Current Program

The Cosmetology program is the study and practice of professional care for hair, skin and nails. Students are trained in the various areas of hair care, such as styling, cutting, chemical treatments, waving, straightening and hair coloring. In addition students learn about skin care, including facials and make-up techniques, plus nail care which covers manicures, pedicures and nail art. Lecture is given in specific scientific topics as they relate to Cosmetology. The program is carefully formulated to prepare a student to pass the state board examination and includes a "mock state board" exam which familiarizes the student with state board examination procedures. Students enroll in the program to obtain a degree or certificate, for personal enrichment, and for retraining or upgrading employment skills. In recent years several factors have affected course offerings, including changes in student interests and population changes, changes in economic conditions, changes in technology and increasing use of technology, and changes in state board requirements regarding the license.

Degrees and Certificates - An Associate in Arts and a Certificate of Completion are offered.

Personnel - The following personnel are employed in the program: six full-time faculty, six part-time faculty, one full-time classified employee and one student employee.

Teaching Methodologies - Lecture/lab and lab are the teaching methods used most often in the program, although some lecture/demonstration and large lecture/study groups also are used.

Technology - No online courses are offered at this time.

Equipment - At this time the following equipment needs repair or replacement: shampoo bowls, shampoo chairs, facial machines, stations, manicure tables and chairs. Each desk should be equipped with a computer.

Facilities - The cosmetology classrooms, which have 28 to 31 stations each, resemble well-equipped salons. Ideally, each classroom would have a maximum of 25 stations. Desks, blackboards and window shades need to be replaced, and there is an immediate need for an additional electric outlet and additional shampoo bowls and salon stations. The floors are not maintained; they should be washed and waxed each month. Office space for full-time and part-time faculty is limited and cramped. Furniture is old, outdated and dirty.

Future Program

The Cosmetology program will change in the next ten years as it adapts to changes in technology and teaching methods, changes in curriculum and student academic preparation, and as the college institutes different recruitment strategies and expands facilities. The program is expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall college enrollment, both in the mid term (five years) and in the long term (ten years), because more jobs are available in the industry than ever before. Also, when the unemployment rate increases, enrollment in this program generally increases, and some use employment in this industry as a second or third income to support their lifestyles. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - The department plans to offer a certificate program in Training the Trainers in Cosmetology.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - As computers and Internet access are introduced, and as students gain outside work experience, the interest in computerized and online courses will increase.

Technology - Internet technology will be needed as the program begins to include Internet research and staff uses the Internet to help with recruitment and job placement. Alternative delivery systems may become a significant part of course offerings, as some theory and demonstration, such as hair sculpting and hair designing, lend themselves to distance education methods. Testing in theory courses also could utilize new technology.

Equipment - Within five years the following items need to be replaced: salon stations, facial chairs, manicure tables, hair dryers, mirrors and shampoo chairs. New hair dryers, salon stations and chairs, and computer projectors for PowerPoint presentations are needed.

Facilities - The program needs to be located on the first floor for greater accessibility. Additional classrooms will be needed as the program expands; ideally there would be 12 classrooms. One lab is needed that is large enough to house all supplies and a computer for tracking suppliers and inventory. There is a need for additional office space, and a separate office is needed for counseling students. A computer room for students to take online tests in preparation for the state exam is required.

Staff Development - Hands-on training is desirable in computer applications such as presentation and inventory software.

Special Recommendation
The department should explore revising the curriculum, providing larger lecture sections and labs offered at convenient times to provide more opportunities for students to access the program.