GCIT’s Cosmetology program offers our students the opportunity to study for a range of careers in the cosmetology profession including hairstylist, nail technician, and esthetician. During their four years of study, students will learn all critical areas of the cosmetology field.
GCIT’s Cosmetology program offers our students the opportunity to study for a range of careers in the cosmetology profession including hairstylist, nail technician, and aesthetician. During their four years of study, students will learn all critical areas of the cosmetology field.
Students in the Cosmetology program spend two hours of their day concentrating on their career theme. Students receive their clinical experience in the GCIT campus hair salon, which is located in the 100 wing of GCIT.
GCIT has formed a partnership with the prestigious Goldwell Company, which allows our students to benefit from highly respected Goldwell training programs. Students will work with professional grade product lines including but not limited to KMS and CHI.
GCIT has formed partnerships with area businesses who lend expert guidance and afford employment opportunities to our students.
According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, by the year 2032 there will be 15% growth in the Cosmetology Industry. They estimate 4,510 new jobs annually.
In 2025, GCIT students competed and won Gold Medals in the Cosmetology Advanced Competition (students with more than 600 hours of training) and Cosmetology Novice Competition (students with less than 600 hours of training). GCIT has been the SkillsUSA State Champion in Advanced Cosmetology for the last 4 years.
The Cosmetology Department is involved with many Service Learning projects such as Love Our Vets, Out of the Darkness Walk, Ronald McDonald House Toy Drive, and the Cosmetology Fashion Show.
In the Academy of Cosmetology, with good attendance students can reach up to 1,250 hours of study. The State Board requires 1,000 hours (500 hours of theory and 500 hours of hands-on experience). After reaching 600 hours of study, students receive a permit to work on clients in our school salon or in any professional salon.
At the end of their senior year, students have not only earned their high school diplomas; they will have tested and upon successful completion, earned their NJ Cosmetology license, Hair Extension Certification and OSHA 10 Certification.
Careers for Cosmetology Students
- Barber
- Braiding Specialist
- Esthetician
- Hair Colorist
- Hair Extension Specialist
- Make-up Artist
- Nail Technician
- Professional Stylist
- Receptionist
- Salon Manager
- Salon Owner
- Spa Assistant
