Advanced Cosmetic Techniques is a Diploma program offered by Douglas Education Center in Monessen, PA. The program takes 10 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $3,000.
Program Overview
This program trains you in advanced cosmetic techniques, including permanent makeup application to the eyes, brows, and lips, as well as precision lash extension methods. Students master proper safety and sanitation procedures, client consultation, and varied application techniques.
Prerequisite. Students applying to this program must carry a valid license in Esthetics, General Cosmetology or Cosmetology Teacher.
Course objectives. Permanent Makeup: demonstrate a thorough understanding of permanent make-up and offer PMU services to the public; describe the proper techniques and safety measures for all permanent make-up procedures; discuss marketing and employment techniques of the permanent make-up industry. Advanced Eyelash Techniques: apply the proper techniques and safety measures for lash application; apply eyelash fillers and sets of various types and styles.
The program, broken down.
- Permanent Makeup Foundations: Pigment Theory · Color Selection · Brow Mapping · Equipment Setup · Bloodborne Pathogen Standards · Sanitation Protocols
- Eyes & Eyeliner: Upper and Lower Eyeliner Application · Shading and Blending Techniques · Healing Timeline · Touch-Up Protocols
- Brows & Lip Blush: Brow Mapping and Measurement · Microblading · Ombre Powder Brows · Lip Blush Application · Color Theory for Skin Tones
- Advanced Lash Techniques: Classic Lash Application · Volume Sets · Lash Fillers · Adhesive Selection · Isolation Technique · Safe Lash Removal
- Business & Marketing: Self-Employment Fundamentals · Pricing Services · Social Media Strategy · Client Retention · Studio Launch Basics
What sets this Program apart
Unique training. Transformative results. The Advanced Cosmetic Techniques program builds on your existing license and expands your professional capabilities.
First in PA. When the Advanced Cosmetic Techniques Program (Permanent Make-Up + Lashing) launched, DEC became the first school in Pennsylvania to offer this training.
Hands-on from day one. Every technique is practiced in a supervised setting, on practice skins and live models, so your first paying client is never your first time performing the service.
Admission Requirements and Process
A prospective student seeking admission to DEC must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate. All programs require successful completion of the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17. DEC admits, trains and refers students without regard to race, religion, age, national origin, sex or handicap. DEC is not authorized to enroll international students. Applicants to the Advanced Cosmetic Techniques Program must possess a current license in Esthetics, General Cosmetology or Cosmetology Teacher as issued by their state of residency.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GEDYou must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate; high school seniors may submit a partial…
- Application and feesComplete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00); both are fully refundable if the applicant is denied acceptance.
- Official transcriptRequest that an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department; GED holders must submit official evidence of satisfactory performance.
- Wonderlic Scholastic Level ExamSuccessfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17; a maximum of 3 attempts will be granted.
- Current beauty licensePossess a current license in at least one of the following disciplines: Esthetics, General Cosmetology or Cosmetology Teacher, as issued by your state of residency.
- Admissions interviewThe Admissions Department will contact all applicants via telephone, postal mail, and/or email to schedule an interview.
- Enrollment AgreementSign an Enrollment Agreement, the contractual agreement between the student and the school; those accepted receive a formal letter of acceptance.
Application Process
- 1Complete the online applicationApply online and pay the $50 application fee; a $100 registration fee is also required. You can pay online, over the phone, or in person.
- 2Admissions reaches outThe Admissions Department will contact you to confirm your application status and next steps.
- 3Send your high school transcriptSubmit an official high school transcript directly to the Admissions Department; applicants with a GED must provide official evidence of satisfactory performance. Transfer-of-credit requests also need official post-secondary transcripts and course descriptions.
- 4Admissions interview and Wonderlic examThe Admissions Department will schedule your interview and the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination; a minimum score of 17 is required.
- 5Sign your Enrollment AgreementThis is the contractual agreement between you and the school. Accepted applicants receive a formal letter of acceptance.
Program Schedule
All classes in the Advanced Cosmetic Techniques Program are scheduled weekday evenings, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and run for 10 weeks. Students attend three evenings per week, for a total of 15 hours per week.
Classes typically held Monday-Wednesday (on-ground).
The program page says classes start three times per year (February, June and October); the school’s online application lists no upcoming ACT start date, and the current catalog calendar shows only the October 5 – December 9, 2026 class. Contact Admissions for the next start.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost and fees (Catalog Vol. 69). Tuition is $3,000. Program totals: application fee $50, registration fee $100, books $450, supplies $950 and exam/certification $40, for a program total of $4,590.
Per credit. $115/credit when a student attends less than 12 or more than 17 credits per term.
Funding. Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Funding options may include private financing options, Veterans’ Education Benefits, agency-sponsored funding (e.g. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), and external scholarships. Payment options: pay in full before the first day of class, or 50% before the first day and the remaining 50% in 2 equal installments.
Payment. DEC accepts financial aid, agency funding (Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, job retraining benefits), cash, check, credit card and online payment at www.dec.edu/pay. Payment schedules are interest-free and do not extend beyond the semester or instructional period.
Veterans. DEC is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the training of veterans; eligible students may use the GI Bill® at DEC.
Curriculum
Diploma Program / 1 instructional period / 10 weeks: 60 didactic and 90 supervised lab hours, 5 credits.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Specialized training in permanent makeup and lash artistry provides graduates with niche, high-demand skills in advanced cosmetic enhancement. Permanent makeup and lash extension services are among the fastest-growing segments in the beauty industry and clients actively seek licensed technicians.
Student outcomes. As reported to ACCSC in its 2025 Annual Report (reporting date July 1, 2025; cohort 12/23–11/24): graduation rate 100%, employment rate 88%; licensure is not required for employment in this field.
What to expect as a Douglas Education Center student
456 Donner Avenue. This campus building houses an office, specialized classrooms and studio / lounge spaces. There are two open-style classrooms able to accommodate studio work on clients, as well as lecture and classroom discussions. There are makeup beds and designated areas for performing and practicing services, as well as various storage for cosmetic supplies and equipment.
Career Services for life. DEC graduates have access to Career Services for life at no cost. The team works with students from the time they begin their program through graduation and after, helping with resumes, portfolios, mock interviews and job search strategies.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Douglas Education Center is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. DEC is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
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