Cosmetology

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/cosmetology/

Program Number: 31-502-1
Technical Diploma (1 year)
Campus: Fond du Lac
This program is eligible for financial aid

Be a trendsetter and let your creative side shine with a technical diploma in Cosmetology from Moraine Park Technical College.

About the Program

Cut, style and polish your way to a successful and in-demand career with the Cosmetology program at Moraine Park! The Cosmetology program is perfect for creative, artistic people who enjoy working with people. Students start with basic skills in the classroom, then advance to perfecting their skills by working with real clients in Techniques Salon & Spa on the Fond du Lac Campus; a full-service salon and spa where students provide hair, skin and nail services. As a cosmetologist, you are licensed to perform all cosmetology, barbering, aesthetic, and nail technician services.

What You'll Learn

Whether it’s a trendy color service, a beautifying facial, or spa manicures and pedicures, Cosmetology students are trained with all necessary skills to provide high quality salon services. Students learn the latest techniques, hear from industry artists and attend local beauty shows.

Students are prepared to take the Wisconsin NIC Cosmetology Licensing Exam and upon graduation begin working as a cosmetologist.

Students in the Cosmetology program must have stamina to stand for long periods of time. Class attendance is crucial to student success.

Program start dates are scheduled for August and January each academic year. Classes run Monday through Friday.

Students must be accepted into the program prior to enrolling in the courses. All fees must be paid prior to program start. Class size is limited to the first 20 paid students. Early enrollment is encouraged. Students are strongly encouraged to get on the waiting list, if necessary. As class space becomes available, wait-list students are offered the spots.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

State Licensure Disclosure: Moraine Park’s Cosmetology program prepares students to obtain the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. No determination has been made if the curriculum matches the educational requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states. Visit the Accreditation page for more details about accreditation.  

Licensing Organization: Department of Safety and Professional Services

Note: Students must purchase cosmetology supply kits, smocks and books for this program.

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Term 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
502-304 Hairstyling, Shampooing and Scalp Treatment 3
502-311 Haircutting, Basic Forms 2
502-334 Permanent Wave Techniques 2
502-347 Hair Color and Lightening 2
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits12
Term 2
502-300 Professional Practices 2
502-302 Hairstyling, Basic Techniques 3
502-312 Razor and Clipper Cutting Basics 1
502-336 Chemical Services 1
502-338 Electricity and Chemistry 1
502-348 Highlighting and Corrective Color 1
 Credits9
Term 3
502-309 Nail Care 1
502-313 Men's and Women's Advanced Haircutting Skills 1
502-332 Facials/Skin Structure and Its Disorders 3
502-341 Introduction to Salon Services 2
 Credits7
Term 4
502-318 Artificial Nails 1
502-342 Salon and Spa Services 4
502-356 Laws and Rules 1
502-381 Salon Operations 1
 Credits7
Term 5
502-343 Advanced Salon and Spa Services 5
502-355 Anatomy and Book Final 1
 Credits6
 Total Credits41

Program Outcomes

  • Perform shampoo, haircut, and style service
  • Perform skin care services
  • Perform chemical services
  • Perform nail services
  • Develop business practices for industry success

Pathways 

Earn a certificate and technical diploma along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Cosmetologist
  • Platform Artist
  • Salesperson
  • Manager
  • Consultant
  • Spa Services
  • Makeup Artist
  • Skin Care
  • Product Educator
  • Aesthetician
  • Nail Technician
  • Salon Owner/Establishment Owner
  • Instructor
  • Barbering
  • Product Development
  • Brand Development
  • Marketing