How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Cosmetology

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Cosmetology? How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Cosmetology? Most cosmetology programs offer associate degrees, which typically take two years to earn. However, some institutions offer an accelerated path of study or an abbreviated curriculum that you can complete in as little as nine months. Other cosmetology programs won't award students their degrees until they complete a certain number of practice hours, sometimes as many as 1,500. Related Articles Cosmetology Schools Cosmetology Schools Cosmetologist Cosmetologist Degrees That Earn You the Most Money Degrees That Earn You the Most Money Study and Licensing Specifics Two years may not sound like a very long time to earn a degree, but the amount of work and study involved in a cosmetology program is intense. Cosmetologists can specialize in one career area, but their programs typically encompass training in skin care, hairstyling, nail care, makeup, and other aesthetic arts. Since many graduating students land jobs in salons and spas, degree programs also offer customer service training as well as some marketing and financial instruction. Even after a cosmetology student earns a degree, there's more work involved. Students are rarely hired for full-time, professional-level work after graduating; instead, they need to complete an internship or apprenticeship under the tutelage of more experienced cosmetologists. That process can take another year or two, so it could easily be four to five years or more from the time a prospective cosmetologist begins his studies until the time he becomes a staff member at a full-service salon. Cosmetologists also need licensure to practice their trade. Although licensing requirements vary by state, most dictate that an employee must have an associate degree as well as a passing grade on a licensing exam. Degree Options Most students complete their cosmetology degrees at on-site programs, since visual study and hands-on exercise are such huge parts of the curriculum. The majority of on-site programs require two full years to complete because they equally distribute classes and training to make an effort to avoid overloading students with too much material in any one semester. However, a selection of schools, such as Globe University, offer accelerated nine-month programs that pair cosmetology study with business or administration instruction.