An associate's degree program in cosmetology management can give you the cosmetology and business skills you need to run a hair, nail or skin care salon or manage your own business. Find out about degree programs, included classwork and how to get started.
What Is a Cosmetology Management Associate's Degree?
This degree program combines cosmetology training with instruction in business practices. While some programs offer the cosmetology and business courses as part of a continuous program, others are structured in a way that offers management as a concentration within a cosmetology associate's degree program. Some programs go by other names, such as 'Health and Beauty Management'.
Many programs qualify you to sit for your state's licensing exam. Associate's degree programs usually take about two years of full-time study to complete, but some cosmetology management programs allow you to receive credit if you've already earned licensure or taken prior college-level courses. Often, these programs are designed for cosmetologists with some experience who want to gain management skills in order to further their careers or start a business.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Details</b></td><td>Degrees may include both cosmetology and business courses; they may have a variety of different names</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Course Topics</b></td><td>Hair styling techniques, human resource management, nail care, inventory, record keeping</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td>High school diploma, some programs may require training before fulfilling all the degree requirements</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>11% (for first-line supervisors of personal service workers including hairdressers)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Annual Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$42,000 (for first-line supervisors of personal service workers including hairdressers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>You'll take courses in hair styling techniques, nail care and business. You'll learn how to cut, style and dye hair, provide manicures and pedicures and manage business finances and operations. Cosmetology management programs that meet state licensing regulations involve a lot of hands-on courses, and you're usually able to practice in on-campus salons or salon-like environments.
</p><p>The business courses you take cover the principles of management, including human resource management, accounting, business ethics and business law. These courses give you an understanding of how to run a business, from day-to-day tasks like inventory and record keeping to hiring staff and attracting clients.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIGetStarted">How Do I Get Started?</h3><p>While most associate's degree programs only require a high school diploma for admission, some cosmetology management associate's degree programs require you to obtain cosmetology training prior to beginning the management portion of your education. These schools usually offer the courses you need to fulfill those requirements. You might also need to be licensed in your state. If you're transferring credits, you may need to have obtained your licensure within the past two years or show documented work experience to earn your associate's degree.</p>
