Cosmetology (COSM)

How to Read Course Descriptions

The bolded first line begins with a capitalized abbreviation that designates the subject area followed by the course number and title. The number of credits earned by taking the courses is also displayed.

The course description is a brief summary of the purpose of the course and the topics covered. Any requisite courses are listed and could include the following:

Courses showing the abbreviation “COREQ” require simultaneous registration with each course named as a corequisite.
The abbreviation “PRE-or-COREQ” means that each course named may have been taken prior to or may be taken concurrently with the course for which it is required.
Courses showing the abbreviation “PREREQ” require the courses named as prerequisites to have been taken previously.

If the course can be applied towards a General Education Objective, the applicable Objective is listed.

To assist with your academic planning, courses in the Undergraduate Catalog are designated according to the semester they are usually offered. Unanticipated faculty vacancies and academic program changes may affect future course scheduling. Therefore, students should always contact the academic department to verify future course offerings, especially when specific courses are needed for graduation.

The following letters which appear after the course descriptions indicate the anticipated course scheduling:

F = Fall Semester, every year
S = Spring Semester, every year
Se = Sequential; a series of courses is presented until all have been taught.
Su = Summer Semester, every year
EF, ES, ESu = Even-numbered years, Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester
OF, OS, OSu = Odd-numbered years, Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester
D = Students should contact the Department to ask when this course will be offered.
R1 = Course is rotated every year, either Fall or Spring
R2 = Course is rotated every two years, either Fall or Spring
R3 = Course is rotated every three years, either Fall or Spring

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

COSM 1100 Foundations of Cosmetology Careers: 2 semester hours.

Students will explore core concepts in cosmetology careers with an emphasis on health, safety, and client-centered services, and will be introduced to requirements for licensure. PREREQ: Minimum score of 14 on ALEKS or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. F, S

COSM 1110 Beginning Principles and Practices of Barbering: 6 semester hours.

Building upon the fundamentals, this course introduces students to hands-on techniques in basic barbering services. Students will begin performing foundational procedures such as hair shaping, clipper cutting, tapering, and facial hair grooming under guided supervision. Continued emphasis is placed on sanitation, tool handling, draping, and client communication. Students will also begin developing critical eye-hand coordination and mastery of standard barbering techniques through theory and practice. PREREQ: COSM 1100. F

COSM 1116 Introduction to Beginning Principles and Practices of Cosmetology I: 3 semester hours.

Fundamentals of hair chemistry and biology; introduction to basic permanent waving chemistry, hair cutting, and hair styling. Classroom and lab are integrated. PREREQ: minimum score of 14 on ALEKS or equivalent. COREQ: COSM 1117. F, S

COSM 1117 Beginning Principles and Practices of Cosmetology II: 8 semester hours.

This course builds upon concepts taught in COSM 1116 - Principles and Practice. This course will continue with the basic fundamentals of hair design, hair chemistry and biology, and interpersonal skills. Classroom and lab will be integrated. PREREQ: minimum score of 14 on ALEKS or equivalent. COREQ: COSM 1116. F, S

COSM 1120 Intermediate Principles and Practices of Barbering: 8 semester hours.

Students are introduced to more complex barbering techniques. Students will refine their haircutting, tapering, and texturizing skills. Practical application in mock or real-client settings prepares students for advanced-level work. PREREQ: COSM 1110. F

COSM 1126 Intermediate Principles and Practices of Cosmetology I: 5 semester hours.

Combination of classroom, lab, and live work on the clinic floor dealing with customer needs and practical applications. PREREQ: COSM 1116. COREQ: COSM 1127. F, S

COSM 1127 Intermediate Principles and Practices of Cosmetology II: 8 semester hours.

In a combination of lab, live work, and classroom work, students will perform services on clientele, learn retail, customer relations, scheduling appointments, and dispensary duties pertaining to all phases of cosmetology. PREREQ: COSM 1117. COREQ: COSM 1126. F, S

COSM 1130 Advanced Principles and Practices of Barbering: 8 semester hours.

This capstone course prepares students for state licensure and entry into the professional barbering industry. Emphasis is placed on speed, accuracy, and advanced techniques, including creative design, corrective hair services, advanced fades, and complex shaving methods. Students gain real-world experience in a salon setting and explore entrepreneurship, shop management, and laws governing barbering. Students will participate in full mock licensing exams to prepare for the Idaho written and practical exams. PREREQ: COSM 1120. S

COSM 1150 Foundations of Nail Technology: 6 semester hours.

Nail care, disease(s) of the nail, chemistry, biological concepts, and anatomy and physiology of nails. PREREQ: Admitted to Nail Technology Program. D

COSM 1151 Applied Practices in Nail Technology: 8 semester hours.

Public safety standards, sanitation procedures, and applications of current and emerging techniques in artificial nails, manicuring, and pedicuring. PREREQ: Admitted to the Nail Technology Program. PRE-or-COREQ: COSM 1150. D

COSM 1156 Intermediate Principles and Practices of Cosmetology III: 2 semester hours.

Continuation of concepts and practices in cosmetology, using a combination of classroom, lab, and live work on the clinic floor dealing with customer needs and practical applications. PREREQ: COSM 1116. COREQ: COSM 1157. Su

COSM 1157 Intermediate Principles and Practices of Cosmetology IV: 6 semester hours.

Continuation of the concepts and practices in cosmetology, using a combination of classroom, lab, and live work on the clinic floor dealing with customer needs and practical applications. PREREQ: COSM 1117. COREQ: COSM 1156. Su

COSM 2236 Advanced Principles and Practices of Cosmetology I: 5 semester hours.

Advanced techniques and concepts of cosmetology, including salon development, the salon business, and state laws and regulations. PREREQ: COSM 1156. COREQ: COSM 2237. F, S

COSM 2237 Advanced Principles and Practices of Cosmetology II: 8 semester hours.

State board preparation and advanced techniques and concepts of cosmetology. PREREQ: COSM 1157. COREQ: COSM 2236. F, S

COSM 2238 Cosmetology Instructor Training: 14 semester hours.

Candidates assume instructional and management responsibilities in supervised settings, including lesson planning, audio visual aid preparation, theory instruction, practical demonstration, testing and evaluation, and clinic floor supervision. PREREQ: Current license as a cosmetologist or nail technologist; twelve credit hours of general education from Goals 1, 2, and 12; two years of work experience as a licensed cosmetologist; and permission of program coordinator. Graded S/U. D

COSM 2250 Barbering Theory: 1 semester hour.

This course will cover theory for business, infection control, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity, skin, and properties of the hair and scalp as is related to the barbering field. This course prepares students for barbering licensure. PREREQ: Instructor permission and possession of a current state of Idaho cosmetology license.

COSM 2251 Barbering Practice: 2 semester hours.

This course will train barbers in haircutting and styling skills, shaving, waxing, facial massage and men's hair replacement. This course prepares students for barbering licensure. PREREQ: Instructor permission and possession of a current state of Idaho cosmetology license.

COSM 2279 Seminar: 1-16 semester hours.

This course is designed as a review for re-examination and/or refresher course for cosmetologists from Idaho or other states in preparation for the Idaho State Board of Cosmetology Examination. Graded S/U.

COSM 2296 Independent Study: 1-8 semester hours.

Addresses specific learning needs of individuals for the enhancement of knowledge and skills within the program area under the guidance of an instructor. May be repeated. Graded S/U, or may be letter-graded. PREREQ: Permission of the instructor. D

COSM 2298 Special Topics: 1-8 semester hours.

Addresses the specific needs of industry, enabling students to upgrade technical skills that are not included in the current program curriculum. May be repeated. Graded S/U, or may be letter-graded. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. D