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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 you need the right education! Experience outstanding training in the Cosmetology classroom, lab, and clinic settings at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona.

Nail care is a wonderful career area for those with a love of color and design. The Nail Care Technology certificate includes 13 credits of classroom and salon experience which you can complete in just one semester. Besides training in basic and spa manicures and pedicures, you will learn advanced techniques such as:

  • Artificial tip with overlay
  • Sculpture nails
  • Gel manicures and pedicures
  • Nail wrap techniques
  • Paraffin waxing

In addition, you will gain a thorough understanding of product knowledge, safety procedures, and decontamination. With your knowledge and skills, you will be ready to begin a rewarding career in nail care technology.

Practice beauty techniques on real clients.

The Cosmetology facilities at Minnesota State College Southeast provide our 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.

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

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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) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.


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
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
COSM1701
Nail Clinic I
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisite: COSM1405) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)

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3 cr
COSM1702
Nail Clinic II
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary for entry-level salon work. (Prerequisite: COSM1405) (4 Credits: 0 lecture/4 lab)

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4 cr
 
13 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 13 Credits


Estimated Costs for this Major

Approximate Tuition/Fees:$2,690
Minimum Tool Cost:$550
Books/Supplies:$369
Estimated Total:$3,609
 

 


Career Opportunities

  • Practitioner
  • Platform Artist
  • Sales Associate
  • Salon Consultant
  • Salon Owner/Manager
  • Cosmetology 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)