Cosmetology

  • AAS
  • Certificate
  • OSA
Woman at salon with freshly dyed pink hair.

Beyond labs and classes, advanced students refine their techniques working alongside instructors at The Salon at College of the Mainland, located at COM City Centre, 10000 Emmet F Lowry Expy, Suite 4100 in Texas City.

Students at the full-service salon provide clients with manicures, pedicures, haircuts, coloring and styling.

Instructors draw on their years of professional experience as they assist students in the classroom, salon and lab. Their advice and support continue beyond graduation as students launch their careers and endeavor to reach their goals.

Application Deadline

Next Apply Date

3/10/26

Next Start Date

8/20/26

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Degrees & Certificates

Barber to Cosmetology Crossover Occupational Skills Award

OSA
The Barber to Cosmetology Crossover Award is designed to provide education to currently licensed Barbers who would like to have a Dual License in Barber and Cosmetology. This is a 300 clock hour program covering the required areas of study in Cosmetology needed for dual license. This program is only for licensed Barbers and cannot be taken by beginner students or Cosmetologists

Length

10 Credit Hours
1 Semester on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $924 per semester for 12 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Prerequisites:

Prerequisite: valid Texas Barber license

Level One Certificate - Cosmetology Instructor

Certificate
The hands-on Cosmetology Instructor Certificate Program trains students to guide and inspire a new generation of cosmetologists. In one year, students with a cosmetology operator or esthetician license will discover how to teach effectively, plan lessons, assess learning and prepare others for state testing and licensing. During the course of study in this program, the student will learn the rules and regulations related to TDLR testing and licensing, teaching methodologies and lesson plan development, classroom management, evaluation and assessment techniques and skills for successful completion of TDLR testing for instructor licensure. Also covered are practical topics for the instruction of students in the TDLR operator program, including all sanitation and sterilization standards, syllabi development, learning styles and motivation.

Length

27 Credit Hours
2 Semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $924 per semester for 12 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Prerequisites:

Prerequisite: Active Texas Cosmetology Operator License or specialty license

Associate of Applied Science - Cosmetology Instructor

AAS
The hands-on Cosmetology Instructor Certificate Program trains students to guide and inspire a new generation of cosmetologists. The degree builds on the Cosmetology Certificate Program. In one year, students with a cosmetology operator or esthetician license will discover how to teach effectively, plan lessons, assess learning and prepare others for state testing and licensing. In addition to cosmetology instructor courses, the students will take freshman and sophomore-level general studies courses. Those who complete the A.A.S. degree and become a licensed cosmetology instructor will have more opportunities for employment and are qualified to teach at a high school or community college.

Length

60 Credit Hours
4 Semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $924 per semester for 12 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Prerequisites:

Prerequisite: Active Texas Cosmetology Operator License or specialty license

Level One Certificate – Cosmetology Operator

Certificate
The Cosmetology Operator Certificate is designed to provide students with a quality education in the Cosmetology field and to prepare students to pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Examination for licensing. The Operator Certificate covers all areas of cosmetology including hair, nails, and skin.

Length

31 Credit Hours
2 semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $924 per semester for 12 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Level One Certificate – High School Cosmetology Operator

Certificate
The High School Operator Certificate is designed to provide current high school students with a quality education in the Cosmetology field and prepare students to pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Examination for licensing. The Operator Certificate covers all areas of cosmetology including hair, nails, and skin. High school students must complete requirements before graduation from high school and must pass all academic classes at the high school.

Length

31 Credit Hours
4 Semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $924 per semester for 12 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Level One Certificate - Esthetic Specialty

Certificate
The COM Esthetic Specialty Certificate Program trains students to enter a rapidly growing field with job opportunities in salons, day spas, medical spas or cruise ships. To help others maintain healthy, glowing skin, estheticians provide facial treatments, peels, masks and scrubs. They may also provide facial hair removal treatments, such as waxing, or apply makeup for special occasions. This program begins only in the Fall semester. Full-time students may complete the Esthetician Certificate Program in nine months.

Length

20 Credit Hours
2 Semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $924 per semester for 12 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Accreditation

College of the Mainland is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees and certificates.

Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of College of the Mainland.

Student Chelsea in cosmetology labPlay Video
I chose the Cosmetology Program at College of the Mainland so I could follow my dreams and make people feel better about themselves.
Chelsea Durr
Cosmetology Operator Program

Careers & Outcomes

The COM Cosmetology Program presents all aspects of the cosmetology profession – haircutting, styling, coloring, chemical texturizing, manicures, and pedicures.The program trains students for state licensure and for successful careers as independent or professional salon stylists. It partners with professional companies such as Redken and Mizani.

Reach Out To Us

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about admissions or want to speak to someone in the program, our enrollment team is ready to help.
Advisor with student in commons

Additional Program Information

Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

  • Apply to COM via ApplyTexas
  • Meet with an advisor or enrollment coach to make sure you meet all program requirements.

Books

The total cost of books is determined by the certificate being obtained. Prices are subject to change. Please check the COM Bookstore for current prices. 

Uniforms-All Students

  1. Lab Jacket: Designated by the Cosmetology Department and are available for purchase in the COM Bookstore.
  2. Slacks: Solid black slacks or Dickie's style only. Capris are acceptable but must be below the knee.
  3. Tops:
    • Cosmetology students: White, black, gray, or red polo style shirts.
    • Esthetic students: Sold Colors Only, White, black, gray, or baby blue polo style shirts.
  4. Shoes: must be solid black (closed toe and closed heel.)

    Black aprons are acceptable but not required. They must be black.
    Clothing must be professional.

Cosmetology Kits

The total cost of kits is determined by the certificate being attained.

The student must purchase class, personal and consumable supplies throughout the semesters as needed.

Books and kits are available in the COM Campus Bookstore. Prices are subject to change. Please call the COM Bookstore at 409-933-8239 for current prices.

Application Fees

Two wallet-size photos, a copy of the student’s COM ID, a copy of the student’s GED or high school diploma, and a registration slip are needed on the first day of class. Also, students should be aware that there is an additional $20 lab fee per course and an additional $25 registration fee for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on the first course.

*The College reserves the right to make changes to the cost of the program as warranted and without notice. Costs are the best estimate at this time.

  1. Students will be registered for classes by the Advising Department.
  2. In order to meet industry demands on licensed individuals, applicants should be in good physical and mental health. Applicants should be able to stand and use gross and fine motor skills for extended periods of time.
  3. Upon acceptance into the Cosmetology Program, applicants must provide and meet all Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations requirements listed in the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Handbook.
  4. Transfer students with clock hours from another school must make an appointment with the program coordinator before registering for classes.  A transcript review is necessary to see if previous courses meet the requirements for the Cosmetology Certificate.
  5. Students in the Cosmetology Operator Instructor Program require additional labs that must be scheduled with course instructor.

Disclaimer:

This website is not a contract between the student and the institution. It is for information only. Students must complete all required courses with a grade C or better in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

  1. Students must provide and meet all Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Board requirements listed in the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Handbook.
  2. Cosmetology students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all cosmetology courses.
  3. In case of excessive absences, the student's instructor has the final determination of whether a student will be able to complete the class or will be dropped. If a student is dropped, he/she may reapply for admission the following semester.
  4. Students must be in the required uniform in order to clock in to class. No student will be permitted to attend class without proper attire. No hats, headscarves or sunglasses are allowed.
  5. Students must have assigned supplies in order to participate in each class, lab or client clinical lab.
  6. Students must refrain from using unprofessional language; disrupting the educational process; jeopardizing the safety and well-being of others; damaging College property; stealing; using, selling, buying or being under the influence of controlled substances while on campus; being intoxicated while on campus; or unlawfully possessing weapons on campus. At any time upon the discretion of an instructor, a student may be asked to leave the class if not in compliance with these regulations.
  7. Students will not be able to refuse clinical assignments necessary for the training and educational tasks mandated by the TDLR.
  8. Students will be required to keep task records (recap sheets) of practical application up-to-date and prepared for state inspection.
  9. Students are required to maintain a professional attitude and comply with all College of the Mainland and Cosmetology Program rules and regulations.
  10. There is a designated line for students' personal calls; please be considerate and limit calls to three minutes. Personal phone calls will not be accepted during class. If someone has an emergency, he/she will be requested to contact COM Police Department at Ext. 8403. Cell phones and pagers must be turned to vibrate and calls returned after class.
  11. Students must maintain clean and sanitary supplies, tools and uniforms.
  12. Additional department rules and TDLR Rules and Regulations will be delivered in writing to the students on the first class day.

*All students must be in compliance with uniform, kit, books and registration requirements before the first official day of class.

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion.  Program specific information will be provided in course syllabi.

Effective January 26, 2026, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will require certain applicants for an initial license or license renewal to submit documentation establishing lawful presence in the United States. Verification may be required to protect the security and integrity of the licensing process.

Under 8 U.S.C. § 1621, an individual who is not lawfully present in the United States is not eligible to receive a public benefit. Licenses issued by TDLR constitute public benefits, and submission of documentation establishing lawful presence is required as a condition of licensure.

Applicants may be required to submit documentation from the list of acceptable documents before a license may be issued or renewed. Applications will remain pending until the required documentation is submitted. Failure to provide sufficient documentation may result in denial of the application in accordance with applicable rules.