Earning your bachelor's degree in office administration can be vital if you have an interest in working in executive environments or with a computer. Learn more about the types of degree programs available, what courses are usually taught, possible careers and employment outlook.
What Kinds of Bachelor's Degrees Can I Earn in Office Administration?
Generally, office administration programs award associate's degrees and certificates. Programs that require two years of study or less are more common than a program that lasts four years. Although it's a rare choice, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration or Medical Office Administration. However, while shorter programs are available online, bachelor's degrees in the field of office administration are not widely available.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Calculus, accounting, office systems management, business statistics, English composition</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Executive secretary, administrative assistant</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2019-2029) </td><td> 9% decline <i>(for secretaries and administrative assistants)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2020) </td><td> $40,990 <i>(for secretaries and administrative assistants)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>A bachelor's degree program for office administration encompasses business math, keyboarding and office management. You may extensively cover communications and business skills. After completing the first two years of study, you can receive your Associate of Applied Science before continuing your educational pursuits. If you decide to enroll in program focused on medical office administration, you'll learn about medical terminology, healthcare practices and billing on top of basic business lessons. Regardless of which type of program you choose, coursework also covers:
</p><ul><li>Microsoft Office
</li><li>Calculus
</li><li>Accounting
</li><li>Business statistics
</li><li>English composition
</li><li>Management of office systems
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseMyDegree">How Can I Use My Degree?</h3><p>Once you earn your degree, you can find work as an executive secretary or administrative assistant. While office assistance professionals only need a high school diploma, certificate or associate's degree for entry-level positions, employers usually look for executive secretaries that have a more advanced degree. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that median earnings for secretaries and administrative assistants were $40,990 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).
</p><p>Other data from the BLS indicates that demand for secretaries and administrative assistants should decline by 9% between 2019 and 2029. Those who've earned a bachelor's degree in office administration focused on the medical field may have more job opportunities.</p>
