Cosmetology

At Iowa Lakes, we prepare students for careers in the health and beauty industry as licensed cosmetologists and professional stylists. Future beauty professionals are guided by skilled and experienced instructors, many of whom bring years of practical, on-the-ground salon experience to the classroom. Through the two-year Associate in Applied Science program, students take on more advanced techniques and build not only real-world skills, but the confidence to succeed in their career.

Foundational courses focus on the fundamentals of cutting, coloring and styling and are supported by practical education in communication, math and overviews in anatomy and physiology. Students gain an education that will prepare them for their state license.

As students progress through the cosmetology program, classroom lectures and demonstrations move to the most important part, hands-on training, including advanced haircutting for men and women, color mixing and application and more. Additionally, Iowa Lakes’ comprehensive program covers communication skills, human resources and salon management that teach skills and performance strategies that are necessary for a successful career.

You will take courses such as:

  • Practical Cosmetology Skills
  • Chemical Services
  • Legal Aspects of Cosmetology
  • Care of Skin and Scalp
  • Haircutting and Styling Techniques

The Cosmetology AAS Degree Program, Emmetsburg Campus, is accredited by the Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, IDPH/Bureau of Professional Licensure.

Board of Cosmetology Arts and Science
IDPH/Bureau of Professional Licensure
5th Floor, Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.govcreate new email
Phone: 515-281-0254
Fax: 515-281-3121
Bureau Website:  opens in a new windowwww.idph.iowa.gov/licensure
Online Licensure Services: https://idph.iowa.gov/Licensure/Iowa-Board-of-Cosmetology-Arts-and-Sciences

This program prepares the student for licensure in Iowa. Iowa Lakes Community College Cosmetology Program has not made a determination as to whether the program curriculum meets all other state’s 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.

Faculty Contact

Laurie Pearson
Cosmetology Program Coordinator & Instructor
712-852-5277 | lpearson@iowalakes.educreate new email

Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 Terms

DEGREE: Associate in Applied Science (72 credits)

CAMPUS: Emmetsburg

Did You Know?

Starting Salary: $18,202

Average Salary: $28,359

Projected Employment Growth: 1.2%

Curriculum

Term 1

Credits: 6

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. Students will develop skills relating to haircutting, haircoloring, hairstyling, nail techniques, and personal growth. Students will cultivate their passions within the field of cosmetology.


Credits: 6

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.

Corequisites: COS 110 – Basic Principles in Cosmetology


Credits: 3

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

Credits: 3

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.


Credits: 5

Theory II continues to build student knowledge and abilities in the salon. Students will develop 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.


Credits: 6

This is the second practicum in Cosmetology. Students will practice skills in haircutting, haircoloring, hairstyling, nail techniques, sanitation, and facials. Students will cultivate their passion within the field of cosmetology. Students will also engage with clients, developing the necessary skills to be a successful cosmetologist.


Term 3

Credits: 5

Cosmetology Theory III continues to build student knowledge of salon services, the scope of practice, proper sanitation procedures, and salon management.

Prerequisite: COS 117 – Cosmetology Theory II


Credits: 6

Practical Cosmetology Skills III continues to provide student practice with salon services, the scope of practice, proper sanitation procedures, and salon management.

Prerequisite: COS 118 – Applied Cosmetology Skills II


Credits: 3

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.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score


Term 4

Credits: 3

Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.


Credits: 6

Skills IV continues to build student abilities in the salon.  Students will practice skills relating to haircutting, haircoloring, hairstyling, nail techniques, facials, and makeup application.  Students will also engage with clients, developing the necessary skills to be a successful cosmetologist.

Prerequisites: COS 130 –  Cosmetology Theory III & COS 172 – Practical Cosmetology Skills III

Corequisite: COS 131 – Cosmetology Theory IV


Credits: 4

Theory IV continues to build student knowledge and abilities in the salon.  Students will master theory concepts relating to haircutting, haircoloring, hairstyling, nail techniques, facials, and makeup application.  Students will also learn to engage with clients, developing the necessary knowledge to be a successful cosmetologist.

Prerequisites: COS 130 –  Cosmetology Theory III & COS 172 – Practical Cosmetology Skills III

Corequisite: COS 120 – Applied Cosmetology Skills IV


Credits: 2

This preceptorship provides a student additional development in a professional salon under the supervision and guidance of a practicing licensed cosmetologist.  Hands-on business learning, client relationships, and salon procedures are a few exciting aspects within a positive functioning salon.

Prerequisites: COS 130 –  Cosmetology Theory III & COS 172 – Practical Cosmetology Skills III

Corequisites: COS 120 – Applied Cosmetology Skills IV & COS 131 – Cosmetology Theory IV


Term 5

Credits: 3

Theory V presents basic business principles for the cosmetology profession and continues to build on practical skills needed to be a successful cosmetologist.

Prerequisites: COS 131 – Cosmetology Theory III & COS 176 – Preceptorship

Corequisites: COS 173 – Practical Cosmetology Skills V & COS 175 – Comprehensive Cosmetology Review


Credits: 6

Practical Cosmetology Skills V continues building basic business principles for the cosmetology profession and knowledge to empower the student to be successful in salon ownership. Students also continue to build on practical skills needed to be a successful cosmetologist.

Prerequisites: COS 131 – Cosmetology Theory IV, COS 120 – Applied Cosmetology Skills IV & COS 176 – Preceptorship

Corequisites: COS 132 – Cosmetology Theory V & COS 175 – Comprehensive Cosmetology Review


Credits: 2

This course is designed to prepare students for the Iowa Licensure Exam.

Prerequisites: COS 131 – Cosmetology Theory IV, COS 120 – Applied Cosmetology Skills IV & COS 176 – Preceptorship

Corequisites: COS 132 – Cosmetology Theory V & COS 173 – Practical Cosmetology Skills V


Credits: 3

Techniques and procedures used in determining profits, pricing of goods, inventories and merchandise control. Typical problems faced by merchandisers are presented, analyzed and solved.


† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.

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 the NIC exam.

Iowa Exam information