Other than
certificate programs, an associate's degree is the most commonly earned degree
that leads to a career in office administration. Students of this two-year
degree program learn important skills, such as basic accounting, computer
applications, communication skills, document preparation and office procedures
and ethics. Coursework and real-world opportunities will focus heavily on
computer training and other office technologies, including the commonly used
software applications Quick Books, Microsoft Office and desktop publishing
software.
Students
seeking employment in a medical or legal office may also choose electives that
target skills that are unique to these areas. In preparation for a career as an
executive assistant or office manager, students may learn the basics of
appointment scheduling, making travel arrangements, proofreading and managing
records. It is important that students pursuing a career in office
administration are able to keep pace in a busy office environment and adapt to
constantly changing technology.
Education
Prerequisites
Associate's
programs in office administration will require a high school diploma or GED.
Some may also require a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT score. Applicants who do not
meet requirements may still be accepted on other merits or may be asked to
complete placement testing. Students who have completed certificate programs in
related areas may find that certificate courses will transfer to the
associate's degree program.
Program
Coursework
· Computer applications
· Business ethics
· Managing records
· Accounting
· Business and technical writing
· Word processing
· Business fundamentals
· Modern office procedures
· Proofreading and editing
· Introduction to desktop publishing
Popular
Career Options
· Administrative assistant
· Legal or medical assistant
· Executive assistant
· Office assistant
· Receptionist
· Office manager
· Bookkeeper
· Cashier
· Bank teller
Continuing
Education
Graduates of
an AAS in office administration can begin working in an office environment but
may wish to pursue continuing education options in coming years due to rapidly
changing office technologies. This continuing education may take the form of
certificate programs that train students in new or updated software
applications.
he minimum
requirement for associate's degree programs in office administration is
typically a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also require you to
submit standardized test scores and high school transcripts. If you want to
prepare for this program in high school, you might consider taking courses in
writing, mathematics, computer science or business. If you plan on enrolling in
an online program, expect to have to meet minimum technical requirements.
What Can I
Expect From This Program?
This program
usually takes about four years to finish. You can enroll in traditional
programs, which are found on college campuses, or you could enroll in online
programs, which are administered over the Internet. Coursework typically
combines training in composition, business principles and applied mathematics.
You could also learn about industry-standard administrative software, such as
spreadsheet or word processing programs. You may also have the opportunity to
complete internships, which can help you get professional experience before
entering the job market. The following are examples of classes you might find
in the curriculum:
Keyboarding
Document
processing
Microcomputer
applications
Financial
accounting
Business math
Word
processing
Basic
economics
Office
communications
What Can I Do
After I Graduate?
With an
associate's degree in office administration, you could be eligible for
entry-level administrative careers in private corporations, government agencies
or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, some associate's degree programs in
this field prepare you to work in certain kinds of offices, such as medical or
legal offices. Possible job titles include administrative assistant, office
manager, clerical supervisor, customer service manager or facilities manager.
Alternatively,
you could continue your education at the baccalaureate level. Bachelor's degree
programs are 4-year courses of study that might allow you to transfer credit
from your associate's degree program. You could pursue a degree in a related
field like the following:
Accounting
Business administration
Marketing
Finance
