Aveda Beauty Schools
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Esthiology Program at Aveda Institute Madison

Turn your love of skincare into a licensed career. Train hands-on with Aveda's plant-based products and Ultraceuticals' cosmeceuticals skincare lines on a real spa clinic floor in Madison's west side. 

600 CLOCK HOURS · AVEDA INSTITUTE MADISON

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Esthiology student applying a facial masque to a client
Hands-On
Clinic Floor Training
Aveda
Product Training
Madison
Campus Location
ULTRACEUTICALS
COSMECEUTICALS TRAINING

Credential

Esthiology Certificate

Program Length

600 CLOCK HOURS

Schedule

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME

Next Start

NOVEMBER 16, 2026

Campus

Madison

Course Overview

A complete, hands-on education in Esthiology

Learn the science of skin and the art of touch. You'll study anatomy, skin analysis, facials, waxing, makeup artistry, and advanced treatments using Aveda's plant-powered products, then practice all of it on the clinic floor.

You'll learn the Aveda way at our Madison campus: pure, plant-based products and a philosophy rooted in wellness and environmental responsibility. From the first day on the clinic floor, you'll gain real experience with real guests, guided by educators who've worked in the industry.

Our Madison Esthiology program is 600 clock hours of theory and hands-on clinic practice, and it prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam.

Esthiology student performing a facial treatment in the Madison spa clinic

By the Numbers

Program at a Glance

600
CLOCK HOURS
93.33%
LICENSURE RATE*
96.15%
GRADUATION RATE*
100%
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

* 2024 NACCAS Outcome Rates

Four Aveda Institute Madison esthiology students smiling together

Curriculum

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

A structured path from core theory to advanced, guest-ready technique.

Infection control, anatomy of the skin, product chemistry, and the fundamentals of skin analysis, the knowledge base your state board exam is built on.

Classic and customized facials, extractions, masks, and treatment protocols using Aveda and clinical skincare lines.

Full-body waxing, brow shaping, and hair-removal safety and technique for a range of skin types.

Makeup application, lash and brow services, and advanced skincare technologies that expand your service menu.

Retail and social-media marketing, building a client book, interview prep, and state-board readiness.
Download Full Course Catalog

A Day in the Life

See yourself Here

Student presenting an Aveda professional massage masque and facial rollerStudent esthetician applying a treatment mask in the skin clinicClose-up of a guest receiving a facial mask treatment

From morning theory to the clinic floor, Esthiology students at our Madison campus spend their days doing real beauty work with real guests.

Skin, Backed by Science 

TRAIN ON CLINICAL SKINCARE

From Aveda's botanical rituals to Ultraceuticals' results-driven actives and Observ 320 skin imaging, you'll learn to read skin and build treatment plans that work.  

Core

Aveda

Pure, plant-based, vegan skin and body care rooted in Aveda's wellness philosophy, woven through every phase of your training.

TECHNOLOGY

Observ 320

The Observ 320 by Sylton is a skin visualization tool and analysis device designed for aesthetic practitioners, spas, and skincare professionals. It captures full-face images in just 4 seconds using patented LED technology and integrates with an iPad app to guide interactive client consultations.

Professional

ESA Beauty

Professional makeup line students use to deepen their knowledge of wedding, special-event, editorial, and everyday makeup application.

Tuition, Kit & Financial Aid

A clear picture of your Investment

Program Tuition

Request a personalized cost breakdown

Total program cost including required fees, tailored to your schedule and aid eligibility.

  • Federal financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Scholarships & grants
  • Monthly payment plans
  • 1-on-1 support from our financial aid team
Talk to Financial Aid

Your Student Kit

Included

Professional tools and products you'll use in class and keep for your career.

  • Pivot Point Salon Fundamentals digital bundle
  • Aveda Botanical Kinetics skincare regimen
  • Deep cleansing and hydrating masques with brushes
  • Ultraceuticals professional treatment set
  • Makeup brush set, palette, and lashes
  • Dermaplaning handle, gua sha, facial roller, and roller bag
Aveda Advanced Botanical Kinetics skincare collection

Student Success

HEAR FROM OUR FUTURE PROFESSIONALS

“I liked Aveda's high graduation rate, which gave me peace of mind and made me feel I'd be successful at this school. Overall, Aveda offers a positive professional environment that sets you up for success and helps you reach your goals, which is something I strive for.”
Elizabeth K. • Cosmetology
“Since I started at Aveda, I've noticed positive growth in myself and my mindset as I learn about the art of hair. I enjoy the positive and supportive atmosphere and feel like I belong for once in my life.”
Lunar W. • Cosmetology
“The teachers are all wonderful people!”
Prosper V. • Massage Therapy

Upcoming Start Dates

Find the start that Fits Your Life

Start Date

NOVEMBER 16

2026

Schedule

Day · Full-time18 weeks
  • Mon 9am-4pm
  • Tue-Fri 8:30am-4pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

JANUARY 4

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time30 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

JANUARY 25

2027

Schedule

Day · Full-time18 weeks
  • Mon 9am-4pm
  • Tue-Fri 8:30am-4pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Contact admissions for exact upcoming cohort dates and application deadlines.

Also Offered At

Esthiology at our Other Campuses

Aveda Institute Milwaukee

Aveda Institute Milwaukee

327 E St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202

View Milwaukee Esthiology
Aveda Institute Chicago

Aveda Institute Chicago

2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

View Chicago Esthiology

FAQ

Frequently asked Questions

The program is 600 course hours, 297 hours of theory and 303 hours of practical training. The Day schedule (full-time) runs 18 weeks: Mon. 9am-4pm and Tues.-Fri. 8:30am-4pm. The Evening schedule (part-time) runs 30 weeks: Mon.-Thurs. 4:30pm-9:30pm.

You'll earn a Esthiology Certificate and be prepared to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam to become a licensed esthetician.

Total tuition for the Esthiology program is $13,575 (2025-26): $12,075 tuition plus a $1,500 program kit (includes tax). Interest-free payment plans are available, and federal financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Down payments are due two weeks prior to the start of classes, and all tuition must be received in full no later than three weeks prior to graduation.

No experience is required, just a passion for beauty and wellness and a willingness to learn. Our admissions team will guide you through the requirements and enrollment steps.

You'll train primarily with Aveda's plant-based, vegan professional products, plus other professional lines you'll see in the field, Ultraceuticals skincare, OPI nail products, keratin and smoothing treatments, and more. Most importantly, you learn the technique and product chemistry behind them, so your education applies to any product line you work with after graduation.

The program covers the theory and hands-on technique of esthiology and prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam.

We offer multiple start dates throughout the year on both full-time and 3-Day schedules. See the start-date table above or request info for the next available cohort.

We're at 7021 Tree Ln, Madison, WI 53717, in Madison's west side on Tree Lane. All Esthiology classes and clinic floor hours happen right here at the Aveda Institute Madison. Call (608) 250-3100 or schedule a tour.

Are You Ready?

Start your tomorrow today at the Aveda Institute Madison.

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