Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Community & Human Services
- Program Code: 31-502-1
- Offering: In-Person
- Degree Type: Technical Diploma
- Start Dates: August/January
About the Cosmetology Diploma
Description
Use your talents to work in the cosmetology profession. This program, which is in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, can be completed in one year to 18 months, including attendance in summer. Graduates are eligible to take the state board licensing examination.
Employment prospects for cosmetologists are excellent.
Additional program details: Develop the skills, including a wide range of hair services, nail services and customer service abilities, needed to enter the cosmetology profession. Keys to your success are effective speaking and listening skills, the ability to work well with others, strong customer service focus, organization and time management skills, and good manual dexterity. An artistic sense and the ability to visualize hairstyles are important. You must be able to work efficiently under pressure, and sell products and services.
Note: In addition to tuition and textbooks, students must purchase a tool/equipment kit.
For information about the Cosmetologist apprenticeship, visit the apprenticeships page.
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Career Outlook
Related Programs
Aesthetician
Learn advanced skincare techniques and work with clients at Skyn – the Spa at MATC Mequon, the state-of-the-art facility located on campus. This program is in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You will become eligible to take the state board aesthetician licensing examination, and work in upscale spas or alongside medical professionals.
Barber
To enter the barbering profession, you will learn shampooing, trimming, cutting and hairstyling techniques, as well as shaving, beard trimming, hair coloring and chemical texture services. This program is in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. When you complete the program, you become eligible to take the state board licensing exam.
Detailed Program Information
2025-26 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BARCOS-300 | Shampoo and Scalp Treatments | 2 |
| COSMET-302 | Intro to Haircutting ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-310 | Hair Tinting ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-314 | Intro to Hairstyling | 2 |
| COSMET-306 | Intro to Esthetics ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-301 | Intermediate Haircutting ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-309 | Chemical Relaxing ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-304 | Permanent Wave | 2 |
| COSMET-317 | Barber/Cosmetology Theory ‡ | 1 |
| BARCOS-319 | Natural Hair Care and Braiding | 1 |
| COSMET-320 | Intro to Guest Services ‡ | 1 |
| MATH-304 | Math Principles 1 | 1 |
| COSMET-305 | Advanced Haircutting ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-312 | Advanced Color | 1 |
| COSMET-308 | Nail Services ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-307 | Advanced Esthetics ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-315 | Intermediate Hairstyling ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-323 | Intermediate Guest Services ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-303 | Master Haircutting ‡ | 2 |
| COSMET-313 | Hair Color Correction ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-321 | Hair Extensions ‡ | 1 |
| BARCOS-324 | Business Skills for Barber/Cosmetologist | 1 |
| COSMET-329 | Basic Artificial Nail Concepts ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-326 |
Advanced Guest Services ‡ |
1 |
| ENG-340 | Workplace Communication (or) ENG-195 Written Communication ‡ |
2 |
| BARCOS-330 | Business Management Skills for Barbers/Cosmetologists ‡ |
2 |
| COSMET-316 | Advanced Style ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-327 | Master Guest Services ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-328 | Externship ‡ | 1 |
| COSMET-335 | State Board Review ‡ | 3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
46 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
Note: In addition to tuition and textbooks, students must purchase a tool/equipment kit.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
DIGITAL BADGES
Upon completion of specified coursework, students may be eligible for the following digital badge(s):
2025-2026 Program Flyer
Important Dates
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Perform shampoo, haircut, and style services
- Perform skin care services
- Perform chemical services
- Perform nail services
- Develop business practices for industry success
Admission Requirements
Waiting List
This program admits students via a waiting list process. Students must complete all academic preparedness requirements before being placed into core program courses when seats are available.
- Program capacity is 32 students in the Fall and 16 in the Spring.
- Waiting time upon completion of all academic preparedness requirements is two semesters.
Academic Preparedness Requirements
Scholarships
Accreditation
This program is in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705; 608-266-2112; https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Cosmetologist/Default.aspx.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now.
Request Info Visit Us Apply Now
QUESTIONS?
Community & Human Services Academic & Career Pathway
414-570-4426
servepathway@matc.edu