Find out about the admissions requirements for an office administration associate's degree program and what classes you may take. Learn about what jobs you can get after graduation and look at what higher education paths you can consider.
What is Required to Enroll Into Associate's Degree Programs in Office Management?
The minimum requirement for associate's degree programs in office administration is typically a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also require you to submit standardized test scores and high school transcripts. If you want to prepare for this program in high school, you might consider taking courses in writing, mathematics, computer science or business. If you plan on enrolling in an online program, expect to have to meet minimum technical requirements.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or GED; standardized test scores</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Keyboarding, computer applications, accounting, document processing, economics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Administrative assistant, office manager, clerical supervisor, customer service manager, facilities manager</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$40,990 <i>(secretaries and administrative assistants)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>9% decline <i>(secretaries and administrative assistants)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectFromThisProgram">What Can I Expect From This Program?</h3><p>This program usually takes about four years to finish. You can enroll in traditional programs, which are found on college campuses, or you could enroll in online programs, which are administered over the Internet. Coursework typically combines training in composition, business principles and applied mathematics. You could also learn about industry-standard administrative software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs. You may also have the opportunity to complete internships, which can help you get professional experience before entering the job market. The following are examples of classes you might find in the curriculum:
</p><ul><li>Keyboarding
</li><li>Document processing
</li><li>Microcomputer applications
</li><li>Financial accounting
</li><li>Business math
</li><li>Word processing
</li><li>Basic economics
</li><li>Office communications
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoAfterIGraduate">What Can I Do After I Graduate?</h3><p>With an associate's degree in office administration, you could be eligible for entry-level administrative careers in private corporations, government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, some associate's degree programs in this field prepare you to work in certain kinds of offices, such as medical or legal offices. Possible job titles include administrative assistant, office manager, clerical supervisor, customer service manager or facilities manager.
</p><p>Alternatively, you could continue your education at the baccalaureate level. Bachelor's degree programs are 4-year courses of study that might allow you to transfer credit from your associate's degree program. You could pursue a degree in a related field like the following:
</p><ul><li>Accounting
</li><li>Business administration
</li><li>Marketing
</li><li>Finance</li></ul>
