Cosmetology

The Cosmetology program will prepare students in both theory and practical application to obtain the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Cosmetology Licensure Examination upon completion of the program. In addition, students who successfully complete the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Cosmetology degree. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in all areas of the Cosmetology field, including hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, makeup application, nails, and esthetics.  Email address: cosmetology@helenacollege.edu

The curriculum is guided by the Montana State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists license requirements and is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.

The degree can be completed in four semesters/15 months once accepted into the Cosmetology program.

Semester 1:

• M105 Contemporary Mathematics (3 credits)
• WRIT122 Introduction to Business Writing (3 credits)
• BGEN105 Introduction to Business (3 credits)
• COMX115 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
• COLS101 First Year Seminar (3 credits)

Semester 2:

• COSM101 Cosmetology I Principles and Procedures (7 credits)
• COSM102 Cosmetology I Practical Application (7 credits)

Semester 3:

• COSM111 Cosmetology II Intermediate Principles and Procedures (7 credits)
• COSM112 Cosmetology II Intermediate Practical Application (7 credits)

Semester 4:

• COSM201 Cosmetology III Intermediate Principles and Procedures (7 credits)
• COSM202 Cosmetology III Intermediate Practical Application (7 credits)

Semester 5:

• COSM211 Cosmetology IV Advanced Principles and Procedures (7 credits)
• COSM212 Cosmetology IV Advanced Practical Application (7 credits)

Students interested in the program will need to take the 5 General Education courses (COLS 101 First Year Seminar, M 105 Contemporary Math, WRIT 122 Introduction to Business Writing, BGEN 105 Introduction to Business, and COMX 115 Interpersonal Communications) or have substitutions forms before applying to the cosmetology program.

All five courses listed above work towards a certificate and degree in the Business and Accounting program, so students can use the completed courses towards additional degrees in their field. Most of these courses are also available to Dual Enrollment students!

 The Helena College Cosmetology Program is a full-time program with classes scheduled for four consecutive semesters (15 months). The first semester or COSM101 and COSM102 is scheduled Monday through Friday 8:30am- 3:30pm. The remaining semesters 2, 3 & 4 or COSM111 and COSM112, or COSM201 and COSM202 or COSM211 and COSM212 will be assigned either to Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday 8:30am - 5:00 pm.

Students will complete all of their practical hours in the Helena College Salon which will be open to the public.

Students will learn in a hands-on environment while providing hair, skin, and nail services to the Helena community. New students interested in the program should apply to Helena College and select the Pre-Cosmetology option in the Personal Care Services section. Current students interested in switching degree pathways and applying to the Cosmetology program should work with their advisor to submit a Change of Program form and select Pre-Cosmetology as their new program.

The application for the next cohort is not yet available. Please contact your academic advisor or Sandra Bauman for updates.