Business Education Office Administration

As the reliance on technology continues to expand in offices, the role of the office professional has greatly evolved. Office automation and organizational restructuring have led secretaries and administrative assistants to assume responsibilities once reserved for managerial and professional staff. Many secretaries and administrative assistants now provide training and orientation for new staff, conduct research on the Internet, and operate and troubleshoot new office technologies. In spite of these changes, however, the core responsibilities for secretaries and administrative assistants have remained much the same: Performing and coordinating an office’s administrative activities and storing, retrieving, and integrating information for dissemination to staff and clients.

Secretaries and administrative assistants are responsible for a variety of administrative duties and must possess technological skills to run an organization efficiently. They serve as information and communication managers for an office; plan and schedule meetings and appointments; organize and maintain paper and electronic files; manage projects; conduct research; and disseminate information by using the telephone, mail services, Web sites, and e-mail. They also may handle travel and guest arrangements.

WSCC offers a variety of options for educational advancement in the business field. You may choose from three degree programs or two short certificates.  These options were designed to meet a variety of educational goals.

Associate in Applied Science Degrees
Program lengths are approximately 67 semester hours. Students may need to take remedial classes (thus increasing hours required) depending on placement test scores.

Accounting
The Accounting degree is designed to meet the needs of those students who wish to work in the accounting field or who are presently employed and want to update skills. After achieving this two-year degree, graduates may work in positions such as accounting clerk, accounts payable/receivable specialists, personal income tax clerks, collection clerks, or professional bookkeepers. Emphasis is placed on combining accounting theory and computerized accounting.

Should you wish to eventually complete a four-year Accounting degree, follow the program for Business Administration.

Administrative Assistant
The Administrative Assistant degree prepares students to work in offices and businesses of all sizes and types. After achieving this two-year degree, graduates may serve as information and communication managers for an office; plan and schedule meetings and appointments; organize and maintain paper and electronic files; manage projects; conduct research; disseminate information; and handle travel arrangements. Students will be prepared to handle duties necessary to run an organization efficiently. Emphasis is placed on up-to-date technology as well as modern office procedures.

Medical Administrative Assistant
The Medical Administrative Assistant degree prepares students with the skills necessary to enter the medical workforce in doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities. After achieving this two-year degree, graduates may use their knowledge of medical terminology, office technology, and medical office procedures in their work as receptionists, insurance clerks, and office managers in medical settings.

Certificates
Certificate lengths vary by option. Students may need to take remedial classes depending on placement test scores.  Short certificates are not degrees. However, students may obtain a certificate then add classes to be eligible for one of the Associate in Applied Science degrees in Business Education (Accounting, Administrative Assistant, or Medical Administrative Assistant).

NOTE: The Guided Pathways Curricular Maps contain all the elements required for degree/certificate completion. However, courses may be offered or taken in other semesters so long as prerequisites are met. Additional options for elective courses are available. Please see Degreeworks for allowable substitutions. Courses may be available days, nights, hybrid, and online. Sample maps for part-time attendance may also be available. Please see an advisor.