Cosmetology & Esthetician
Heads Up: Turning Craft and Creativity into a Cosmetology Career
From mannequin lab to real-life salon, Golden West College’s Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Barbering programs provide a hands-on, real-world ready education in these future-proof fields.
To say that hair and nail care is a growing industry is more than just a pun. It’s the truth! In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster-than-average 13% job growth rate in the coming years, with population trends pointing to increased demand for health and beauty services.
GWC’s Cosmetology department offers programs in Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Barbering, designed to develop the techniques necessary to prepare for the state licensure examination and successful entry-level employment. Golden West Cosmetology students maintain a high pass/fail ratio for the state licensing test.
Golden West College is a Board of Cosmetology Approved Provider Article 5, Section 945 Rules and Regulations and is accredited by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Golden West College is home to working Cosmetology and Skin Care Salons, run by advanced-level students and open to the public for services such as hairstyling, coloring, facial treatments, and waxing. These facilities provide clients with affordable, professional-level services while preparing students for licensing and employment.
Program Details
Cosmetology, Esthetician & Barbering Certificates
Trends come and go, but demand for personal styling, grooming, and facial care services will always persist. Golden West’s degree and certificate programs in Cosmetology, Esthetician and Barbering qualify students for a variety of available opportunities in hair and beauty professions.
With the cosmetology industry expanding to keep pace with population growth, Golden West College is pleased to match critical workforce demands with a versatile array of career education options:
Cosmetology — Associate in Arts (AA) Degree; Certificate of Achievement:
Students learn to perform, practice, and demonstrate all areas of cosmetology while observing the safety and sanitation rules set forth by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Upon completion of the degree or certificate, graduates will enter the workforce with the skills necessary to build and maintain an ongoing career in a salon environment. Topics covered include technology, business, customer service, ethical considerations, and more. NOTE: Students with previous hours completed in another cosmetology program MUST provide proof of training of the completed hours to the Cosmetology Office upon acceptance to the program. Students will be required to enroll in Level 1 and must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher in all Cosmetology courses before moving to the next level. Transfer hours are not to exceed 450 hours and will not be added to hours earned in the GWC Cosmetology program until the student completes all required hours and operations in Level IV. Transfer students are not eligible to pre-apply.
Esthetician — Associate in Arts (AA) Degree; Certificate of Achievement:
Focusing on skin care, this degree and certificate pathway covers the basic knowledge and instruction necessary to pass the State Board Examination. Students learn to evaluate and assess skin care regimes for clients, perform professional skin and facial care services, manage and maintain customer service standards, and practice ethical salon management. Through continued assessment by instructors, assistance in the completion of State Board assignments, and other support, students in this program pass the State Board Exam with greater than 75% frequency.
Barbering – Certificate of Achievement:
GWC’s Barber program consists of a minimum of 1,500 hours of training to provide entry-level skills to students who desire a career in barbering. Students will develop expertise in the science and techniques of hair and skin care and obtain live, real-world lab and salon experience in the profession. Upon completion, the student is eligible to take the California State Board examination to become a licensed barber.
NOTE: Students with previous hours completed in another barbering program MUST provide proof of training of the completed hours to the Cosmetology office upon acceptance to the program. Students will be required to enroll in Level 1 and must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher in all Barber courses before moving to the next level. Transfer hours are not to exceed 450 hours and will not be added to hours earned in the GWC Barber program until student completes all required hours and operations in Level 5. Transfer students are not eligible to pre-apply.
Program Restrictions:
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- State law requires that students be at least 17 years of age and have a valid social security number when applying for the California State Board examination.
- English-speaking and comprehension skills are critical to success as well as safety in this program. Students with inadequate English proficiency may require an ESL education program to achieve adequate language proficiency for this customer service-intensive program.
- The Cosmetology department has established standards of conduct and personal grooming, as well as attendance policies that must be honored by all students participating in the program. For further information regarding requirements, contact the department.
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For additional program details, see the Cosmetology & Esthetician Program Main Page or the Golden West College Catalog.
Why Golden West College?
95% of Cosmetology, Esthetician and Barbering program graduates report finding field-relevant employment, earning GWC a Strong Workforce Bronze Star from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Golden West’s Cosmetology degree and certificate programs are accredited by the California State Board of Cosmetology.
GWC’s knowledgeable and accessible faculty are chosen for their real-world industry experience. This ensures that Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Barbering students learn the latest in techniques, technology and industry philosophy.
Golden West cares! GWC is an energetic and welcoming community of learning, committed to supporting your higher education aspirations. Learn more about Golden West College’s student services and support resources by clicking here.
Golden Opportunities in Cosmetology
With applications in virtually every industry, it’s no surprise that Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Barbering is one of Orange County’s fastest-expanding career sectors.
This field encompasses careers like hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists – all considered “Bright Outlook” occupations by O-NET Online for their projected growth. Now, and into the future, Golden West College Cosmetology grads are succeeding in these positions and more!
- Barber
- Beautician
- Cosmetologist
- Editorial/Advertising Stylist
- Educator/Instructor
- Esthetician
- Fashion Show Stylist
- Funeral Attendant
- Funeral Service Manager
- Hairstylist
- Licensing Examiner or Inspector
- Makeup Artist – Theatrical and Performance
- Manicurist/Pedicurist
- Salon Manager
- Skin Care Specialist
Affording the Opportunity
Golden West College is proud to provide excellent-quality Career Education at a low cost. Our goal is to remain accessible to ALL community members seeking to enrich their future. Tuition: $46 per unit for California residents. Information on College Service Charge and additional fees available at: http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/register/.
For Financial Aid information or to find out if you are eligible for Free Tuition through our
Golden Promise Program, visit http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/goldenpromise/.
Accolades for Golden West Cosmetology
Golden West College’s Cosmetology department is honored to be the recipient of a 2018 Strong Workforce Star from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The program earned a Bronze Star for its 95% relevant-field career placement rate for program grads.
Future BUILT Support
Golden West College is committed to providing students with affordable, accessible Career Education pathways, along with responsive staff to assist and guide you on your way!
Career and Employment Center:
GWC’s Career Center is a hub for services related to the career development needs of students and the general public. Our friendly staff can assist you in exploring career fields with a comprehensive library of up-to-date, computerized and published resources.
Learning Resource Center:
Featuring facilities and materials for general assistance in math, reading, writing, and more, GWC’s Learning Resource Center is a one-stop destination for student support. Take advantage of tutoring services, computer lab access, library resources, and more!
Special Programs:
Golden West hosts a variety of career-oriented programs and services, including CalWORKS, Cooperative Work Experience (CWE), and many others.
Advising and Counseling:
Make sure you’re in the right classes… and on the right course! GWC’s Planning and Guidance Services cover a broad range of student needs, including degree advising, career counseling, and transfer assistance.
Special Programs:
Golden West College is committed to assisting our underserved and challenged students in any way possible. GWC offers specific resources for DACA students, Former Foster Youth, students requiring Basic Needs Assistance, and more.
Gainful Employment Information
For more information regarding the Cosmetology & Esthetician program costs and employment outcome averages, click here.
Program Learning Outcomes
Barbering Certificate of Achievement:
- Perform, practice, and demonstrate all areas of barbering while observing the safety and sanitation rules set forth by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to build and maintain an ongoing clientele in the barbershop environment and industry.
- Use good moral conduct and good work ethics within the barber industry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the barber industry requirements regarding resumes, hiring, and keeping records of business transactions.
Cosmetology Associate in Arts:
- Perform, practice, and demonstrate all areas of cosmetology while observing the safety and sanitation rules set forth by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to build and maintain an ongoing clientele in the cosmetology salon environment and industry.
- Use good moral conduct and good work ethics within the cosmetology industry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cosmetology industry requirements regarding resumes, hiring, and keeping records of business transactions.
Cosmetology Certificate of Achievement:
- Perform, practice, and demonstrate all areas of cosmetology while observing the safety and sanitation rules set forth by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
- Pass the written and practical California State Board Cosmetology Licensure Examinations.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to build and maintain an ongoing clientele in the cosmetology salon environment and industry.
- Use good moral conduct and good work ethics within the cosmetology industry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cosmetology industry requirements regarding resumes, hiring, and keeping records of business transactions.
Esthetician Associate in Arts:
- Evaluate and assess the skin care regime for the client.
- Obtain basic knowledge and information to pass the State Board Examination through continued assessment by instructors, by completing State Board assignments and procedures in the prescribed time and passing with a 75% or greater.
- Analyze, evaluate, and demonstrate skills necessary for a successful career as an esthetician, including proper hygiene and good grooming, professional ethics, customer relations, and general salon management practices.
Esthetician Certificate of Achievement:
- Evaluate and assess the skin care regime for the client.
- Obtain basic knowledge and information to pass the State Board Examination through continued assessment by instructors, by completing State Board assignments and procedures in the prescribed time and passing with a 75% or greater.
Average Salary in this Field
$23,198 –
$29,747
Bronze
Star
California Community College Strong Workforce Star Recipient
Careers in this Field
Beautician
Cosmetologist
Skincare Specialist
Ready to Get Started?
Orange County industry depends on Future BUILT professionals with the next-level knowledge and skills learned in Golden West College’s Career Education programs.
Apply today and start building your bolder future!
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Have Questions or Want More Information? Contact Us
Golden West Career Education Benefits
67%
Find Employment Within Six Months Of Attending GWC
36%
Increase In Average Income After Graduating
91%
Satisfaction Rate Among GWC Career Education Students
