Earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in Office Administration
Majors Overview April 28, 2014Office Administration bachelor’s degree programs are not offered. Associate’s degree programs in Office Administration are offered to those still interested in working in this field. A number of entry-level jobs will be available to graduates.
Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree Programs in Office Administration
Associate’s degree programs in Office Administration commonly teach students fundamental skills related to running an office, such as accounting, business-related math and word processing. With an increasing number of industries going global or relying on advanced technology, program coursework lays greater emphasis on technological literacy.
Students are taught about business software, such as web design software, in addition to bookkeeping and spreadsheets. They are also taught about economics, human resources, business development, customer service and federal taxes, in addition to essential administrative skills, including appointment-setting, research, scheduling, and corporate correspondence.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma, in addition to submission of SAT or ACT scores, along with high school transcripts and letters of recommendation, as demanded in some programs. Aptitudes in business and math characterize the strongest applicants.
Coursework
Coursework is dominantly imparted through classroom lectures that combine general education courses with topics that have a specific business-orientation. Many presentations and collaborative projects are featured in classes. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Business development and sales
•Algebra
•Introduction to marketing
•Tax preparation for small businesses
•Scheduling
•Accounting
•Corporate communications
Career Choices
Those who successfully complete associate’s degree programs in Office Administration can choose to pursue several entry-level occupations and can function in virtually any work setting as administrative staff are needed in every type of company. These professionals can seek positions such as:
•Administrative assistant
•Accounts payable or accounts receivable clerk
•Transcriptionist
•Medical secretary
•Accounting clerk
•Payroll clerk
Continuing Education Choices
While schools don’t offer bachelor’s degrees in Office Administration, graduates from an associate’s degree program in the field can enhance their knowledge of the field by enrolling in a Business bachelor’s degree. Students are taught more advanced business practices, qualifying them for entry-level positions in marketing, sales or business, as well as for mid-level management office administration roles.