Master Esthetician is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by Centura College in Chesapeake, VA. The program takes 27 weeks (7 months) to complete, with a total tuition of $17,520.
Program Overview
The Master Esthetician diploma program is designed for students seeking to advance their esthetics career through specialized, advanced training. It provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to gain entry-level positions as a licensed master esthetician — working in salons, beauty and health spas, med spas, and dermatology offices.
The curriculum emphasizes advanced skin-care analysis and complex treatment modalities — microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical exfoliation and peels, and machine-aided lymphatic drainage — alongside advanced body systems, professional ethics, and regulatory compliance.
The program spans 27 weeks (7 months) at the Chesapeake campus, with approximately 20% of coursework delivered online. Students must complete the Professional Esthetician program or hold equivalent training before enrolling.
What sets this Program apart
The Master Esthetician diploma is Centura's advanced esthetics credential, built in a dedicated master-esthetician lab and clinic.
- Advanced, hands-on modalities: microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical exfoliation and peels, and lymphatic drainage.
- Prepares graduates to sit for the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR) master esthetician exams.
- Strong recent outcomes: first-time licensure exam pass rates of 97% (2023) and 100% (2024).
- A short, 27-week advanced path, with about 20% of coursework online.
Admission Requirements and Process
Personalized plans for each student. The Admissions Department will assist with completing the application process: get connected with one of our Admissions Reps who will help you complete your application, then meet with a financial advisor and create your personalized plan.
General Requirements
- Application and $25 FeeApplicants must submit an Application for Admissions and a $25 application fee in order to be considered for admission. The application fee is waived for veterans with proof of…
- Age RequirementApplicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and have an approved cosigner if under the age of 18.
- High School Diploma or GEDApplicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from high school, a General Education Diploma, or equivalent. If the applicant provides an international/foreign transcript,…
- Government-Issued Photo IDApplicants must submit a government issued photo ID, such as a copy of a state issued driver’s license, state issued identification card, or passport.
- Criminal Background CheckThe Professional Esthetician and Master Esthetician programs require potential students to submit to a criminal background. Potential students applying for these programs with…
- Signature and PhotographProfessional and Master Esthetician applications must contain the student’s signature and a two-inch-by-two-inch color head and shoulders photograph of the student.
- Online Course Readiness AssessmentPrior to being accepted into a program that includes a distance education component, the student will be required to complete the Online Course Readiness Assessment (OCRA). A…
Application Process
- 1Review General RequirementsReview the general requirements: a $25 application fee, and applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and have an approved cosigner if under the age of 18.
- 2Interview With AdmissionsAll applicants must complete an interview with an Admissions Representative. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be present.
- 3Complete Your ApplicationGet connected with one of our Admissions Reps who will help you complete your Application for Admission along with the $25 application fee (waived for veterans with proof of service).
- 4Meet a Financial Aid Advisor and Complete the FAFSAOnce the application and application fee have been submitted, the Admissions Representative will schedule a preliminary appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor. Your advisor will help you develop a financial plan, discuss financial aid qualifications and obtain any necessary applications.FAFSA Code for Chesapeake Campus: 016538Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Online Course Readiness AssessmentComplete the Online Course Readiness Assessment (OCRA), required prior to acceptance into a program that includes a distance education component. A passing score is 16 correct answers out of 20 (80% or higher).
- 6Acceptance and Enrollment AgreementApplicants who have met all admissions criteria will be recommended for acceptance. An applicant’s signed Student Enrollment Agreement does not constitute a contract until it has been approved by the Campus Executive Director or designee. The applicant will be notified of the admission decision in writing.
Program Schedule
Centura's academic year is built from 5-week blocks. The Master Esthetician diploma runs 27 weeks (7 months), with approximately 20% of coursework delivered online.
Scheduling options at the Chesapeake campus:
- Day: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Evening: 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Our start dates are as follows:
- January 20, 2026
- February 23, 2026
- March 30, 2026
- May 11, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- July 20, 2026
- August 24, 2026
- September 28, 2026
- November 2, 2026
- December 7, 2026
- December 07th, 2026
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for the Master Esthetician diploma is $17,520. Tuition does not include textbooks, kits, or supplies. Additional fees include a $25 application fee (waived for veterans), a $125 administrative fee, and a one-time $12 library fee; program materials (advanced esthetics kit, supplies) and uniform items vary by program and are itemized on the Enrollment Agreement. Courses delivered by distance education carry a $25-per-credit technology fee.
Financial Aid
Centura College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal Title IV student aid programs. Aid available to those who qualify includes:
- Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®), the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Military Tuition Assistance
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and Vocational Rehabilitation
- The Centura Scholarship Match Program (dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of tuition, books, and fees against qualifying outside scholarships)
- Institutional payment plans
Curriculum
The Master Esthetician diploma comprises five advanced courses:
The required courses below are from Centura College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EST 201 | Advanced Skin Care and Professional Practice | 4 |
| EST 211 | Advanced Skin Care Treatments | 4 |
| EST 221 | Advanced Body Systems and Treatments | 4 |
| EST 231 | Advanced Procedures and Chemical Exfoliation | 4 |
| EST 241 | Exam Review and Advanced Esthetics | 4 |
| Totals | 20 |
Career Outcomes
The Master Esthetician diploma prepares graduates for advanced, licensed roles in skincare and medical-spa settings. Graduates pursue roles such as:
- Licensed Master Esthetician
- Medical Spa Esthetician
- Dermatology Office Esthetician
- Advanced Skincare / Treatment Specialist
Centura reports first-time licensure exam pass rates of 97% (2023) and 100% (2024) for this program. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology master esthetician exams.
What to expect as a Centura College student
As a Centura College student, you will work in a dedicated master-esthetician lab and clinic, performing advanced treatments — microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and lymphatic drainage — on real clients under experienced, licensed instructors.
Centura welcomes veterans and active-duty military (GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and Military Tuition Assistance), and a financial aid team helps you build a plan before you start. Programs are short and start often, with new cohorts beginning roughly every month.
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited institution means your education has met rigorous, independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
This program: All Centura College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Graduates are prepared to sit for the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) master esthetician licensing exams.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Chesapeake Campus (IPEDS, 2024).