Cosmetology
17 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
COSM 50L Fundamentals of Cosmetology
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/240-270 hours lab
This lecture-lab course provides an integration of theoretical and practical principles and procedures at the fundamental level. Emphasis is placed on bacteriology, safety, sanitation, sterilization, preparing the work area and kit, and rules and regulations as required for the licensor in the state of California. Topics include draping, shampooing, conditioning, haircutting, wet hairstyling, manicuring, pedicuring, and facials. This course is for students interested in becoming a cosmetologist and is intended to prepare them for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensure.
COSM 55 Esthetician I
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: COSM 55L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the theoretical knowledge required to enter the field of esthetics as a licensed esthetician. Emphasis is placed on the basic sciences of physiology, chemistry, and electricity as they apply to skin science, skin care, and professional esthetics. Topics include career and licensure planning and the fundamentals of the salon business, skin care products, and esthetic services. This course is designed for students interested in esthetics or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 55L Esthetician I Lab
- Units
- 6.5
- Hours
- 312-351 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: COSM 55 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is an introduction to the practical knowledge, skills, and techniques required to enter the field of esthetics as a licensed esthetician. Emphasis is placed on applying basic principles of physiology, chemistry, electricity, and skin science to practice in client consultations, skin analyses, product assessments, facial treatments, and other basic professional esthetic services. Topics include establishing basic esthetic professionalism and performing fundamental esthetic services. This course is designed for students interested in esthetics or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 60L Intermediate Cosmetology
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/240-270 hours lab
This lecture-lab course provides an integration of theoretical and practical principles and procedures at the intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on sanitation, safety, client protection, and demonstrations and hands-on work with models. Topics include razor cutting, basic hair coloring techniques, chemical texture services, manicure tips, and thermal styling as well as hair removal, including eyebrow waxing and arching. This course is for students interested in becoming a cosmetologist and is intended to prepare them for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensure.
COSM 65 Esthetician II
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- COSM 55 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: COSM 65L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a continuation of the theoretical knowledge required to enter the field of esthetics as a licensed esthetician. Emphasis is placed on an in-depth examination of the body and its systems as they relate to skin health, intermediate esthetic techniques, specialty facials and devices, spa and alternative therapies, and medical esthetics. Topics include analyses of skin care products, botanicals and aromatherapy, Ayurveda theory and treatments, and business and marketing skills required in the esthetician field. This course is designed for students interested in esthetics or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 65L Esthetician II Lab
- Units
- 6.5
- Hours
- 312-351 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COSM 55L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: COSM 65 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is a continuation of the fundamental knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques required to enter the field of esthetics as a licensed esthetician. Emphasis is placed on applying the in-depth knowledge of the body and its systems as they relate to skin health to practice intermediate esthetic techniques, specialty facials and devices, spa and alternative therapies, and medical esthetics. Topics include practice with skin care products, botanicals and aromatherapy, Ayurveda theory and treatments, and business and marketing skills required in the esthetician field. This course is designed for students interested in esthetics or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 70L Intermediate-Advanced Cosmetology
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/240-270 hours lab
This lecture-lab course provides an integration of theoretical and practical principles and procedures at the intermediate-advanced level. Emphasis is placed on sanitation, safety, client protection, and chemical services on clients. Topics include clipper cutting, advanced long hair dressing, hair extensions, permanent wave, soft curl permanent waving, chemical straightening, thermal pressing and curling, advanced chemical hair coloring techniques, including weaving, low-lighting, and balayage, acrylic and gel nail techniques, as well as makeup application, including lash application techniques and eyebrow and lash tinting. This course is for students interested in becoming a cosmetologist and is intended to prepare them for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensure.
COSM 75 Advanced Makeup
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study in advanced makeup application techniques. Emphasis is placed on makeup history and the use of makeup for different occasions. Topics include advanced makeup application, eyelash enhancement, and airbrushing. This course is intended for students majoring in cosmetology, esthetics, dramatic arts, and anyone interested in advanced makeup techniques.
COSM 80L Advanced Cosmetology
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/240-270 hours lab
This lecture-lab course provides an integration of theoretical and practical principles and procedures at the advanced level. Emphasis is placed on sanitation, safety, client protection, advanced services on clients, and marketing strategies to support professional and employment goals. Topics include total looks, preparing for state board licensing, and compiling a portfolio of personal work. This course is for students interested in becoming a cosmetologist and is intended to prepare them for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensure.
COSM 83 Barbering Conversion
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/192-216 hours lab
This course focuses on technical instruction and practical training in barbering. Emphasis is placed on hair dressing, health and safety, and shaving. This course is intended for students majoring in cosmetology and barbering. Students who complete this course are eligible to apply for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Barber licensing exam.
COSM 85 Nail Technician I
- Units
- 5.5
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/192-216 hours lab
This lecture-lab course provides an integration of theoretical and practical principles and procedures at the fundamental level. Emphasis is placed on bacteriology, infection control, safety practices, preparing the work area and kit, and rules and regulations as required for the licensor in the state of California. Topics include basic anatomy of the hand, foot, and nails, reflexology, and manicuring and pedicuring fundamentals to include client consultation, massage, and the use of nail equipment and implements. This course is designed for students interested in nail technology or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 86 Nail Technician II
- Units
- 5.5
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/192-216 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COSM 85 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This lecture-lab course provides an integration of theoretical and practical principles and procedures at the intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on the in-depth examination of the chemistry of skin and nails and its systems as they relate to skin and nail health, infection control, safety protocols, and manicuring and pedicuring services to include nail enhancements and nail art and trends. Topics include analysis of chemicals, ingredients, and solutions used in the industry as well as business and marketing skills required to be a self-employed or employed nail technician. This course is designed for students interested in nail technology or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 092 Extended Laboratory Practice
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours lab/1 hours other
- Prerequisite
- COSM 080L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is continued laboratory practice for advanced cosmetology students who need to complete the number of hours mandated for examination and for licensure by the California State Board of Cosmetology. Emphasis is placed on client services (including chemical and non-chemical services) and an exploration of all types of hair texture. Topics include communication skills, professionalism and support in student employment goals. This course is designed for students planning a career as a licensed, professional Cosmetologist.
COSM 93 Esthetician Extended Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COSM 65 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and COSM 65L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a laboratory course for intermediate esthetician students who need to complete the number of hours mandated for examination and licensure by the California State Board of Cosmetology. Emphasis is placed on applying intermediate esthetic techniques on salon and spa clients. Topics include practice in client consultations, skin care products assessments, facial treatments, hair removal, makeup application, and business and marketing skills required in the esthetician field. This course is designed for students interested in esthetics or a career as a licensed professional in the industry.
COSM 94A Cosmetology Teacher Training Program I
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 56 - 63 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is offered for the experienced/licensed cosmetologist to become a qualified cosmetology instructor. Training for the course consists of practical and theoretical principles of effective teaching methods, which include lesson planning, oral presentations, evaluations, test construction, and procedures to ensure environmental health and safety. Emphasis is focused on preparation for prospective employment in private and public cosmetology schools.
COSM 94B Cosmetology Teacher Training Program II
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 56 - 63 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COSM 94A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is offered for the experienced/licensed cosmetologist to become a qualified cosmetology instructor. Phase II of the Cosmetology Teacher Training program provides the trainee with an opportunity to acquire additional skills, expand career options, workplace skill competencies, and subject mastery skills necessary for teaching the practical aspects of cosmetology science. Emphasis is focused on preparation for prospective employment in private and public cosmetology schools.
COSM 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is designed to deal with current problems and topics of special interest in cosmetology.