Cosmetology
Imagine a career doing what you love in a high-demand industry while helping people look and feel fantastic. As a certified cosmetologist, you’ll have the opportunity to express your creativity through new hairstyles, experiment with colors and textures when applying makeup, and turn clients’ nails into eye-catching works of art. Maricopa Community Colleges’ Cosmetology program will prepare you to take the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam. Our program will teach you techniques and theory involving hair care, styling, cutting, and coloring; applications in wigs; skincare services; nail care services; makeup application; hair removal; infection control and safety; and more. Become a beauty expert and turn your passion for looking and feeling good into the career you’ve always dreamed of having. Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
| Cosmetologist (32 Hours Per Week) |
| Cosmetology Instructor |
Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.
Instructor Meet and Greet
Join us in-person every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Central City for a chance to meet with the instructors and learn more about the program!
• Check-in at the Central City Welcome Center when you arrive.
• Please arrive early. Arrival more than 5 minutes late will result in not being permitted to attend.
• Sessions are not held when GateWay is closed for a holiday.
Please click here to pre-register
GateWay is the only Maricopa Community College that offers a suite of Beauty & Wellness programs -- aesthetics, cosmetology, hair styling, massage, nail technician and a specialized program for practitioners who wish to eventually become beauty and wellness instructors. These programs are considered clock hour programs, which are non-credit training programs that provide skills for quick entry into the workforce. All programs have specific year-round start dates.
You will learn your skills by practicing on each other and/or eventually serving actual clients, all with instructor supervision. Instructors supervise and receive feedback from clients to make sure you are providing adequate service. The school has a salon open to the public and holds clinics often.
You have to pass the Arizona State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exams to receive your respective license to practice. Visit the state board's website for details.
Cosmetologist
As a cosmetologist, students will provide beauty services such as shampooing and conditioning, cutting, coloring, perming, and styling hair. Additionally, students will braid, press, curl and relax hair, design hairstyles, and provide nail and skin services. All work will be performed safely using proper disinfection and sanitation techniques.
Successful completion of your hours, with a score of 80% or higher, makes you eligible to apply for graduation to receive your certificate of competency but does not guarantee you a Cosmetology License in any state.
Virtual Information Session
Beauty & Wellness
Information Session: Wednesdays, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Program Location
Central City
Program Cost Estimates
Certificate of Competency for Cosmetologist: $9,497 | 1500 hours/13-20 months**
Certificate of Competency for Instructor: $2,125 | 350 hours/4-5 months*
Associate in Applied Science in Beauty and Wellness
*Actual completion times may vary. Costs include tuition, lab, student kit, and estimated book fees. Amount based on current estimates and will vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.
**Actual completion times may vary. Costs include tuition, lab, student kit, and estimated book fees. Amount based on current estimates and will vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.