Have unique career goals?

Associate of Technical Studies

Overview

Students can create their own degree plan and earn an Associate of Technical Studies (ATS) at Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) through two different options:

One-Year Option

The One-Year Option is a state program that allows career and technical center graduates and industry professionals to earn college credit toward an ATS.

The state of Ohio has a list of currently approved pathways and the necessary credentials for transferring career center credit to a college degree plan.

For example, students who complete a cosmetology program (900+ hours) and get a cosmetology board license are eligible for 30 college credit hours and have already earned half the credit hours needed to complete an associate degree. Cosmetology students often wish to study business to help manage their booth rental expenses and have aspiration to open their own business one day.

Combine Areas of Study

If COTC doesn’t have a degree that fits your career goals, work with a Gateway academic advisor to identify courses from two or more programs currently offered at COTC to create your own custom degree plan. 

For example, students with an entrepreneurial spirit may want to own a business and study areas within accounting and graphic and web design. A Gateway academic advisor can help students select and map out classes to create a customized ATS degree plan for completion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take classes online or face to face?

At COTC students have the flexibility to take classes face-to-face and online. 

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

Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreements with four-year colleges.

Four-year colleges and universities often have opportunities for students to create a custom degree. Degrees that are custom are often referred to as interdisciplinary study.  

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

COTC awards $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.

How do I schedule an appointment with a Gateway academic advisor to identify and map classes for a custom degree plan?

Students can reach a Gateway academic advisor by emailing cotcadvising@mail.cotc.edu or by calling any COTC campus location: 

  • Newark: 740.922.3666
  • Coshocton: 740.622.1408
  • Knox (Mount Vernon): 740.392.2526
  • Pataskala: 740.755.7090

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.