookstore.

This course covers the study of basic principles and practical operations of cosmetology equipment, procedures and techniques. It is designed as an intensive, multi-disciplinary lab in the most common cosmetology processes. Lectures cover the fundamental theories of the practice of cosmetology and their application. Laboratory work is designed to provide the basic cosmetology student with an intensive forum for development of basic cosmetology skills, techniques, safety practices, and sanitation procedures.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section, listed as COSM-1) · Spring 2027 (1 section, listed as COSM-1)

COSM 2A Intermediate Cosmetology

Units: 8
Hours: 3 hours lecture, 15 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 1 or COSM 10 and COSM 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

The intermediate principles and practical operations of cosmetology equipment, procedures and techniques will be studied. The course is designed as an intensive, multidisciplinary workshop in the most common cosmetology processes. Lectures focus on intermediate theories of the practice of cosmetology and application. The lab supports cosmetology students with skills, techniques, safety practices, and sanitation procedures according to the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Students will be introduced to performing intermediate cosmetology procedures on clients in a salon setting.

Offered: Fall 2026 (3 sections, listed as COSM-2A) · Spring 2027 (3 sections, listed as COSM-2A)

COSM 2B Advanced Cosmetology

Units: 8
Hours: 3 hours lecture, 15 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 2A with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

The advanced principles and practical operations of cosmetology equipment, procedures and techniques will be studied. The course is designed as an intensive, multi-disciplinary workshop in the most common cosmetology processes. Lectures focus on advanced theories of the practice of cosmetology and application. The lab is designed to support cosmetology students with skills, techniques, safety practices and sanitation procedures according to the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Students will perform advanced cosmetology procedures on clients in a salon setting.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 2C Advanced Cosmetology and Introduction to State Board Review

Units: 8
Hours: 3 hours lecture, 15 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 2B with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

This course is an advanced study of cosmetology practices. Lectures focus on advanced cosmetology theories. Emphasis is placed on mastery of the necessary cosmetology concepts, principles and skills on clients in a salon setting to pass the California State Licensing exam for Cosmetology. Students will also receive an introduction to prepare for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, which includes written and practical exams. Simulated state board exams will be administered.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 2D Advanced Preparation for State Board Review

Units: 8
Hours: 3 hours lecture, 15 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 2C with a minimum grade of C
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: Prior to enrolling into this course, students must have completed 1300 of the 1600 hours of applied skill practices required by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology

This course is designed to prepare students for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exams, both the written and practical. Students will complete the remaining 1600 hours of applied skill practices. Simulated state board exams will be administered.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 3 Advanced Cosmetology Applications

Units: 5.5
Hours: 1.5 hours lecture, 12.5 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 1 or COSM 10 and COSM 11 with a minimum grade of C or completion of 399 hours from a state-approved cosmetology program

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

This course explores the study of advanced principles and practical operations of cosmetology equipment, procedures and techniques. It is designed as an intensive, multi-disciplinary class which focuses on the most common cosmetology processes. Lectures center on the advanced theories of the practice of cosmetology and application. Laboratory work is designed to support the advanced cosmetology student with an intensive forum for development of advanced cosmetology skills, techniques, safety practices and sanitation procedures.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 4 Cosmetology Practicum

Units: 5
Hours: 2 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 1 or COSM 10 and COSM 11 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: This course is repeatable.

This course is designed for the student who is in need of receiving hours toward their State Board of Cosmetology requirement. The focus of this class is on the advanced principles and practical operations of cosmetology equipment, procedures and techniques.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 6 Cosmetology Client Lab

Units: 2
Hours: 0 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 2B with a minimum grade of C

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

In a salon setting, students will work on clients. This lab course is designed for students to receive the necessary hours of applied skill practices toward their State Board of Cosmetology requirement.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 10 Introduction to Cosmetology I

Units: 8.5
Hours: 4 hours lecture, 14 hours lab
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: Students who have earned credit in COSM 1 cannot receive unit credit for Cosmetology 10. First time students must purchase the complete kit of supplies from the El Camino College Bookstore.

This course is the first of a two-course introductory series covering cosmetology procedures and equipment for wet and thermal styling, permanent waving, chemical straightening, hair coloring, scalp treatments, manicuring and pedicuring procedures. This is a preparatory course for the State Board of Cosmetology examination and employment.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 11 Introduction to Cosmetology II

Units: 8.5
Hours: 4 hours lecture, 14 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 10 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: Students who have earned credit in COSM 1 cannot receive unit credit for Cosmetology 11.

This is the second of a two-course introductory series covering cosmetology procedures for wet and thermal styling, permanent waving, chemical straightening, hair coloring, scalp treatments, facials, manicuring and pedicuring. This course is one of a sequence of courses that prepares students for the State Board of Cosmetology examination and employment.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 16 Cosmetology Applications

Units: 3
Hours: 1.5 hours lecture, 7.5 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 1 or COSM 10 and COSM 11 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

This course covers the study of intermediate principles, procedures, techniques, and practical operations of cosmetology equipment. It is designed as an intensive, multidisciplinary workshop in the most common cosmetology processes. Lectures center on the theories of the practice of cosmetology and their applications. Laboratory work is designed to provide the student with a forum for development of intermediate cosmetology skills, techniques, safety practices and sanitation procedures.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 20 Introduction to Esthetician

Units: 10
Hours: 5 hours lecture, 15 hours lab
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: Upon completion of the esthetician program, students are expected to have a minimum of 600 hours of applied skill practice required by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Students will complete a minimum of 300 hours of esthetician training in this course.

This course is an introduction to the principles of esthetician procedures. Students are introduced to the theory and practices of esthetician applications for facial, health, client protection and safety, hair removal and makeup applications. The lab is designed to support the esthetician student with extensive opportunities for the development of esthetician skills, techniques, safety and sanitation practices according to the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections, listed as COSM-20)

COSM 21 Advanced Esthetician

Units: 10
Hours: 5 hours lecture, 15 hours lab
Prerequisite: COSM 20 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
Transfers to: CSU

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Note: When enrolling into this course students must have a minimum of 300 hours completed. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have a minimum of 600 hours of applied skill practice required by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

This is an advanced course in the principles of esthetician procedures. Students are given advanced theory and practical practices in facials, preparation, health, safety, laws, regulations, disinfectant, sanitation, anatomy, physiology, hair removal, and makeup. State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam practices will be emphasized.

Offered: Spring 2027 (2 sections, listed as COSM-21)

COSM 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education

Units: 2-4
Hours: hours to be arranged
Formerly: Cosmetology 95abcd
Transfers to: CSU

Enrollment Limitation: Employment or volunteer work in a position related to the student's major or career goal by the second week of the semester. Completion of or current enrollment in one course from the major.

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Transfer: CSU*

Note: *Transfer limitations apply. The total units earned for Cooperative Work Experience Education may not exceed 16 units.

Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Cosmetology field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

COSM 99 Independent Study in Cosmetology

Units: 1-3
Hours: hours to be arranged
Formerly: Cosmetology 99abc
Transfers to: CSU

Enrollment Limitation: two courses in Cosmetology with a minimum grade of B in each and acknowledgment by the instructor with whom the student will work

Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

Transfer: CSU*

Note: *Transfer limitations apply. For eligibility requirements, go to www.elcamino.edu/admissions/credit.asp

This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Cosmetology not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Cosmetology projects (54 hours per unit).

Not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

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