Fire Science Technology

Associate of Applied Science

Overview

Why choose COTC?

Flexibility

COTC has agreements with two program partners to offer students flexibility and options in selecting training courses.

Ohio Fire Academy Logo

Full-time, daytime program
Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) (Reynoldsburg, OH)
  • ​Students attend classes at the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The daytime program is 10 weeks with some evenings and weekends as arranged/needed.
  • Application and required documents are due at least 35 days prior to the start of classes. Visit Steps to Enroll to get started.

ctec logo

Part-time, evening program
C-TEC​ (Newark, OH)
  • ​Students attend classes at C-TEC Adult Career Center five nights a week from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • The evening program is 16 weeks with some Saturdays as arranged/needed.
  • Applications and required documents are due prior to the start of classes​. Visit Steps to Enroll to get started.
Existing certified firefighters can expand their career by pursuing other emergency response certificates and degrees.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for the fire science technology program?

Ohio Fire Academy (OFA)

An OFA Fire Science Checklist can help students keep track of the program requirements. 

CTEC

A C-TEC Fire Science Checklist can help students keep track of the program requirements. 

Where can I find a list of classes (plan of study) for the program I want to study?

The courses students need to take to complete a certificate or degree are listed in a plan of study. 

Can I take classes online or face-to-face?

Students can complete the fire science technology associate degree online except for the hands-on firefighter training, which is offered in person at one of our partner locations: C-TEC or The Ohio Fire Academy. The fire science technology associate degree offers both in person and online courses. 

What type of financial assistance is available to help me pay for college? 

COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.

Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships, and loans. 

Students who complete a FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application. 

Connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.

Can I pursue a bachelor’s degree after I complete the associate degree?

Students interested in continuing their education to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has a transfer agreement with the University of Cincinnati.

How do I get started at COTC?

Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started. 

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Program Accreditation Information

Accreditation

International Fire Service LogoThe fire science technology associate degree program at COTC is the only degree program in central Ohio accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). ​

The Fire Science Technology Program at COTC was the first program in the central Ohio to be recognized by U.S. Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) and follows the FESHE recommended curriculum.