Cosmetology Schools in Georgia with Course and Program Info

Georgia features many schools that can prepare students for various careers in cosmetology. Undergraduate programs can be found at 2-year schools across the state. Diploma programs are the most common, though some certificate programs are also available. These programs can be completed in approximately two years. Students often gain hands-on experience through laboratory and practicum work.

Albany Technical College

Albany Technical College is located in the city of Albany. Students interested in cosmetology can enroll in the school's cosmetology diploma program. Cosmetology students study hair cutting and coloring, hair care and treatment as well as nail and skin care. The program requires students to complete 54 credit hours of coursework and meets the education requirements for licensure set by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology. Students also have the option of enrolling in a cosmetology instructor training program that includes courses in salon management, instruction/evaluation and lesson plans.

Athens Technical College

Athens Technical College in the city of Athens features a cosmetology diploma program. This program includes courses in chemical texture services, fundamentals of skin care and advanced nail care techniques. The program requires 54 credits and provides students with hands-on lab work to complement their classroom work. Graduates of the program are prepared to take the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology's exam that leads to licensure.

Central Georgia Technical College

Located north of Atlanta in Macon, Central Georgia Technical College offers a 54 credit-hour cosmetology diploma program. This program includes all the training necessary to enter the fields of cosmetology sales, beauty or salon management. Students get to take occupational courses in hair cutting, styling and manicuring. Four practicum courses allow students to hone their skills in a hands-on environment. The program also includes general courses in mathematics, salon management, interpersonal communication and English. The curriculum meets all the education requirements set by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology, allowing graduates to sit for the cosmetology licensing exam.

Chattahoochee Technical College

Centered in Marietta, the Chattahoochee Technical College merged with other Georgia community colleges in 2010 and is the largest college in Georgia to offer a cosmetology program. The school offers a 54-credit cosmetology diploma program that covers all aspects of salon services. Students study cosmetology theory and gain practical skills in hair coloring, permanent waving and nail care. The program requires general education courses, which give students skills in professional development, English and math. The curriculum meets the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology education requirements for licensure.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is located in the city of Rome. Cosmetology students can pursue the school's cosmetology diploma at four different campuses. The 54-credit program includes eight credits of general courses and 46 credits of occupational courses. The occupational courses focus on hair care, treatment and styling, skin care and nail care. Salon management courses teach students how to open their own salons or take leadership roles in existing salons. Students who complete the program meet the education requirements to become licensed.

Gwinnett Technical College

Lawrenceville's Gwinnett Technical College offers a cosmetology diploma program. This 82 credit-hour program can be completed in five quarters. Students get to study safety and sanitation, hair treatments and skin/nail care; they also take courses in sales and management. Those who complete the program can sit for the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam.

Savannah Technical College

Savannah Technical College in the city of Savannah has a cosmetology diploma program. In order to be admitted to the program, students need to hold a high school diploma or GED and meet minimum COMPASS test score requirements. The program requires students to complete eight credit-hours of general courses and 46 credit-hours of occupational courses. Students study hair, skin and nails, and they must participate in four practicum experiences. The program is approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology.

Southern Crescent Technical College

Southern Crescent Technical College is located in Griffin. The school's cosmetology program is offered at two campuses and meets the requirements of the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology. The program's occupational cosmetology courses include instruction in hair cutting, styling and coloring as well as skin and nail care. The program also includes four practicum experiences.

West Georgia Technical College

West Georgia Technical College is located in the city of Waco. The school's cosmetology diploma program prepares students to take the state licensing exam and offers courses in cosmetology theory and salon management. After studying hair, skin and nail care in the classroom, students can gain real world experience by completing the four required cosmetology practicums. In total, cosmetology students must complete at least 54 credit-hours of coursework.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is located in Valdosta and features a 54-credit cosmetology diploma. The program covers care and treatment of skin, hair and nails, and students get hands-on training through practicum courses. The school also offers a cosmetic esthetician technical certificate. This 33-credit certificate program trains students to work in spas, health clubs and plastic surgeons' or dermatologists' offices. Students in the certificate program study advanced skin care techniques, color theory, makeup and anatomy/physiology of the skin. Both programs prepare students to sit for state licensing exams.