Services Cluster

About This Program

Students in Cosmetology will develop the creative and technical skills required to be successful in the field which encompasses a broad range of services and customer-focused products. Students will learn how to perform all aspects of the program including hair, skin, nail care and personal responsibility, as well as the professional work ethic needed to secure employment in the industry. Hours spent learning and practicing these skills are eligible to be recorded with the state (towards a Massachusetts Cosmetology Operator’s License requirements) once a student turns 16 years of age. Upon the completion of 1000 theory and practical hours, each student will have the opportunity to take the State Board Licensing Exam and receive an operator’s license to become a contributing professional in the industry. Each graduate of the Cosmetology program has the opportunity to receive a high school diploma, a certificate of completion, and be able to sit for the State Board License Exam. See below for full course descriptions.

Cosmetology Course Descriptions

Course Number	Name	Credit	Grade Level
co101	Cosmetology Exploratory 9	1	Grade 9
co103	Cosmetology 9	10	Grade 9
co200	Cosmetology 10	16	Grade 10
co201	Cosmetology Theory 10	4	Grade 10
co300	Cosmetology 11	20	Grade 11
co301	Cosmetology Theory 11	4	Grade 11
co305	Cosmetology Cooperative Education 11	12	Grade 11
pcs301	CTAE Pathway: Services Leadership I	4	Grade 11
co400	Cosmetology 12	20	Grade 12
co401	Cosmetology Theory 12	4	Grade 12
co405	Cosmetology Cooperative Education 12	24	Grade 12
pcs401	CTAE Pathway: Services Leadership II	4	Grade 12

Cosmetology Exploratory 9

Course # co101 | Credit: 1
This five-day cycle exploratory course introduces grade 9 students to the basic knowledge and skill level used in the cosmetology field today. Students receive instruction in infection control, all aspects of the program including hair care, skin care, nail care, and personal responsibility as well as the professional work ethics needed to secure employment in the outside industry. Students receive instruction through a combination of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on performances.

Cosmetology 9

Course # co103 | Credits: 10
This semester-based course provides students with the basic knowledge and skill level used in the cosmetology field today. Students will receive instruction in infection control through all aspects of the program including hair care, skin care, nail care, and personal responsibility.  Another focus will be on the professional work ethics needed to secure employment in the outside industry. Students will receive instruction through a combination of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on performances.

Cosmetology 10

Course # co200 | Credits: 16
This full-year course is designed to continue developing student skills in equipment safety, infection control, and sanitation, along with customer service and communication skills in the  Cosmetology program. Practical work will include the following: scalp care, shampooing and treatments, facials, day, evening, and fantasy make-up application, hair removal, advanced hairstyling, up-styling, advanced perm wrapping, and artificial nails review.

Cosmetology Theory 10

Course # co201 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course is designed to develop student comprehension of basic cosmetology theories and technical instruction. Students receive instruction on properties of the hair and scalp, principles of hair design, anatomy and physiology, skin structure and disorders, hair removal, skin care, make-up, chemistry and electricity, and haircutting. Instruction includes demonstrations, hands-on activities, writing assignments, weekly vocabulary and projects.

Cosmetology 11

Course # co300 | Credits: 20
This full-year course will provide students with an opportunity to achieve proficiency in their knowledge and technical skills in the Cosmetology program. Students will receive advanced levels of instruction in skin care, make-up application, nail care techniques, haircutting, advanced hairstyling, permanent waving, chemical relaxing and keratin smoothing treatments, Ethnic hair care, hair removal, hair coloring, safe chemical use, as well as sanitation and disinfection practices. These skills and their outcomes can become part of students’ comprehensive portfolio projects. Students can meet the State Board of Cosmetology hourly requirements through their work in “Salon365” that is open to the public.

Cosmetology Theory 11         

Course #  co301 | Credits:  4
This full-year, classroom-based course is intended to help students develop the ability to analyze cosmetology by demonstrating an understanding of disinfectants, skin care, hair color, nail care, artificial hair enhancements, and professional styling products. Students will continue to use online software with tests, reviews and comprehensive reports of their progress to prepare for the licensing exam.  

Cosmetology Cooperative Education 12

Course # co405 | Credits: 24
This full-year course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity.  The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study.  Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle. 

Cosmetology 12

Course # co400 | Credits: 20
This full-year course provides students with instruction in all aspects of running a full service salon or spa where they will continue to work on mastering prior tasks as well as learning new advanced or trending techniques. Students can meet the State Board of Cosmetology hourly requirements through their work in “Salon365” that is open to the public. Qualified seniors who are in good academic and career technical standing and successfully passed the State Board exam, can participate in our Cooperative Education program. 

Cosmetology Theory 12                                                                                                                                             

Course #  co401 | Credits:  4
This full-year, classroom-based course helps students continue to explore all topics related to Cosmetology from advanced styling, hair coloring, chemical texture services, anatomy, histology, job interviews and salon management. This will allow students when they have completed the mandatory hours to take the required State Board Examination to qualify for their Cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Cooperative Education 12

Course # co405 | Credits: 24
This full-year course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity.  The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study.  Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle.