Online Beauty and Cosmetology Schools: How to Choose

Cosmetologists and beauticians serve patrons by cutting hair, treating skin, manicuring fingernails or giving massages. Students seeking degrees in this field may find very few available online programs for entry-level work.

How to Choose an Online School for Beauty and Cosmetology

Availability and Options

Fully online education programs specifically for entry-level beauticians and cosmetologists are not available, because of the hands-on training that is involved in the field. Normally, field-specific courses must be completed at a college campus or a specialized school. Some courses that are considered prerequisites may be completed online, as can continuing education programs for professionals who already work in the field.

Certification and Licensing

Students who wish to complete an online cosmetology or beauty program should be aware of licensing requirements in their state. Most cosmetologists must be licensed in order to work, and a common licensing requirement is graduation from an approved education program. Online programs may not be eligible for accreditation at all, especially those that do not have traditional components. Students should ensure that a particular program fulfills the licensing requirements in their state before enrolling.

Online Program Options for Beauty and Cosmetology

Physiology and Anatomy

Some of the most common prerequisite classes in beauty and cosmetology programs concern physiology and anatomy, and touch on subjects in dermatology and skin care. These courses, unlike the field-specific courses normally presented in a traditional setting, may be available online. Students may find hybrid programs specifically designed to present the didactic portions of the program online. Opportunities may also be available to take these courses from a university with online classes and then transfer the credits into a beauty and cosmetology program.

Cosmetology Law and Business

Cosmetology law and business programs may be found online as entry-level education programs. These courses may be for those who wish to go into management in the cosmetology field or as continuing education programs for current professionals. Degrees are specifically designed to give working cosmetologists the option to complete a degree while still working full-time. Subjects such as accounting, entrepreneurship, cosmetology law and management are common in such programs.