Exploring the Butte College Cosmetology Program

Butte College provides a comprehensive Cosmetology program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the beauty industry and meet the State of California Cosmetology Act. This article delves into the program's structure, curriculum, admission requirements, career opportunities, and other essential details.

Program Overview

The Cosmetology program at Butte College is a 1,680-hour course of study, exceeding the state requirement of 1,600 hours. It is structured as a seven-module sequence of courses, with each module lasting six weeks. Successful completion of each six-week module, meeting required academic and attendance standards, results in 5 semester units of college credit. The entire program can be completed in approximately eleven months. Upon successful completion, students will satisfy the 1,600-hour state licensing requirement and earn a total of 35 units of college credit. A Certificate of Achievement can be earned by completing the seven-module, 1,600-hour COS 100-106 program, without any additional General Education, competency, or district requirements. Butte College also offers training programs for manicuring and skincare (esthetician).

Curriculum Structure and Cohort Options

Butte College offers different pathways to the AS degree in Cosmetology: a two-semester traditional day program and an evening-only program (offered in fall, winter, spring and summer). Students who enroll in the evening program should be committed to the entirety of the program for 12 consecutive months. For the Fall 2026 semester, there are three cohort options available:

Cohorts 1 and 2 (Daytime): These cohorts involve four courses in Semester 1 and four courses in Semester 2. The program begins in August and finishes in May. Students can register in either cohort that has a seat available for Semester 1, selecting course #C2000 for Cohort 1 or #C4000 for Cohort 2. A guaranteed spot in the chosen cohort is provided for Semester 2. Registration for all four courses each semester is mandatory.
- Semester 1 courses: COS-10, 11, 19, 23
- Semester 2 courses: COS-12, 20, 21, 29
- Semester 1 schedule: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 3:35 pm
- Semester 2 schedule: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 2:15 pm
- Students who do not pass all four classes in Semester 1 may not be able to continue to Semester 2. The required repeat class(es) may be taken in a future semester if there are seats available.
- Fall 2026 courses will be held at 2201 Pillsbury Road in Chico.
Cohort 3 (Evening): This cohort offers evening courses for 12 consecutive months, commencing in August 2026 and concluding at the end of August 2027. Students select course #C3019 for Cohort 3 and are guaranteed a spot in their cohort for the remaining terms. Registration for all courses each term is required.

Read also: Nursing Programs at Butte College
- Fall semester: COS-10, 11, 19 (Monday - Thursday, 4:00 pm - 8:35 pm)
- Winter term in January: COS-20 (Schedule to be determined, could include Fridays)
- Spring semester: COS-21, 29 (Schedule to be determined, could include Fridays)
- Summer term: COS-12, 23 (Schedule to be determined, could include Fridays)
- Classes are from approximately 4:00 pm each term until 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
- Students who do not pass all classes each term may not be able to continue to the next term. The required repeat class(es) may be taken in a future semester if there are seats available.
- Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 courses will be held at 2201 Pillsbury Road in Chico.

The AS degree in Cosmetology is a minimum 1,000-hour course of study designed to meet the State of California Cosmetology Act.

Admission and Registration

To enroll in the Cosmetology program, potential students should contact the Butte College Cosmetology and Barbering School at (530) 895-2022. Registration for cosmetology courses operates on a first-come, first-served basis at the student's scheduled registration time. If desired courses are full, students are advised to consider taking General Education courses that fulfill Associate Degree requirements.

Requirements for Cosmetologist License in California

In order to obtain a Cosmetologist License and practice Cosmetology in the State of California, students must meet specific criteria:

Be at least 17 years of age to take the exam.
Have completed the 10th grade in California public schools or equivalent. To receive federal financial aid, students must have graduated from high school or completed a GED.
Successfully complete the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology approved 1,000+ or 1,600-hour course of study.
Pass the state examination (written and practical). The written state examinations are administered through the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Tuition and Fees

During the 2022-2023 academic year, part-time undergraduate students at Butte College paid an average of $341 per credit hour if they came to the school from out-of-state.

Location and Facilities

Butte College Cosmetology & Barbering is a satellite location of the Butte-Glenn Community College District, committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion while supporting students in achieving academic success.

Currently located at 2201 Pillsbury Road in Chico, the classes will take place in the new, state-of-the-art Cosmetology & Barbering building on the Chico Center campus at 2320 Forest Avenue in Chico, starting with the Spring 2027 semester, January 25.

Both locations provide easy access to Butte College and city bus services, as well as multiple locations for lunch access for students. The Butte College Salon and Spa provides valuable hands-on experience to students and affordable services for the local community.

Student Support Services

Butte College Cosmetology & Barbering offers various services to support students. These include financial programs, a student health center, a College Police department, housing assistance, a food pantry, counseling, tutoring, the UndocuCenter, the Queer Resource Center, and specialized support services. Student clubs and identity-based student centers foster a variety of student communities on campus.

Commitment to Client Well-Being and Safety

Butte College is a RISE Partner School, committing to cover critical topics with students such as Domestic Abuse and Human Trafficking Awareness. All students will become certified in Client Well-Being and Safety, ready to protect public health, make an impact on the community, and give a voice to the most vulnerable.