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CIP 12.0406 Personal and Culinary Services

Make-Up Artist/Specialist

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

57

2025 · 1 schools

International share

1.8%

1 international students

Overview

The Make-Up Artist/Specialist program is designed for individuals passionate about the art of makeup application and beauty enhancement. This field blends creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of aesthetics to help clients look and feel their best. Students in this program learn various techniques and styles, ranging from everyday makeup to high-fashion looks, special effects, and theatrical makeup.

Curriculum typically covers color theory, skin types, and facial structure, enabling artists to customize their applications for different clients. Additionally, students gain knowledge in hygiene and safety practices, product selection, and the use of various tools and equipment. Hands-on practice is a significant component, allowing students to work on real clients and build a diverse portfolio.

Moreover, the program often includes courses on the business side of being a makeup artist, such as marketing, client relations, and personal branding. This equips graduates with the skills to succeed in freelance work or within established beauty salons, fashion houses, film, and television industries.

Networking opportunities with industry professionals and participation in workshops or events are also integral parts of the training, enhancing students' visibility in the competitive beauty market. Overall, the Make-Up Artist/Specialist program prepares students for a dynamic and fulfilling career in the beauty industry, enabling them to express their artistic talents while helping others achieve their desired looks.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2015 to 2025, graduates fell 26% and the international share went from 0.0% to 1.8%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
84.2%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
10.5%
Black
0.0%
Other
3.5%
Intl.
1.8%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 1 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Douglas Education Center Pennsylvania 57 1

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists 305,710 $21.13 $43,960
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance 2,340 $49.16 $102,240

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2015–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.