Cosmetology is a growing field both locally and nationally, but according to the Occupational Outlook report submitted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “opportunities for entry-level workers should be favorable, while job candidates at high-end establishments will face keen competition.” This means that while most recent cosmetology graduates will be able to find a job, it is crucial that these graduates be given additional opportunities and advantages if they hope to advance in their careers.

Clary Sage College in Tulsa, OK is one school that has quickly identified and adapted to this trend. Since advancement in the field depends largely on the job candidate’s technical skills and familiarity with emerging cosmetology trends, Clary Sage College offers its graduates the opportunity to audit up to 50% of the curriculum for free after graduation. As the curriculum evolves to encompass new techniques, trends, and advanced skills, graduates are able to brush up alongside current students—giving them a dramatic professional edge in the field.

Additionally, Clary Sage College has begun offering all licensed cosmetologists (including but not limited to Clary Sage College graduates) the opportunity to pursue an Associates of Occupational Science degree in Cosmetology. This program follows an innovative curriculum designed to give graduates the business skills they need to succeed in a field where almost all workers are considered to be “self-employed.” Students are taught principles of accounting, management, sales, retail and merchandising, human resources, and entrepreneurship. These courses can be taken on Clary Sage College’s main campus, Community Care College, or online via an interactive distance learning platform.

“The goal of our AOS degree program is to provide cosmetology students with quality instruction and practical experience from a variety of perspectives to give them the competitive edge they need to succeed at the highest levels,” notes Teresa Knox, CEO of Clary Sage College. “The department now has a CPA, an attorney, and two MBAs teaching courses according to their respective areas of expertise. This diversity will be an invaluable asset to our students.”

Clary Sage College  is a licensed and accredited institution offering various diploma and degree programs in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technician and Massage Therapy. Clary Sage College is managed by the same ownership as Community Care College and Oklahoma Technical College.