The American Heritage dictionary defines cosmetology as "The study or art in cosmetics and their use". When beauty schools say they offer a full cosmetology program it generally refers to the study of hair styling, skin-care, nail care, and makeup.

Cosmetology schools teach students a host of beauty skills to work with hair, nails, skin, makeup and other beauty procedures. Cosmetology students learn how to choose and apply these services for clients through in-class lectures, the issued cosmetology textbook, and hands-on training in student salons. A comprehensive cosmetology program traditionally includes hairstyling, esthetics and skin care, nail technology and makeup artistry, but the official program curriculum varies from state to state. A beauty school student should graduate with a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the beauty industry, but students are certainly permitted to specialize in a specific area or service

The cosmetology program at Miller-Motte is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/art principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. Miller Motte's advanced approach provides a simulated salon environment which enables students to develop manipulative skills and knowledge that can lead to an entry-level career in the field of Cosmetology, in hair sculpture and design, color and perming, as well as nails and skin.