# Esthetician Business Administration (Associate of Science Degree)

San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Cosmetology

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/15604/15944/15945/15605/15661

### Summary

The Associate of Science Degree in aesthetics with an emphasis in Business Administration entrepreneurial concentration combines the Esthetician core training, small business entrepreneurship, business communications, theatrical makeup, and office software training to prepare students to open and/or manage a skin care salon or Spa. Students are expected to learn fundamental practices and procedures of skin care services. This includes laboratory instruction in client aesthetics and makeup services. Students are provided with opportunities to develop skills in sales, community and client relations, care of skin, makeup and salon management.

Students who successfully complete the Associate of Science in Esthetician Business Administration will be able to:

-   Apply Esthetician, professional makeup and entrepreneurial concepts, procedures, and practices to successfully open, operate, or manage an aesthetics salon, spa, or Medispa; and
-   Utilize business practices to become successfully employed in the beauty industry.

**Award Note:**
The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Esthetician Business Administration Program will be able to:**

1.  Apply barbering and/or cosmetology concepts, procedures and practices to successfully pass the State Board Examination.
2.  Practice safety, health, and sanitation procedures as set forth by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
3.  Utilize professional practice terminology and techniques as required by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination.
4.  Perform all practical applications required for the State board examination-State licensure.
5.  Explain basic barbering and/or cosmetology concepts, terms and definitions.
6.  Apply barbering and/or cosmetology products and procedures in providing services to clients.
7.  Pass the written license examinations administered by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

### Admission Criteria

The San Diego City College’s Cosmetology Program offers courses during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Spring and fall semester daytime programs begin at every eight-week session. Spring and fall semester evening programs begin at every twelve-week session. Prospective students must be admitted to the program in order to register for cosmetology courses. Admitted students must attend an orientation to receive important information, program rules and regulations, and program expectations. Students transferring into the San Diego City College’s Cosmetology Program cannot apply previous coursework towards the college’s cosmetology degrees and certificates. Permission numbers are required to register for cosmetology courses.

#### Orientation

Orientation is mandatory prior to registration. Contact the Cosmetology Department Chair for a schedule of days and times.

#### State Board Verification

Students with previous course hours in cosmetology from another community college program or private institution must provide written State Board documentation. The California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires:

-   Cosmetology: 1000 hours of instruction
-   Esthetics: 600 hours of instruction
-   Nail Technician: 400 hours of instruction
-   Barber Crossover: 100 hours of instruction

All careers require a passing score on the State Board examination to become licensed and eligible for employment.

This program is approved by: Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, 2420 Del Paseo Road Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 94244-2260.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 30 |
| COSM 55 | Esthetician I | 2.5 |
| COSM 55L | Esthetician I Lab | 6.5 |
| COSM 65 | Esthetician II | 2.5 |
| COSM 65L | Esthetician II Lab | 6.5 |
| BUSE 92 | Introduction to Business Communication | 3 |
| or BUSE 119 | Business Communications | 3 |
| BUSE 155 | Small Business Management | 3 |
| BUSE 157 | Developing a Plan for the Small Business | 3 |
| DRAM 124 | Makeup for the Stage | 3 |