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If you’d like to learn more about the Cosmetology program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
You’ll learn all things cosmetology in this one-year program and externship. In addition to learning in the classroom, you’ll gain real-world experience at a local salon, shadowing professional hair stylists and nail technicians.
Watch this video and see what it's like to be a student in Madison College's Cosmetology program.
As a cosmetology student you will be learn a variety of skills under licensed professionals, such as:
- Haircutting for all hair types
- Professional hair color
- Hair design and styling
- Nail technology
- Manicures and pedicures
- Scalp and facial treatments
- Cosmetic makeup analysis
- Clean/style wigs and hairpieces
- Infection control
- Client relations
- Retail methodology
- Permanent waving
- Shampooing and deep conditioning
You'll receive a kit that includes all equipment and supplies needed to complete this program as a part of a class fee.
Program Details
Madison College's Cosmetology students attend class full-time during the day, Monday through Friday.
Cosmetology classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Careers in Cosmetology
Employers throughout Madison consider Madison College's Cosmetology graduates top candidates.
Graduates from this one-year technical diploma program are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of cosmetology, including:
- Cosmetologist
- Hair/Makeup Stylist
- Manicurist
- Esthetician
- Platform Artist
After completing the program, you will be ready to apply for your cosmetology practitioner’s license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Prior to Term StartFirst SemesterSecond SemesterThird Semester -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Cosmetology program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 20 spots every Fall; 24 spots every Spring
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-2 semesters between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is December 31, 2026
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 15, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Due to program demand and TCS 10 guidelines, this program is limited to district and non-district state residents.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Cosmetology career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Math (testing or college coursework)
Testing
- ACT Math 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Arithmetic) 237+
College courses
- Basic Math
English and Reading (testing or college coursework)
Testing
- ACT Reading 14+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 236+
- ACT English 14+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Writing) 236+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
- English 2
- Intro Reading & Study Skills AND Intro to College Writing
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Cosmetology program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Perform shampoo, haircut, and style services
- Perform skin care services
- Perform chemical services
- Perform nail services
- Develop business practices for industry success
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 26 19 26 Number of Surveys Sent 25 19 26 Number of Surveys Returned 18 17 18 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 15 17 17 Percent Available for Employment 83.3% 100.0% 94.4% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 11.1% 0.0% 0.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 13 14 17 Percent of Graduates Employed 86.7% 82.4% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 10 11 13 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 76.9% 78.6% 76.5% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 3 3 4 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 23.1% 21.4% 23.5% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 2 3 0 Percent Seeking Employment 13.3% 17.6% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.5 3.4 3.1 Number of Satisfaction Responses 18 17 18 Very Satisfied (4) 9 8 5 Percent Very Satisfied 50.0% 47.1% 27.8% Satisfied (3) 9 8 11 Percent Satisfied 50.0% 47.1% 61.1% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 1 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 5.9% 5.6% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 18 17 18 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 5.9% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 13 14 17 Before Enrollment 1 1 0 Percent Before Enrollment 7.7% 7.1% 0.0% While Attending the College 3 2 6 Percent While Attending the College 23.1% 14.3% 35.3% After Training at the College 9 11 11 Percent After Training at the College 69.2% 78.6% 64.7% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 14 14 18 In College District 12 12 11 Percent In College District 85.7% 85.7% 61.1% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 1 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 7.1% 7.1% 5.6% Outside of Wisconsin 0 1 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 7.1% 5.6% Employer Location Unknown 1 0 5 Percent Location Unknown 7.1% 0.0% 27.8% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 6 5 7 Average Monthly Wage $3,010 $2,704 $2,616 Average Hourly Wage $17.50 $15.72 $15.21 Average Work Hours per Week 44.8 39.3 37.8 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 4 4 3 Average Hourly Wage $19.81 $16.75 $12.33 Average Work Hours per Week 23.0 25.8 27.8 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Brenna's Salon Cosmetologist Color X Salon Hair Stylist Columbus Daisy Quintal Stylist Ecco Salon Hair Stylist Middleton JC Penney Cosmetologist Jore Hair Cosmetologist Sauk City Keter Salon Stylist Berkeley CA Reanna's Salona Cosmetologist Rebel Hair Madison Hair Stylist Temptd Salon And Spa Hair Stylist Monona Tia & Co Owner Prairie Du Sac * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
