Effective Date
08/17/2025
Cosmetology Certificate
Total Program Credits: 51
The Cosmetology Certificate offers students a comprehensive education in the art and science of cosmetology. Techniques in facial hair design, haircutting and styling, facial massage, chemical services, skin care, nail care and salon management prepare students for state certification, Illinois Licensed Cosmetology, from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for the Illinois Licensed Cosmetology examination. The Cosmetology Certificate requires the completion of 50 credit hours in the cosmetology courses.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Cosmetology Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:
- Communicate professionally in the workplace.
- Develop an employment portfolio.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in hair cutting and styling, chemical services, product usage, skin services, and nail services.
- Create personalized haircuts that suit the client’s preference, style, and facial features.
- Practice decontamination and infection control procedures.
- Prepare to successfully pass the Illinois Licensed Cosmetology exam.
(Reviewed Spring 2025)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| COS 101 # Fundamentals of Cosmetology | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 102 # Basic Hairstyling | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 103 # Thermal Hair Styling | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 104 # Salon Safety and Sanitation | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| COS 111 # Salon Operations | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 112 # Hair Styling II | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 113 # Thermal Hair Styling II | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 114 # Esthetics and Nail Technology | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| COS 213 # Salon Management | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 214 # Chemical Services II | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 225 # Advanced Cosmetology | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 245 # Cosmetology Clinic | Core Course | 3 |
| COS 250 # Cosmetology Licensing Preparation | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
See COS course descriptions.
Faculty: Donita Mitchell, (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3984, email: donitamitchell@triton.edu
Chairperson: Zachary Morris, Ext. 3487, email: zacharymorris@triton.edu
KEY
(CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |
Last Updated
10/23/2025 4:55:42 PM