Skip to main content
Discover your unique style at Minnesota State College Southeast.

Career Area: Education & Human Services
Program: Cosmetology
Campus(es): Winona

Major Details

If you're ready to start a fun, exciting, and creative career in cosmetology you need the right education! Experience outstanding training in our Cosmetology classroom, lab, and clinic settings at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona.

The 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Cosmetology from Southeast includes 15 credits of general college education and 52 credits of intensive classroom and clinic experience. You'll be well prepared to launch a successful career -- our graduates have had 100% success in finding employment in the field. Many have gone on to start their own businesses!

At Minnesota State College Southeast, you'll learn fundamental and advanced cosmetology skills in:

  • Men's and women's razor, scissor, and clipper hair cutting
  • Dimensional and monochromatic hair coloring technique
  • Permanent wave and chemical straightening hair texture services
  • Natural and gel manicures and pedicures
  • Gel, liquid, and powder nail enhancements
  • Body treatments, facials, and hair removal methods
  • Makeup styling and application

Practice beauty techniques on real clients.

Our facilities provide students and their clients with a high quality salon experience. You will develop the professional skills you need to succeed in the industry, including time management and record keeping. Completion of the program fulfills the required hours of clinical experience and coursework to sit for the licensure exam in the state of Minnesota.

Best of all, we are a public, not-for-profit college. Your investment in your education will go much further! Minnesota State College Southeast is an accredited public 2-year college and a member of the Minnesota State system. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Contact Us

Student Salon & Spa Appointments: 507-453-2727
Admissions: 877-853-8324, [email protected]
Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast

Facebook Like us on Facebook to stay in touch with Cosmetology at Southeast!


Cluster/Pathway
Career Field: Human Services
Cluster: Human Services
Pathway: Personal Care Services
Recommended high school classes and basic job/program skills

Download the Program Plan

Courses

1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.

Note:

Salon Operations courses are available for students who have completed the required cosmetology courses, but have not met the requirements for licensure by the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners and for students who desire more hours to acquire other states certifications. See advisor for details.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Goal 4: Mathematics
Choose one Goal 4 course
3 cr
3 cr
 
15 crs
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
COSM1100
Industry Methodology
This course provides an introduction to cosmetology, nail technology or skin care, including professional image, salon management and retailing, and successful industry communications. Thorough knowledge in infectious agents, decontamination, and Minnesota laws and rules. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1101
Dermatology
This course provides an introduction to basic skin care including physiology and histology of the skin and diseases and disorders. (Prerequisite: None) (1 credit: 0 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

1 cr
COSM1102
Hairshaping I
This course provides elementary hair shaping service skills including hair shaping tools, terms, basic techniques, basic cuts, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: None) (2 Credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1103
Hairshaping Lab
This course provides elementary hair shaping service skills including hair shaping tools, terms, basic techniques, basic cuts, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: COSM1102) (1 credit: 0 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

1 cr
COSM1104
Esthiology
This course provides skill training in skin care including pressure point facial, body wraps,extractions and electrotherapy facial treatments. This course also provides theory for product knowledge,skin structure, skin disorders and disease, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1105
Nail Technology I
This course provides an introduction to nail care including manicuring (basic, spa and oil), pedicuring (basic and spa), hand and arm massage, foot and leg massage, nail structure, nail diseases and disorders,safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: None) (1 credit: 0 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

1 cr
COSM1106
Nail Technology II
This course provides skill training in nail technology including artificial tip with overlay, sculpture nails, gel overlays, nail wrap techniques, paraffin waxing, product knowledge, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: None) (1 Credit: 0 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

1 cr
COSM1107
Chemical Procedures I
This course provides an introduction to trichology, cosmetology chemicals and their applications including basic permanent wave techniques, chemical relaxing, basic haircolor techniques, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: None) (1 Credits: 0 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

1 cr
COSM1108
Chemical Procedures Lab I
This course provides an introduction to trichology, cosmetology chemicals and their applications including basic permanent wave techniques, chemical relaxing, basic haircolor techniques, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: COSM1107) (2 credit: 0 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1109
Hairstyling I
This course provides elementary hairstyling service skills including shampooing, scalp massage and treatments, blow styling, thermal styling, roller curls, wet styling, hair care product knowledge, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1112
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1113
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1114
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1115
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1116
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1117
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1118
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1200
License Preparation
This course provides review of all technical and theoretical units and Minnesota laws and rules in preparation of the students written state examinations and completion of skill certificate. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109, COSM11201, COSM1202, COSM 1203) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1201
Hairstyling II
This course provides advanced skill training in hairstyling techniques including artistry of hair design, thermal straightening, up-styling, braids, thermal waving, safety procedures and decontamination. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credit: 1 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1202
Chemical Procedures II
This course provides advanced skill training in permanent waving and haircoloring. Course provides theory for basic chemistry, chemistry of permanent waves and haircolors. Safety procedures and decontamination are practiced. (Prerequisite: COSM1107 and COSM1108) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
COSM1203
Hairshaping II
This course provides advanced skill training in haircutting including advanced tools, terms, safety procedures, and decontamination. (Prerequisite: COSM1102, COSM1103) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
COSM1218
Clinic
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisites: COSM1101, COSM1102, COSM1103, COSM1104, COSM1105, COSM1106, COSM1107, COSM1109) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
 
52 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 67 Credits


Estimated Costs for this Major

Approximate Tuition/Fees:$13,462
Minimum Tool Cost:$2,000
Books/Supplies:$358
Estimated Total:$15,820
 

 


Career Opportunities

  • Practitioner
  • Salon Manager
  • Salon Educator
  • Corporate Educator
  • Platform Artist
  • Make Up Artist
  • Sales Associate
  • Salon Consultant
  • Cosmetology School Instructor

Career Information

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, And much more in this career field.

Outcomes

MSC Southeast Cosmetology Program graduates will be able to:

  1. Evaluate hair, skin, and nail care needs of clients and recommend possible solutions and products.
  2. Perform hair, skin, and nail care services that are at a standard mandated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners and to the satisfaction of the customer.
  3. Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, and professionalism through interaction with salon clientele, classmates, and instructors.
  4. Keep records on client services and appointments accurately and thoroughly.
  5. Demonstrate the use of time management by completing services and projects within the recommended or allotted time.
  6. Complete the minimum number of quota service requirements mandated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners.
  7. Comply with Minnesota Cosmetology Statutes 154 and Rules 2105 and 2110 as mandated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners.

Highlights

  • Top instructors: Every class is taught by instructors who are board certified beauty professionals. The cosmetology department staff takes pride in remaining current with industry changes and trends by taking continuing education in all facets of cosmetology, as well as staying up to date by working in the salon environment.

  • Housing options: Experience on-campus living! You have the option to live on campus at Winona State University. Dorm housing is available through our partnership with WSU.

  • A public, not-for-profit college: Your investment in your education goes much further when you study Cosmetology at Southeast, an accredited, public college. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Instructors

Adrienne Geiger
Originally from Michigan, Adrienne Geiger was first impressed with the Cosmetology department at Minnesota State College Southeast while obtaining credits for a reciprocal cosmetology license. She feels that Southeast offers a very high standard of education and students have access to quality products with which to learn about the beauty industry. Adrienne has 20 years of experience as a stylist and also earned an AS degree in Individualized Studies from Southeast. Most recently, she worked as a salon manager in a corporate store to expand her professional knowledge. She enjoys sharing the uplifting aspects of salon services with students and helping them prepare for a career in the field of cosmetology.
Tessa Lange
With over 15 years of working in the salon industry as a licensed cosmetologist and salon manager, Tessa Lange brings knowledge and passion for serving her clients to her role as an instructor at Minnesota State College Southeast. In 2007, Tessa graduated from Nova Cosmetology Academy in Rochester, MN. In 2014, she received her associate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management from Kaplan University. Tessa has a strong appreciation for customer service and instills that with her students, along with creative flare and keeping up with the newest trends. As an instructor, she inspires her students to gain the knowledge they need to be successful, confident, and to achieve their dreams and goals.
Tiffany Rigdon
Tiffany Rigdon is an instructor and alumni of Cosmetology at Minnesota State College Southeast. Tiffany shares with our students 25 years of experience and dedication to her craft. Her diverse career within the salon industry has progressed through years behind the chair, salon ownership, corporate business, medical settings, mentorship, and education. She brings commitment and creative approaches to the classroom as she introduces students to a remarkable industry. With a deep appreciation for the educators in her life, she aspires to teach new and seasoned cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians to mold their education into a fulfilling and lucrative career.

 

 

Student Salon & Spa

The Minnesota State College Southeast Cosmetology Program operates a full-service clinic in Winona. Students provide hair, nail, and skin care services under the supervision of our expert instructors. Please call us to make an appointment at 507-453-2727.

Download the Cosmetology Service Menu (PDF)