Discover your unique style at Minnesota State College Southeast.
Career Area: Education & Human Services
Program: Cosmetology
Campus(es): Winona
Please Note: Cosmetology cohorts for Fall 2026 And Spring 2027 have reached enrollment capacity. We encourage students interested in a future semester to apply to the college. After acceptance, you will receive an email with details about the waitlist process And upcoming start terms.
Major Details
If you're ready to start a fun, exciting, and creative career in cosmetology you need the right education! Experience outstanding cosmetology training in classroom, lab, and clinic settings at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona.
With a Cosmetology diploma from Southeast, you'll be well prepared to launch a successful career -- our graduates have had 100% success in finding employment in the field. The diploma includes 52 credits of career-focused training – everything you need to start work as a salon professional. If you attend full time, you can complete the program in just 13 months!
At Minnesota State College Southeast, you'll learn fundamental and advanced cosmetology skills in:
Men's and women's razor, scissor, and clipper haircutting
Dimensional and monochromatic hair coloring technique
Permanent wave and chemical straightening hair texture services
Natural and gel manicures and pedicures
Gel, liquid, and powder nail enhancements
Body treatments, facials, and hair removal methods
Makeup styling and application
Best of all, we are a public, not-for-profit college. Your investment in your education will go much further! Minnesota State College Southeast is an accredited public 2-year college and a member of the Minnesota State system. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Contact Us
Student Salon & Spa Appointments: 507-453-2727
Admissions: 877-853-8324, enrollmentservices@southeastmn.edu
Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast
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Cluster/Pathway
Cluster: Human Services
Pathway: Personal Care Services
Recommended high school classes and basic job/program skills
Courses
Note: Salon Operations courses are available for students who have completed the required cosmetology courses, but have not met the requirements for licensure by the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners and for students who desire more hours to acquire other states certifications. See advisor for details.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Total Credits Required for this Major: 52
Cost
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $13,081 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tool Cost: | $2,000 |
| Books/Supplies: | $358 |
| Estimated Total: | $15,439 |
Career Opportunities
Practitioner
Salon Manager
Salon Educator
Corporate Educator
Platform Artist
Make Up Artist
Sales Associate
Salon Consultant
Cosmetology School Instructor
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
Evaluate hair, skin, and nail care needs of clients and recommend possible solutions and products.
Perform hair, skin, and nail care services that are at a standard mandated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners and to the satisfaction of the customer.
Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, and professionalism through interaction with salon clientele, classmates, and instructors.
Keep records on client services and appointments accurately and thoroughly.
Demonstrate the use of time management by completing services and projects within the recommended or allotted time.
Complete the minimum number of quota service requirements mandated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners.
Comply with Minnesota Cosmetology Statutes 154 and Rules 2105 and 2110 as mandated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners.
Highlights
Top instructors: Every class is taught by instructors who are board certified beauty professionals. The cosmetology department staff takes pride in remaining current with industry changes and trends by taking continuing education in all facets of cosmetology, as well as staying up to date by working in the salon environment.
Housing options: Experience on-campus living! You have the option to live on campus at Winona State University. Dorm housing is available through our partnership with WSU.
A public, not-for-profit college: Your investment in your education goes much further when you study Cosmetology at Southeast, an accredited, public college. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Instructors
Adrienne Geiger
Originally from Michigan, Adrienne Geiger was first impressed with the Cosmetology department at Minnesota State College Southeast while obtaining credits for a reciprocal cosmetology license. She feels that Southeast offers a very high standard of education and students have access to quality products with which to learn about the beauty industry. Adrienne has 20 years of experience as a stylist and also earned an AS degree in Individualized Studies from Southeast. Most recently, she worked as a salon manager in a corporate store to expand her professional knowledge. She enjoys sharing the uplifting aspects of salon services with students and helping them prepare for a career in the field of cosmetology.
Tessa Lange
With over 15 years of working in the salon industry as a licensed cosmetologist and salon manager, Tessa Lange brings knowledge and passion for serving her clients to her role as an instructor at Minnesota State College Southeast. In 2007, Tessa graduated from Nova Cosmetology Academy in Rochester, MN. In 2014, she received her associate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management from Kaplan University. Tessa has a strong appreciation for customer service and instills that with her students, along with creative flare and keeping up with the newest trends. As an instructor, she inspires her students to gain the knowledge they need to be successful, confident, and to achieve their dreams and goals.
Tiffany Rigdon
Tiffany Rigdon is an instructor and alumni of Cosmetology at Minnesota State College Southeast. Tiffany shares with our students 25 years of experience and dedication to her craft. Her diverse career within the salon industry has progressed through years behind the chair, salon ownership, corporate business, medical settings, mentorship, and education. She brings commitment and creative approaches to the classroom as she introduces students to a remarkable industry. With a deep appreciation for the educators in her life, she aspires to teach new and seasoned cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians to mold their education into a fulfilling and lucrative career.
Majors in the Cosmetology program
Cosmetology License Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations (Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v)) which require Minnesota State College Southeast's Cosmetology, Nail Care Technology, Esthiology, and Advanced Esthetician programs to provide the following:
A list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution's curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification;
A list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution's curriculum does not meet state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification; and
A list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution has not made a determination of whether the curriculum meets educational requirements.
The Associates of Applied Science degree in Cosmetology, Cosmetology Diploma, and Certificates in Nail Care Technology, Esthiology, and Advanced Esthetician at Minnesota State College Southeast are approved by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology and meet the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Minnesota and the state of Wisconsin. Minnesota State College Southeast has not made a determination of whether the above awards meet the educational requirements for licensure in any other state. Students should contact the state Board of Cosmetology for the state in which they would like to be licensed for specific requirements.Students may visit the Beauty Schools Directory to see the Cosmetology License Transfer or Reciprocity by State to determine other state’s licensure requirements.