Associate Degree Programs in Executive Administrative Assisting
Majors Overview April 25, 2013Senior clerical staff members who work directly for top executives within an organization are commonly referred to as executive administrative assistants. Executive administrative assisting associate degree programs feature courses heavy in research, computing, and database.
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Executive Administrative Assisting
Strong interpersonal, written and oral skills are taught to students in coursework related to associate degree programs in executive administrative assisting. They also receive training in operating independently or as a member of a team in an office setting, manage their time, using word processing programs and operating specific computer applications. An internship at a local business may be included in some programs where students will gain the knowledge and skills needed for real-world situations. Community colleges and technical schools are among those who offer a majority of two-year programs. Admission criteria require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Students who are enrolled in an executive administrative assisting associate degree program will complete a number of courses in keyboarding and word processing. Along with basic administration courses, students usually take courses in areas such as:
•Business communications
•Payroll accounting
•Presentation software
•Records management
•Business law
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Salary Information and Employment Outlook
Job growth of thirteen percent has been predicted for executive administrative assistants during the period from 2008 to 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov)). This growth rate is equal to that of the national average and attributed to the need for professional replacements of executive assistants who have been promoted. In May 2010, executive administrative assistants and executive secretaries earn an average annual salary of $43,520.
Information on Certification and Continuing Education
Students who have graduated from the associate degree program will be able to transfer their credits to a four-year bachelor degree program in business technology or administrative assisting, or seek immediate employment. The bachelor degree programs may build upon the associate degree curriculum and might feature courses in 10-key applications, office procedures, proofreading, databases, and spreadsheets.
Candidates can seek Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in various concentration areas, but usually aren’t required. Areas of certification may include Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Individuals who have obtained their certification may potentially earn a higher salary and have additional employment opportunities.
