Cosmetology
The Cosmetology curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. The curriculum provides a simulated salon environment that enables students to develop manipulative skills.
Course work includes instruction in all phases of professional imaging, hair design, chemical processes, skin care, nail care, multi-cultural practices, business/computer principles, product knowledge, and other selected topics.
Graduates should qualify to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. Upon successfully passing the State Board exam, graduates are issued a license. Employment is available in beauty salons and related businesses.
For more information, visit the Cosmetology Program of Study website.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in cosmetology employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Cosmetology, Associate Degree (A55140)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree – Cosmetology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Complete an admissions application to Central Piedmont.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Submit high school transcripts and any former college transcripts to Admissions, Records & Registration.
- Request all former college transcripts be evaluated for transfer credit to Central Piedmont
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required. Developmental courses in English and mathematics are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- Consult with an advisement counselor and attend an orientation session following placement testing.
- Complete a Cosmetology Program Application.
Notes
Progression in this program depends upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses and major and related courses.
Students applying to the Central Piedmont Cosmetology Program are required to submit a copy of their Social Security Card, Tax ID card or student visa information, government-issued identification, and proof of date of birth. They also must submit an acknowledgment of the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts felony policy found on the program application.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| COS 111 | Cosmetology Concepts I | 4.0 |
| COS 112 | Salon I | 8.0 |
| COS 113 | Cosmetology Concepts II | 4.0 |
| COS 114 | Salon II | 8.0 |
| COS 115 | Cosmetology Concepts III | 4.0 |
| COS 116 | Salon III | 4.0 |
| COS 117 | Cosmetology Concepts IV | 2.0 |
| COS 118 | Salon IV | 7.0 |
| COS 240 | Contemporary Design | 2.0 |
| or WBL 111 & WBL 112 | Work-Based Learning I and Work-Based Learning I | |
| COS 223 | Contemporary Hair Coloring | 2.0 |
| BUS 139 | Entrepreneurship I | 3.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 70 | |
Cosmetology Diploma (D55140)
Diploma Awarded
The Cosmetology Diploma is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Complete an admissions application to Central Piedmont.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Submit high school transcripts and any former college transcripts to Admissions, Records & Registration.
- Request all former college transcripts be evaluated for transfer credit to Central Piedmont.
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required. Developmental courses in English and mathematics are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- Consult with an advisement counselor and attend an orientation session following placement testing.
- Complete a Cosmetology Program Application.
Notes
Progression in this program is dependent upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses, as well as major and related courses.
Students applying to the Central Piedmont Cosmetology Program are required to submit a copy of their Social Security Card, Tax ID card or student visa information, government-issued identification, and proof of date of birth. They also must submit an acknowledgment of the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts felony policy, found on the program application.
Cosmetology Diploma (D55140)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Core Courses | ||
| COS 111 | Cosmetology Concepts I | 4.0 |
| COS 112 | Salon I | 8.0 |
| COS 113 | Cosmetology Concepts II | 4.0 |
| COS 114 | Salon II | 8.0 |
| COS 115 | Cosmetology Concepts III | 4.0 |
| COS 116 | Salon III | 4.0 |
| COS 117 | Cosmetology Concepts IV | 2.0 |
| COS 118 | Salon IV | 7.0 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
Cosmetology Certificates
Cosmetology Instructor Certificate (C55160)
| Major Requirements | ||
| COS 271 | Instructor Concepts I | 5.0 |
| COS 272 | Instructor Practicum I | 7.0 |
| COS 273 | Instructor Concepts II | 5.0 |
| COS 274 | Instructor Practicum II | 7.0 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Cosmetology Certificate (C55140-C1)
This certificate also is available to high school students through Career and College Promise.
The beauty industry offers highly skilled and personable professionals many employment opportunities in beauty salons, department stores, barbershops, hospitals, hotels, spas, and resorts. Entrepreneurial careers include salon ownership, beauty product creation, freelance cosmetic artistry for movie sets, and magazine photoshoots. Get started on a career in cosmetology by enrolling in the CCP Fundamentals program.
| Major Requirements | ||
| COS 111 | Cosmetology Concepts I | 4.0 |
| COS 112 | Salon I | 8.0 |
| COS 113 | Cosmetology Concepts II | 4.0 |
| COS 114 | Salon II | 8.0 |
| COS 115 | Cosmetology Concepts III | 4.0 |
| COS 116 | Salon III | 4.0 |
| Other Major Requirements | ||
| COS 240 | Contemporary Design | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
Cosmetology Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COS 111 | Cosmetology Concepts I | 4.0 |
| COS 112 | Salon I | 8.0 |
| MAT 110 or MAT 143 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy or Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term II | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| COS 113 | Cosmetology Concepts II | 4.0 |
| COS 114 | Salon II | 8.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| COS 115 | Cosmetology Concepts III | 4.0 |
| COS 116 | Salon III | 4.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Term IV | ||
| COS 117 | Cosmetology Concepts IV | 2.0 |
| COS 118 | Salon IV | 7.0 |
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| BUS 139 | Entrepreneurship I | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term V | ||
| COS 240 | Contemporary Design | 2.0 |
| COS 223 | Contemporary Hair Coloring | 2.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines or Literature-Based Research or Professional Research & Reporting | 3.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 70 | |