Fire Science Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology provides education and skills essential for seasoned professionals seeking career advancement and for those who are new to fire science and emergency medical services professions and would like to pursue a career in these fields.
COTC’s associate degree was the first U.S. Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) recognized program in central Ohio. It’s also the only degree program in central Ohio accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
By completing this degree, you’ll be ready to begin working in fire science right away. You’ll also be prepared to continue your education if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.COTC has agreements with two program partners to offer you flexibility and options in selecting training courses.
| Full-Time, Daytime Program | Part-Time, Evening Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Location |  Ohio Fire Academy8895 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 |
|
| Schedule | Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–5 p.m. Some evenings and weekends |
Monday–Friday 5–9 p.m. Some weekends |
| Length | 10 weeks | 16 weeks |
| Application deadline | 75 days prior to start | 2 weeks prior to start |
Admission Requirements
You must enroll at both COTC and your selected partner institution (CTEC or Ohio Fire Academy). To be admitted to COTC, submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll. To be admitted to the fire science program, you must complete the additional admission requirements for your selected partner institution.
Admission Requirements Checklists
Ohio Fire Academy admission checklist
CTEC admission checklist
Plan of Study
Associate Degree
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology
Total Credit Hours: 64
|
Autumn Semester |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Principles of Emergency Services^ |
3 |
|
|
Fire Fighter I^ |
7 |
|
|
Fire Fighter II*^ |
4 |
|
|
Total |
14 |
|
|
Spring Semester |
||
|
MATH-130 or MATH-140 or |
Intro to Statistics* College Algebra* Quantitative Reasoning* |
3 |
|
Principles Fire & Emer. Services Safety & Survival* |
2 |
|
|
Fire Behavior & Combustion* |
2 |
|
|
Emergency Medical Technician* |
7 |
|
|
Composition I*^ |
3 |
|
|
Total |
17 |
|
|
Summer Semester |
||
|
BIO-121 or |
Human Biology* (EMT-P track) Basic Chemistry* |
4 |
|
Introduction to Psychology^ |
3 |
|
|
Critical Thinking* |
3 |
|
|
Cultural Diversity |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
|
|
Total |
16 |
|
|
Autumn Semester |
||
|
Fire Prevention |
3 |
|
|
Building Construction for Fire Protection* |
3 |
|
|
Fire & Emergency Services Administration |
3 |
|
|
Fire Protection Systems* |
2 |
|
|
Introduction to Ethics* |
3 |
|
|
Abnormal Psychology* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
17 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
^A ”C” (2.00) grade or better is required in order to progress and graduate from this program.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the plan of study, students with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology will be able to:
- Apply strategies, tactics and incident command/incident management skills to emergency incidents
- Application of management and leadership principles to fire department operations, interagency cooperation and implementation of policies and procedures
- Development of skills and education for employment and advancement in fire and emergency services
- Identify, examine and apply current and emerging concepts and practices in fire and emergency services
- Exhibit an understanding of basic principles of safety related to firefighter life safety initiatives and focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change in fire and emergency services
- Identify the knowledge/skills required for operation, testing, inspection and maintenance of automated fire protection and suppression systems as well as operation at facilities equipped with these systems
Program Accreditation
The 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 central Ohio to be recognized by U.S. Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) and follows the FESHE recommended curriculum.
Graduate Data
Recent Fire Science Technology graduates reported being employed as full or part time in their field of study at a rate of 100%.
The three-year graduation rate for the autumn 2019 fire science technology entering cohort was 20%.
Withdraw ratetrend report 2020-2023
Graduates by semester
Ohio Firefighter I and II certification pass rates 2017-2022
Student Performance program outcomes SP16–AU22
Transfer Options
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the fire science technology program?
Students who enroll full-time may complete the fire science associate degree in four semesters.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
The fire science technology associate degree offers both in-person and online courses. You 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.
What 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 the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.