The associate degree offered by Butte College is designed to facilitate transfer to a four-year institution, fill a community need, or directly serve an occupational need. If you earn the Associate Degree in Cosmetology, you will also earn the Certificate of Achievement at the same time.
The AS Degree and the Certificate of Achievement both provide the 1,000-hour course of study required by the California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology. Successful completion of either pathway will prepare students to pass the written state exam for licensure to practice cosmetology in the state of California.
Associate Degree Requirements
Earning the AS Degree in Cosmetology requires completion of 28.5 units in the Cosmetology major in addition to other major and general education requirements. Visit Academic Program Types and Requirements in the 2024-2025 Butte College Catalog for complete requirements. Courses in the major cover hair cutting, coloring, and styling, plus manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, makeup, lash and brow beautification, and salon business practices.
Required courses for the Cosmetology major: 28.5 Units
COS-10 Health, Safety & Sanitation Theory 3 units
COS-11 Health, Safety & Sanitation Practicum 4 units
COS-12 Manicuring & Pedicuring 2.5 units
COS-19 Hair Styling Services I 4 units
COS-20 Chemical Hair Services Theory 3 units
COS-21 Chemical Hair Services Practicum 4 units
COS-23 Skin Care 4 units
COS-29 Hair Styling Services II 4 units
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Safely and accurately use all equipment and products relating to the industry.
Demonstrate the most current methods and procedures using professional tools and equipment.
Apply necessary health and safety rules.
Communicate effectively and appropriately within the Cosmetology industry.
Perform all tasks and skills in an orderly manner, establishing the methodical habits without sacrificing artistic skills.
The Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with a specific skill set or mastery of a body of knowledge to enter skilled employment in specific careers. Courses for the certificate cover hair cutting, coloring, and styling, plus manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, makeup, lash and brow beautification, and salon business practices.
No additional General Education, competency, or district requirements need be completed for the certificate although students may also complete additional General Education requirements to receive an Associate’s Degree.
The AS Degree and the Certificate of Achievement both provide the 1,000-hour course of study required by the California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology. Successful completion of either pathway will prepare students to pass the written state exam for licensure to practice cosmetology in the state of California.
Certificate of Achievement Requirements
"C" grade or better for each required cosmetology course
Minimum of 6 units in residence at Butte College
Submission of the Certificate of Achievement application found at Academic Programs
Required courses for the Certificate of Achievement in Cosmetology: 28.5 units
Semester 1
COS-10 Health, Safety & Sanitation Theory 3 units
COS-11 Health, Safety & Sanitation Practicum 4 units
COS-12 Manicuring & Pedicuring 2.5 units
COS-19 Hair Styling Services I 4 units
Semester 2
COS-20 Chemical Hair Services Theory 3 units
COS-21 Chemical Hair Services Practicum 4 units
COS-23 Skin Care 4 units
COS-29 Hair Styling Services II 4 units
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Safely and accurately use all equipment and products relating to the industry.
Demonstrate the most current methods and procedures using professional tools and equipment.
Apply necessary health and safety rules.
Communicate effectively and appropriately within the Cosmetology industry.
Perform all tasks and skills in an orderly manner, establishing the methodical habits without sacrificing artistic skills.
For California-licensed cosmetologists and students who have
completed a California-approved cosmetology program
Expand your expertise and add a barber license!
The Barber Crossover Program allows licensed cosmetologists and students who have completed a California-approved cosmetology program to take the additional 200 hours of shaving and trimming content required to qualify to take the state barber licensing exam.
COS-17 Trimming & Shaving I provides the 200 hours of required crossover content:
- Preparing the client’s hair for shaving.
- Assessing the condition of the client’s skin.
- Performing shaving techniques.
- Applying after-shave antiseptic following facial services.
- Massaging the client’s face, using rolling cream and massage techniques.
Required Documentation
A valid California Cosmetology License or a California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Proof of Training document with a school transcript verifying completion of a California cosmetology program must be submitted for approval prior to enrollment. Only original, physical documents are accepted. Contact us at cosmo@ndkllx.com for instructions.
We are not yet offering a stand-alone barbering program or accepting students transferring in from other schools.
Our fall semester classes have ended. We will resume appointments in February, including clean shaves and fabulous beard trims by our new barbering class!
Call 530-895-2202 after February 3 to schedule your appointment!
Appointments will resume in February.
2201 Pillsbury Road, Suite 170
Chico, CA 95926
Phone: 530-895-2202
Email: cosmo@ndkllx.com
Content editor:
Eileen Ross
