Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate professional level skill in her cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, nail care, and skin care. Additionally, the student will be proficient in health and safety procedures in common use in salons. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to take the California State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering licensure exam.

An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum overall grade
point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units, including:

- Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course
was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
- Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have the
discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis. All
major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade;
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or IGETC;
- Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.