Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Cosmetology Business

If you’d like to get an associate’s degree that will teach you how to start and run your own salon or spa business, or manage one for someone else, then you might want to think about getting a cosmetology business associate degree.

Why Get An Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology Business?

An associate’s degree in cosmetology business is for licensed cosmetologists who are looking to take their career to the next level.

If you don’t currently have a cosmetology license, then you might want to investigate a few schools to see if they require one. Most schools do, but there are a few that don’t.

Most cosmetology experts love what they do. But if you’re dreaming of doing more than styling hair in your cosmetology career, then this is a great way to enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

What You’ll Learn In A Cosmetology Business Degree Program

A cosmetology business associate degree is going to teach you how to manage and successfully run a salon. This means that instead of taking nothing but classes on hair, skin, and nails, you’re going to be taking a lot of business classes as well.

Some of the classes you might expect to see in your cosmetology business degree program include:

Business Math
Business Communications
Small Business Management
Color Theory
Business Law
Accounting
Employee Management
Effective Customer Service

Careers With A Degree In Cosmetology

Once you’ve gotten your associate’s degree in cosmetology, several options are open to you.

You can easily work as a salon manager with this degree. Salon managers, on average, earn $35,000 per year starting out, according to Payscale.com. The longer you’re in the industry, and the type of salon you’re working for, will greatly impact your earnings. A top-notch salon catering to high-class clientele will pay more than this average.

You’ll also earn more or less depending on your part of the country. Salons in bigger cities like New York or Los Angeles will pay much more than a salon in a rural area. If you’d like to start your own salon and work as an owner/operator, then you can expect a starting salary around $45,000, according to 101 Hairstyles Magazine.

But again, everything depends on your experience, your talent, and your part of the country. USA Today did a profile of one hair dresser in Las Vegas who, working 3 ½ days per week, was pulling in $160,000 per year.

According to a recent survey by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), cosmetology is a field where there is zero unemployment. There is a significant shortage of talented workers, so this is definitely a great career to be in if you like job security. Whether you want to manage a salon, or own one yourself, the future is looking bright for this fun field.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information