Barbering is usually offered as a certificate or diploma program through community colleges, technical colleges, beauty schools and specialized barbering schools. General course topics include cutting, hairstyling, state laws and regulations, coloring and ethics.
Schools with Barbering Programs
These schools generally offer certificate or diplomas programs in barbering/cosmetology with barbering:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees (in-state; out-of-state, 2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Carolina Community College | Sanford, NC | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate, Diploma | $2,412 $8,556 |
| Hinds Community College | Raymond, MS | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,600 $5,200 |
| Riverside City College | Riverside, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $1,426 $7,366 |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh, NC | 2-year, Public | Diploma | $2,768 $8,912 |
| Delgado Community College | New Orleans, LA | 2-year, Public | Diploma | $3,911 $8,200 |
| Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus | Birmingham, AL | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,320 $7,770 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | Los Angeles, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $1,220 $7,016 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Summary of important considerations:
- Before enrolling in a program, students should make sure that all of the state requirements will be met in the program and that it is state-approved.
- Students may want to look for programs that offer courses in human relations and marketing that can help develop customer service and customer relations skills.
- Since many training programs are offered by public colleges, students may want to consider attending a program in their state of residence to take advantage of lower tuition rates.
Diploma in Barbering
Diploma programs may be offered at for-profit private institutions or at public community colleges. Programs offered at 2-year public colleges often have options for both full and part-time enrollment. The program requirements usually allow for electives outside of the required courses so that students can enroll in classes that supplement their training. Work experience, either with a professional barber through an internship or in a classroom salon, is part of most curricula. A high school diploma or GED is required for entry. Barbering courses may include barber and styling implements, haircutting and shampooing, sterilization, shaving, and shop management.
There are a number of different colleges to choose a barbering program from, most of them being two-year schools that award diplomas or certificates. Programs that include business courses and internships can be beneficial to one's career.