Transform Your Passion into a Career with a Cosmetology AAS Degree
Are you ready to turn your creativity and passion for beauty into a thriving career? The Cosmetology AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes provides students with professional training, hands-on experience, and industry certifications to excel in the beauty and wellness industry.
In our two-year program, you’ll go beyond the basics, mastering advanced hair styling, cutting, coloring, skin care, and business management. With instruction from experienced industry professionals, students receive a comprehensive education covering cosmetology techniques and salon business operations. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to pass state licensing exams and begin a rewarding career as a licensed cosmetologist.
Real-World Cosmetology Experience
Iowa Lakes has state-of-the-art salon facilities, The Laker Salon on College Drive, that provide real-world experience working with clients in a professional salon setting. Through live demonstrations, hands-on training, and guided practice, students develop technical expertise and confidence to succeed in salons, spas, barbershops, and independent beauty businesses.
With a growing demand for cosmetology professionals, this program provides a direct path to a high-paying and creative career in the beauty industry.
Explore career opportunities and salary projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Cosmetology Outlook.
Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in cosmetology!
Find Your It!
Are you ready to become a professional stylist?
Develop Professional Cosmetology Skills
The Cosmetology AAS program at Iowa Lakes provides students with expert instruction in:
- Practical Cosmetology Skills – Hands-on experience in hair cutting, coloring, and styling
- Chemical Services – Master color mixing, chemical texturizing, and hair treatments
- Legal Aspects of Cosmetology – Learn about state licensing, regulations, and salon management
- Care of Skin & Scalp – Training in skincare techniques, facials, and scalp treatments
- Haircutting & Styling Techniques – Develop precision skills for men’s and women’s hairstyling
Salon Experience & Workforce Readiness
Students gain real-world training by working with clients in our on-campus salon. This immersive learning experience allows students to:
- Apply cutting, coloring, and styling techniques on real clients
- Practice customer service and professional consultation skills
- Learn salon business operations, marketing, and management
Get ready to become a professional stylist and licensed cosmetologist ready to make your mark in the health and beauty industry.
Program Details
Length
4 Terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (62 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Additional Information
Term 1
COS 100 – Cosmetology Foundations
This course will enable you to build a loyal customer base by understanding the importance of professionalism, both personally and in the workplace. You will also learn as a beauty professional to use proper and effective infection control methods to protect yourself and clients from harm.
COS 101 – Cosmetology Concepts
This first course, also known as basic training, is required before advancement in Cosmetology. This course is designed to introduce and develop an understanding of the various realms of Cosmetology and barbering. Students will develop skills relating to hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, nail techniques, and personal growth. Students will cultivate their passions within the field of barbering and cosmetology.
COS 159 – Practical Cosmetology Skills I
This first practicum in cosmetology is required before advancement in the program. The student will demonstrate proper hygiene, good grooming, sanitation techniques, and basic cosmetology procedures. Protection of the student and public are emphasized.
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
Term 2
COS 102 – Cosmetology Concepts II
Concepts II continues to build student knowledge and abilities in the student salon. Students will continue skills relating to hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, nail techniques, facials, and makeup application. Students will also engage with clients, developing the necessary skills to be a successful barber and cosmetologist.
Prerequisite: COS 101 – Cosmetology Concepts I
COS 162 – Practical Cosmetology Skills II
Skills II continues to build student knowledge and abilities in the student salon. Students will continue skills relating to haircutting, hair coloring, hairstyling, nail techniques, facials, and makeup application. Students will also engage with clients, developing the necessary skills to be a successful cosmetologist.
Prerequisite: COS 159 – Practical Cosmetology Theory V
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
Term 3
COS 103 – Barbering & Cosmetology Concepts III
Barbering and Cosmetology Concepts III continues to build mastery of student knowledge related to cosmetology and barbering services. The study of salon management and developing partnerships through a student preceptorship will propel students forward in their career with preparedness for employment.
Prerequisite: COS 102 – Cosmetology Concepts II
COS 163 – Practical Cosmetology Skills III
Practical Cosmetology Skills III builds student skills related to salon services, understanding the scope of practice, proper sanitation procedures, and the experience of salon management.
Prerequisite: COS 162 – Practical Cosmetology Skills II
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Term 4
COS 104 – Barbering & Cosmetology Concepts IV
Cosmetology Concepts IV prepares students for employment and state board licensing.
Prerequisite: COS 103 – Barbering & Cosmetology Concepts III
COS 164 – Practical Barbering & Cosmetology Skills IV
Cosmetology Skills IV is the final semester in the ILCC Cosmetology Program where basic practical skills are mastered to ensure a competitive advantage in the workplace environment.
Prerequisite: COS 163 – Practical Cosmetology Skills III
MKT 162 – Retail Merchandising
Techniques and procedures used in determining profits, pricing of goods, inventories and merchandise control. Typical problems faced by merchandisers are presented, analyzed and solved.
MKT 155 – Visual Merchandising
A study of the principles and elements of design and their relationship to an effective display. Hands on experience in creating effective displays and planning a visual merchandisers schedule. The students learn about display materials and store layout in relation to effective selling.
CHOOSE EITHER MKT 162 OR MKT 155
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Cosmetology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
- Perform a range of core cosmetology services according to industry standards.
- Apply sanitation, safety, and regulatory compliance procedures to maintain a clean and safe salon environment.
- Demonstrate professionalism in the classroom and salon setting.
- Exhibit punctuality, appropriate appearance, ethical conduct, and respect for peers, instructors, and clients in all learning environments.
- Demonstrate effective and interpersonal skills in a clinical and salon setting.
- Execute salon operations and business practices, including front desk management, and financial transactions.
- Demonstrate readiness for state licensure and entry-level employment through successful completion of theory, practical exams, and career preparation activities.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Cosmetology, AAS degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
The Cosmetology AAS Degree Program, Emmetsburg Campus, is accredited by the Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, IDPH/Bureau of Professional Licensure.
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Science
Dept. of Inspection, Appeals, and Licensing
6200 Park Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50321
Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov
Phone: 515-281-0254
Fax: 515-281-3121
Bureau Website: www.idph.iowa.gov/licensure
Online Licensure Services: Cosmetology Licensure
This program prepares the student for licensure in Iowa. Iowa Lakes Community College Cosmetology Program has not determined whether the program curriculum meets all other states’ educational requirements for licensure or certification. If you wish to work outside the state of Iowa, please contact the state agency in which you hope to work for details about licensure or certification.
Licensure and Certification Disclosure Requirements
State of Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences—Iowa exclusively uses the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations. Provide, Inc. administrators with the NIC exam.
Career Opportunities & Advancement
Graduates of the Cosmetology AAS program are prepared for roles such as:
- Licensed Cosmetologist – Work in salons, spas, and wellness centers
- Barber – Specialize in men’s haircuts, shaves, and grooming services
- Salon Manager or Owner – Open your own salon or barbershop
- Beauty Industry Educator – Teach cosmetology techniques in schools or workshops
- Skincare Specialist or Makeup Artist – Focus on facials, skincare, and professional makeup application
With a creative and flexible career path, Iowa Lakes provides the technical training, hands-on experience, and industry certifications to help students launch successful careers in the beauty industry.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.9%
Potential Careers
Cosmetologist, Hairdresser, Barber, Salon Manager, Salon Owner
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$44,990
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$41,780
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Laurie Pearson Cosmetology Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor 712-852-5277 | lpearson@iowalakes.edu |