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Degree Overview: Associate of Office Applications

Majors Overview June 6, 2013

Students enrolled in associate degree programs related to office technologies and office applications are provided with instruction on how to create and use business documents, such as reports, spreadsheets and charts. These degree programs are devised to make students adept at using industry-standard computer programs to complete tasks related to company research, information disbursement and bookkeeping. Students will also learn how to work within teams and provide administrative support.

Associate Degree Program in Office Applications

Schools may not offer associate degree programs specifically in office applications, but students who are interested can choose from other degree programs that offer similar training. Degree programs in subjects such as business technologies, office technologies, or computer applications will prepare candidates for administrative support positions, specifically positions that use advanced applications of document creation with computer programs. Associate degree program graduates will analyze large amounts of data and transfer those data onto websites, documents, pamphlets, and computerized spreadsheets.

Education Requirements

Most associate degree programs have minimal educational requirements that students have to meet, such as holding a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma. Students will be required to pass general computer literacy courses before advancing on to core courses since these degree programs tend to be technical.

Program Coursework

The associate degree program course topics usually include a mixture of business operations training and technical skills. Depending on the programs, some offer students the opportunity to work in specific fields, including administrative assisting in the medical and legal industries. Common courses within office technologies and computer applications degree programs can include:

•Document formatting standards
•Business ethics
•Internet applications
•Office procedures
•Word processing
•Business communications
•Business accounting
•Computer program applications
•Spreadsheets
•Keyboard operations

Career Opportunities

Professionals who hold degrees related to office technologies and computer applications may work in different industries, such as e-businesses, non-profit organizations, education institutions, government agencies, and private-sector corporations. Completing an associate degree program in one of these fields will prepare individuals for entry-level positions such as:

•Administrative assistant
•Medical secretary
•Legal assistant
•Office secretary
•Human resources assistant

Information on Continuing Education

Individuals in the administrative assistant or secretarial fields usually further their education to earn certification, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). Most candidates in the industry opt to become certified in a particular software program, including Excel, PowerPoint, or Microsoft Office. Other certification programs validate workers’ knowledge of office protocols and duties, including the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) or the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designations.

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