Cosmetology

Helena College is pleased to announce that a new Cosmetology program will open for Montana students in January 2024 for the spring semester! The new 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.

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.

• COSM 101 Cosmetology I Principles and Procedures (7 credits)
• COSM 102 Cosmetology I Practical Application (7 credits)
• M 105 Contemporary Math (3 credits)
• COLS 101 First Year Seminar (3 credits)

• COSM 111 Cosmetology II Principles and Procedures (7 credits)
• COSM 112 Cosmetology II Practical Application (7 credits)
• WRIT 122 Introduction to Business Writing (3 credits)

• COSM 201 Cosmetology III Intermediate Principles and Procedures (6 credits)
• COSM 202 Cosmetology III Intermediate Practical Application (7 credits)
• BGEN 105 Introduction to Business (3 credits)

• COSM 211 Cosmetology IV Advanced Principles and Procedures (6 credits)
• COSM 212 Cosmetology IV Advanced Practical Application (7 credits)
• COMX 115 Interpersonal Communications (3 credits)

Fifteen students will enter the program every spring, summer, and fall semesters. The Cosmetology courses (COSM) will be offered on a Tuesday – Saturday schedule, with Sundays and Mondays off.

Students wanting to get a jumpstart on the program can 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) before entering the cosmetology program. This will save time during the busy cosmetology semesters, and it will boost a student's application to the 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. These courses are also available to Dual Enrollment students!

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 that are interested in switching degree pathways and intend to apply 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 Cosmetology program will be available in the Fall 2023 semester. Information about the cosmetology application will be posted on this webpage and shared with all students in emails and in the student newsletter before the application becomes available. If you have any questions about the cosmetology program application, please contact your advisor or Robyn Kiesling at robyn.kiesling@helenacollege.edu.