Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics
Apply NowBCE at Skyline College
Skyline College offers three career and technical education programs with courses focusing on theoretical foundation, practical skills, business knowledge, and the professional and ethical training needed for licensing through the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
The future looks especially bright for those in the barbering industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for barbers will increase by 19% between 2020 and 2030.
This steady growth will shed light on how exciting and innovating the barbering industry is, while also offering men an industry that is focused on each of their grooming needs.
Barbering Program Info:
- 1000 Hours
- Designed to be completed in two semesters
- Approximate schedule is Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 3:30 pm OR 4 pm - 10:30 pm
- Program starts in August for a daytime program or January for an evening program
- Approximate Program Cost: $3,500
- Applicable towards a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate Degree of Science
- Strong understanding and practical applications of health and safety protocols
- Introduction to the study of skincare, and different shaving techniques
- Knowledge and practical skills associated with hair cutting, styling, and basic and advanced chemicals
- Introduction to the science of anatomy and physiology
- Business fundamentals
As our population continues to grow, the demand for hair care services and products continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for cosmetologists will increase by 19% between 2020 and 2030.
This new wave of Cosmetologists brings high standards of sustainability, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit to the multi-faceted beauty industry.
Cosmetology Program Info:
- 1000 Hours
- Designed to be completed in two semesters
- Approximate schedule is Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 3:30 pm OR 4 pm - 10:30 pm
- Program starts in August for a evening program or January for a daytime program
- Approximate Program Cost: $4,000
- Applicable towards a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate Degree of Science
- Strong understanding and practical applications of health and safety protocols
- Knowledge and practical skills associated with hair cutting, styling, and basic and advanced chemicals
- Introduction to the study of skincare, nail care and artificial enhancements
- Introduction to the science of anatomy and physiology
- Business fundamentals
An esthetician, also known as a skincare specialist, is trained to perform non-invasive cosmetic skin treatments that help people look and feel their best. Jobs for estheticians will increase by 29% between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's a faster job growth rate than the average of all jobs they analyze! Entrepreneurship is boiling over in the beauty industry and consumers are supporting this surge of innovation and creativity.
Esthetics Program Info:
- 600 Hours
- Designed to be completed in two semesters
- Program starts in August and January for a daytime or evening program
- Approximate schedule is Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 1:30 pm OR 5 pm - 10:30 pm
- Approximate Program Cost: $3,200
- Applicable towards a Certificate of Achievement
- Strong understanding and practical applications of health and safety protocols
- Knowledge and practical skills associated with skincare facials and waxing
- Knowledge and practical skills associated with chemical peels and advanced exfoliation services
- Introduction to the science of dermatology, anatomy and physiology
- Basic study of cosmetic chemistry
- Business fundamentals
Crossover Program Info:
- Cosmetology to Barbering Crossover Program
- Cosmetology to Esthetics Crossover Program
- Designed to be completed in one 8-week session
- Program offered during summer sessions only
- Schedule varies every summer session
- Must have a valid California Cosmetology License
- Must have strong knowledge and practical application of health and safety protocols
- Must have foundational knowledge and practical skills associated with haircutting and hair styling
- Must have foundational knowledge and practical skills associated with skincare facials and waxing
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Barbering | AS | 60 Units |
| Barbering | CA | 31 Units |
| Cosmetology To Barbering Crossover | CS | 9 Units |
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | AS | 60 Units |
| Cosmetology | CA | 31 Units |
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Esthetics | CA | 27 Units |
| Cosmetology To Esthetician Crossover | CS | 9 Units |
The Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers who agree to serve as advisors to one or more career and technical programs. Members include representatives from business, labor, community agencies, faculty, students and other members.
The committee provides valuable input in areas such as curriculum development, student recruitment and placement, staff development, equipment and software, making recommendations to strengthen, expand, and improve the quality of the program.
This partnership helps us continue to provide high quality workforce training and education so our students will succeed in today's job market.
Advisory CommitteeUpon completion of the program students will be able to:
California State Board of Barber and Cosmetology Examination Results
As of March 31, 2022, Skyline College Cosmetology Certificate Program has a written examination result of 100% passing.
As of March 31, 2022, Skyline College Esthetician Certificate Program has a written examination result of 69%.
Visit the California State Board of Barber and Cosmetology website for additional information.
Location: Building 4
Email: skybceinfo@smccd.edu
Phone:
For Outreach & New Enrollment Inquiries: (650) 738-4168
For State Board & Transfer Enrollment Inquries: (650) 738-7131
For Client Services & General Inquires: (650) 738-4165
Class Schedule
The college course catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.
The application for Spring 2027 is open now! Application closes October 16.
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in the Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetician programs at Skyline College! Our programs are designed to prepare students not only for the state board licensing exam, but entry into the beauty and wellness industry. In just two semesters, students will gain valuable knowledge and professional skills needed to pursue a career in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, and more.
Approximately thirty (30) applicants are admitted per semester, and fifteen (15) are
placed on a waitlist, for each program. Please refer to our Program Lottery Protocol for more details on the admissions process.
We onboard new students every Fall and Spring semester. The Spring 2027 application
closes October 16. The Fall 2027 application window will run January - April.
Application Instructions
To be added to the Spring 2027 lottery pool, you MUST complete ALL of the following tasks:
- Become a Skyline Student, and complete all enrollment steps. Enroll now!
- Submit a Special Program Application. Apply Now!
- Attend a program info session with the BCE Program Assistant. See below.
Info Sessions
This meeting will cover all things BCE, including program requirements and deadlines. For example, you will have a required kit that MUST be purchased before the start of the semester! Failure to purchase the required kit will result in an automatic drop.
- View upcoming info sessions dates & times
- Sign up for an Info Session. On the week of the meeting, a Zoom link will be sent to the email you signed up with.
- Walk-ins are welcome for in-person events only.
- You MUST show up on time. Doors close 10 minutes after the start time.
- If you are late, you will need to make plans to join a different meeting.
Please Note:
State Board Testing Information
When applying for the State Board Licensing exam at the end of the program, you will be asked to provide a Social Security Number or an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number.
Course Delivery
Our programs are fully in English, requiring at least a 10th grade English understanding. Required reading and writing assignments are only available in English, and require access to a laptop or tablet to complete.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
All of our programs have required kits that must be purchased through the Skyline College Bookstore before the assigned deadline. Total kit costs are around $2,000. Kits can be purchased using any cash aid (scholarships, Pell Grant, book vouchers, etc.)
Failure to purchase the required kits by the deadline will result in an automatic drop from the program, no exceptions.
Approximate costs of our programs includes but is not limited to tuition, a book, and professional kit. For further information on paying for college, please visit the Financial Aid website.
- Free Application Federal Student Aid – FAFSA
- Dream Act Application
- Skyline College’s Federal School Code is: 007713
For additional information, please contact:
Izzabelle Aguilar, Program Assistant | aguilari@smccd.edu | (650) 738-4170
Client Services
The Shop, Salon and Spa at Skyline College creates a unique barbershop, salon and spa experience for both clients and students. The Shop, Salon and Spa at Skyline College provides clients with an opportunity to receive top notch hair, skincare, and shaving services at competitive industry rates while students gain hands-on experience in a state of the art barbershop, salon and spa environment.
Skyline College students, staff and faculty and guests, 65 or older, receive 10% off all services. Valid ID required upon check out to receive 10% off barbershop, salon or spa services. Please contact the salon or spa directly regarding scheduling an appointment for children under the age of 18. Specific policies and procedures may apply.
All services are subject to availability and are performed by students under the supervision of licensed instructors. Cash gratuities towards services received is always appreciated by our students. We do not honor any refunds on services or products but complimentary re-do services are permitted within one week of original service appointment. We do not sell gift certificates for any services or products. Please contact us directly with any additional inquiries.
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