Program Enrollment
Enrollment into the program is accepted in either the Fall or Spring semester. Most students complete the program in two full semesters and a summer session. The Cosmetology program is designed for full-time students only. Because SJCC is a community college funded by the state, we are able to provide this comprehensive education at a fraction of the cost of private schools. The estimated cost of the entire program is $6,000.
Program Completion
When you enroll in the Cosmetology program, you will have the opportunity to receive instruction in the areas of hair, skin, nail, and salon skills. After successfully completing the program, you will be able to earn a Certificate of Achievement and/or Associate in Science degree. As an SJCC graduate, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam. To be eligible for a state license, you will need to successfully complete 1,600 clock hours in an educational institution approved by the Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Eligibility Criteria
Step 1:
Complete and submit program application to the Cosmetology department. This application is separate from the general SJCC application for admission.
Because of the high demand for the program, the Cosmetology department maintains a waitlist of students to enroll in the program. In order to get on the waitlist, you must fill out and submit the Cosmetology department program application.
Completed application can be emailed to Lani.Rhynes@sjcc.edu or mailed:
The Cosmetology Department
San Jose City College
2100 Moorpark Ave
San Jose, CA 95125
Step 2 (Optional):
If you wish to tour the department before you make the decision to enroll in the program, we are open for a walk-through on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9:15am - 2:30pm or contact the front desk at 408-288-3710.
Step 3:
It is recommended that you use this time to enroll in general education courses, as they can be used toward your Associate in Science degree in Cosmetology.
Step 4:
Applications are processed in April for the Fall semester and in October for the Spring semester. At this point, the department sends letters with reply postcards to all eligible applicants. Follow the instructions on the letter and return the postcard by the deadline with your intent to enroll. Be sure to keep the department updated with any change of address and/or phone number.
Step 5:
Complete the SJCC application for admission and submit it either in person or online. To be eligible for admission, you must be at least 18 years old or have one of the following:
- High School Diploma
- General Education Degree (GED)
- High School Proficiency Certificate
For further information about the admission process, contact the following departments:
- Admissions and Records Office (408) 288-3700
- Counseling (408) 288-3750
- Assessment (Placement Tests) (408) 288-3170
- Financial Aid (408) 288-3741
Step 6:
You will be notified by mail about our mandatory orientation.
Step 7:
Submit the requested information to the department. Provided you have met the requirements, you will be given a C-9 form to register along with an orientation packet. Without this form, you are not allowed to register at the Admissions & Records Office. Online and/or telephone registration is not available for Cosmetology students.
Step 8:
Orientation is mandatory for all prospective Freshman students. All the information you will need to know about the program, including State Board requirements, cost of the kit, tuition, etc., will be provided at this orientation. Parents are welcome to attend.
Step 9:
Kit day is where you will purchase your kit and review other course materials, including orientation. Please set aside all day for this.
Step 10:
Orientation about the program, syllabus, procedures, etc., is conducted on the first day of class. Every student is required to present proof of his/her current TB test within the first two weeks of the semester. Free TB screening services are available from Student Health Services. For additional information and appointments, call 408-288-3724.
Employment Opportunities
A cosmetologist, sometimes called a hairstylist, is someone who specializes in giving beauty treatments, usually to women. A cosmetologist is proficient in hair treatments, facials, and other skin and nail treatments. Some cosmetologists specialize in just one of these areas. The sub-categories of cosmetology are hairstylists, hair colorists, manicurists, estheticians, and electrologists. Often cosmetologists specialize in more than one of these categories.
A manicurist specializes in nail care, including manicures, pedicures, and acrylic nails and gels.
An esthetician specializes in facials, head and neck massages, and hair removal through waxing. Some estheticians offer full-body massages. Estheticians may offer one or more of the following types of waxing: bikini, Brazilian, leg, or arm.
An electrologist offers the removal of unwanted hair via an electrolysis machine.
As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal
via electrolysis is permanent. It has recently been argued that barbers are also cosmetologists
who extend the hairstylist specialty with services, especially for men, such as shaving
and beard trimming.
The following are some other examples of the careers you may choose:
- Hairdresser
- Salon Manager
- Salon Owner
- Hair Colorist
- Salon Owner
- Product Demonstrator
- Skin Specialist
- Manicuring Specialist
- Pedicuring Specialist
- Product Demonstrator
- Lecturer
- Consultant
- Instructor
- School Manager
- School Owner
- Estimated Program Cost
- Tuition costs vary according to California Residency and semester. Click here for current program costs.
- Cosmetology Instructors
Degrees in cosmetology
There are two different options for degrees offered in cosmetology: Associate of Science in Cosmetology or Certificate of Achievement.
- Academic Advisor Specialist, CTE
-
Saul Ruiz
- 408-298-2181, ext 3210
- saul.ruiz@sjcc.edu
Faculty & Staff
The cosmetology staff at San Jose City College is comprised of some of the most passionate and well-trained staff in cosmetology services in the nation. In addition to teaching classes weekly, many of the full-time instructors practice on the side as well, keeping them well versed in the modern and newly developing technologies in Cosmetology.