Students in cosmetology class styling hair

About the Career

An energetic and ever-changing industry, cosmetology offers many career opportunities that enable creative students to set and achieve their goals. With hands-on experience at the Salon at COM, students train for state exams and for jobs as independent or salon stylists.

Median hourly pay: $11.40
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Market and Salary

Cosmetology Average Median Salary Percentage of Growth by 2022
Houston Region $30,510 9.6%
Texas $27,770 5.1%
National $22,770 13%

About the Program

The High School Operator Certificate is designed to provide current high school students with a quality education in the cosmetology field and prepare the student to pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Examination for licensing. The Operator Certificate covers all areas of cosmetology including hair, nails, and skin. High school students must complete requirements before graduation from high school and must pass all academic classes at the high school.

Contact Information

Please speak with the dual credit advisor or college connection advisor at your high school.

Cosmetology High School Operator Certificate

  • CSME – Orientation to Cosmetology

    This is an overview of the skills and knowledge necessary for the field of cosmetology. Students will learn to demonstrate introductory skills, professional ethics, sanitation and safety. The course will explain the rules and regulations of the institution, department, and state.

  • CSME – Artistry of Hair, Theory and Practice

    This course provides instruction in the artistry of hair design. Topics include theory, techniques, and application of hair design. Successful students will exhibit workplace competencies related to the artistry of hair and demonstrate the professional skills of hair design. This course will be taught hybrid (64 hours face to face and 32 hours online instruction)

  • CSME – Principles of Hair Coloring and Related Theory

    This is a presentation of the theory, practice, and chemistry of hair color. Instruction will identify terminology, demonstrate the proper application and exhibit workplace competencies related to hair color.

  • CSME 1410 – Introduction to Haircutting and Related Theory

    This is an introduction to the theory and practice of haircutting. Topics include terminology, implements, sectioning, and finishing techniques. Students will learn to identify terminology and exhibit basic workplace competencies related to haircutting and finishing techniques. Demonstrate use of implements and various sectioning, haircutting and finishing skills.

  • CSME 1348 – Principles of Skin Care/Facials and Related Theory

    This course is an introduction of the theory and practice of skin care. Students will learn to identify the terminology related to the skin treatments, demonstrate the proper application, and exhibit workplace competencies in skin care.

  • CSME 1453 – Chemical Reformation and Related Theory

    This is a presentation of the theory and practice of chemical reformation including terminology, application, and workplace competencies. This course will identify terminology related to chemical reformation, demonstrate the proper application, and exhibit workplace competencies related to chemical reformation.

  • CSME 1405 – Fundamental of Cosmetology

    A course in the basic fundamentals of cosmetology. Topics include safety and sanitation service preparation, manicure, facial, chemical services, shampoo, haircut, wet styling and comb out. Students will learn to identify fundamental concepts related to skills required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, implement fundamental skills required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

  • CSME 1443 – Manicuring and Related Theory

    This course is a presentation of the theory and practice of nail technology. Instruction identifies terminology related to nail technology, demonstrates the proper application of nail technology and exhibits workplace competencies in nail technology.

Schedule

Semester Course Credit Hours
Contact Hours 		Days Times Tuition
(In/Out District)
Year 1 – Fall
(Two 8-week classes) 		CSME 1401
CSME 1451 		4 / 128
4 / 160 		Monday – Friday 1 – 5 p.m. $240 / $290
Year 1 – Spring
(Two 8-week classes) 		CSME 1410
CSME 2401 		4 / 160
4 / 160 		Monday – Friday 1 – 5 p.m. $240 / $290
Year 2 – Fall
(Two 8-week classes) 		CSME 1348
CSME 1453 		4 / 96
4 / 160 		Monday – Friday 1 – 5 p.m. $240 / $290
Year 2 – Spring
(Two 8-week classes) 		CSME 1443
CSME 1405 		3 / 160
4 / 128 		Monday – Friday 1 – 5 p.m. $240 / $290

TSI Assessment: Not needed for certificates.

  • Fee – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations $25/program (charged to student first semester enrolled).
  • Additional lab fee of $20 per course (lab fee included in tuition cost listed above).
  • Textbook Bundle: ($416.35) must be purchased to start program, used through entire program.
  • Kit: ($900-1,000) must be purchased to start program, used through entire program.
  • Student will be expected to purchase consumable supplies throughout program as needed.

Credential: Certificate – Cosmetology: High School Operator

Eligible to take Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Examination for Cosmetology Operator License.

COM Additional Programs:

  • Esthetic Specialty Certificate
  • Associate of Applied Science – Cosmetology Instructor