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How Can I Study Secretarial Science?
How Can I Study Secretarial Science?
Although degrees and training programs in the area of secretarial science were once abundant, as technology has become more important in the office, job titles have changed. Secretarial science programs are more often called administrative assistant or office assistant programs. Read on to learn more about options for study in this field.
Secretarial Science Study Options
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), if you want to work as a secretary or in a similar position, you may not need any formal training. However, the BLS goes on to say that employers usually prefer candidates who have basic skills in keyboarding, computers and general office procedures. To learn the necessary skills, you may prepare in high school, complete a vocational or technical program, or obtain an associate's degree.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSecretarialScienceTraining">Important Facts About Secretarial Science Training</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> General education requirements, strong verbal communication and telephone skills, effective business etiquette, and interpersonal skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>On-the-Job Training</td><td> Usually lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the industry</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Some programs have courses available online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Careers</td><td> General office clerk, receptionist, information clerk, and paralegal/legal assistant</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $37,880 (<i>for all secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 10% decline (<i>for all secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HighSchoolTraining">High School Training</h3><p>In some high schools, you may be able to complete courses that can help you learn secretarial skills, such as typing. Courses in business math and accounting may help you prepare for basic accounting tasks you may have in an office.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificatesOrDiplomas">Certificates or Diplomas</h3><p>You can also learn office skills through a certificate or diploma program in office administration, business administration, office assisting or administrative assisting. You can often find these programs at vocational and technical schools, and your course options might include those listed below:
</p><ul><li>Office procedures
</li><li>Business math
</li><li>Word processing
</li><li>Keyboarding
</li><li>Document preparation
</li><li>Desktop publishing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AssociateSDegrees">Associate's Degrees</h3><p>If you'd like to earn a degree, you may consider an administrative professional or administrative assistant associate's degree program. These 2-year degree programs allow you to gain the technical, interpersonal and professional skills you'll need to work in an office environment in a secretarial or administrative role. It may be important to note, however, that if you wish to advance to office manager, become an executive assistant or work in a large company, you may need to complete a higher degree.
</p><h3 id="section---Curriculum">Curriculum</h3><p>Computer courses for associate's degrees in this field typically cover Windows and Microsoft software programs. You may also take some general computer, Internet and keyboarding courses. Additional offerings within the curriculum may include the following:
</p><ul><li>Business communications
</li><li>Ethics
</li><li>Customer service
</li><li>Writing and editing
</li><li>Data entry
</li><li>Document preparation
</li><li>Business math
</li><li>Records management
</li></ul><p>Many associate's degree programs also include courses in office management, accounting and project management. You may take some general education courses in psychology and sociology as well. Internship or practical application courses that allow you to practice the skills you've learned in an actual office environment may also be available.</p>
