General Information

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is a public, two-year college operated under the authority of the Ohio Department of Higher Education and governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of the State of Ohio.

The College currently offers more than 130 associate's degree programs, majors, and certificate programs, as well as three bachelor degree programs. Courses are offered at the main campus in Clifton and at locations in Evendale, Harrison, Middletown, and elsewhere in Greater Cincinnati, and through online education. In addition to degree and certificate programs that provide academic credit, the College's Workforce Development Center offers continuing education opportunities through short courses, seminars, and on-site training programs for businesses and industries in the region.

Cincinnati State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (hlcommission.org or 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, phone 800-621-7440).

The College also holds numerous programmatic accreditations, listed in the Accreditation and Memberships section of this Catalog.

Overview

Collaborative Relationships

Cincinnati State has established academic partnerships with high schools, colleges, universities, and employers throughout the region.

Through Cincinnati State’s relationship with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the College maintains structured pathways to connect eligible high school students and graduates with college courses and degree and certificate programs. These college programs help the state achieve the goal of improving the educational attainment of Ohio citizens.  

  • Ohio’s College Credit Plus program enables eligible high school students to take college courses while still in high school. Cincinnati State delivers many college courses at local high schools through a network of over 40 partner public and private high schools.
  • Additionally, to strengthen pathways for students participating in career technical programs, Cincinnati State recognizes the state’s Career-Technical Assurance Guides (CTAGs) which allow high school graduates to obtain college level transfer credit for knowledge and skill acquired in designated high school classes.

Cincinnati State also has established articulation agreements with the University of Cincinnati, Mount St. Joseph University, Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, Miami University, and many other institutions to ease the transfer of graduates to specific degree programs in those institutions.

Cincinnati State is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection (formerly the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities). This membership allows students, under certain conditions, to take courses not offered at their home institution at any of the 13 member institutions. Students who would like more information about this program should contact the Office of the Registrar on Clifton Campus or by email at registraroffice@cincinnatistate.edu.

Cincinnati State also has a cross-registration agreement with the Army and Air Force ROTC at the University of Cincinnati. Army and Air Force personnel teach General Military Training classes. Enrollment in these classes entails no service obligation, and books and uniforms for the courses are provided free to students. Participants attend ROTC classes and drill periods on the University of Cincinnati’s campus while attending academic classes at Cincinnati State. Details are available in the Office of Veteran Student Affairs at Cincinnati State (Room 196 Main Building, Clifton Campus) or by email at veterans@cincinnatistate.edu.

Cooperative Education and other Experiential Education

Since its founding in 1969, Cincinnati State has integrated work experience (typically co-op employment, internship, or clinical assignments in allied health fields) with academic coursework. Cincinnati State’s consistently high graduate employment rate reflects the College’s commitment to providing high-quality education enriched by on-the-job training and experiential learning opportunities. Students encounter “real-world” job demands, helping to clarify their career choices and promote responsibility in the workplace. Most co-op experiences are paid placements that permit students to earn while learning, and thus defray the total cost of their education. Some students gain experiential education through unpaid internships or clinical assignments.

The College has been recognized nationally for its extensive cooperative education program. More than 500 employers provide placements for degree-seeking Cincinnati State students who devote one or more semesters of their program of study to applying the knowledge they have acquired in the lab and in the classroom.

Equal Opportunity

Cincinnati State is committed to a policy of equal educational opportunities for all persons regardless of race, age, handicap, sexual orientation, national origin, or gender. This policy is adopted as a matter of law and as a matter of educational policy consistent with the goals and purposes of the College.

The College also adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action to end any illegal pattern of discrimination and to overcome the effects of past discrimination. Cincinnati State is also committed to serving the region’s Armed Forces Veterans.

Institutional Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Pillars

Mission

Cincinnati State provides access, opportunity, and support in achieving success for individuals seeking exceptional technical, transfer and experiential/cooperative education and workforce training.

Vision

Cincinnati State advances the educational and economic vitality of our state and region as the college of choice.

Values

Potential for Growth and Success

  • We respect each student’s background and celebrate their potential for personal growth and career success.

Innovation

  • We support innovative approaches to learning.
  • We anticipate and effectively respond to the changing needs of those we serve.

Collaboration

  • We work together on behalf of our students and employers to meet community needs.

Equity

  • We believe in contributing to a socially and economically equitable society.
  • We honor the diversity and inclusiveness of our College community and strive to hear all voices.

Experiential Learning

  • We promote experiential and lifelong learning.

 
Strategic Pillars and Strategic Goals for 2025

Achieving Academic Excellence

  • Increase career technical education attainment to meet employer and community needs.
  • Prepare students for successful transition to baccalaureate degrees.
  • Provide all students with accessible and high-quality educational options.

Enriching the Student Experience

  • Tailor student support services to address unique needs and goals of each student.
  • Enrich the campus life experience of students.

Engaging the Community

  • Identify, develop and establish programs and partnerships in response to emerging workforce and economic development needs.
  • Expand and optimize our work with organizations that address poverty, social mobility and opportunity to increase educational access.
  • Position and achieve significant recognition and support for Cincinnati State.

Strengthening Our Future

  • Increase headcount and credit hour enrollment.
  • Achieve and maintain a level of fiscal health that allows for strategic investments in people, innovation and infrastructure, and a vibrant future.
  • Anticipate evolving external factors such as technology, demographics, the economy and state support, and align plans and investments in people, programs, and facilities.