Office Technology Associate's Degree

<p>Coursework in associate's degree programs in office technology commonly include training in writing, professional communication and basic business practices. For example, you could learn about document formatting, keyboarding, bookkeeping and customer service. The following are examples of courses you might find in the curriculum: </p> <ul><li>Management decisions </li><li>Typing and composition </li><li>Mathematics for business </li><li>Organizational behavior </li><li>Administrative protocols </li><li>Technical literacy </li><li>Career management </li><li>Spreadsheet software </li></ul><p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Management decisions, organizational behavior, technical literacy, career management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Length</b></td><td>Two years</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Format</b></td><td>On campus or online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>High school diploma, transcripts and standardized test scores</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Publishing technologist, administrative assistant, executive assistant</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$35,330 <i>(General Office Clerks)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>5% decline <i>(General Office Clerks)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectFromTheProgram">What Can I Expect from the Program?</h3> <p>Associate's degree programs in office technology are 2-year courses of study that can be found online or on traditional college campuses. Online courses may be administered using virtual classroom software, which could include video conferences, discussion forums and chat rooms. You can find this program in specific fields as well; for example, you could pursue an associate's degree in medical office technology, which, in addition to training you in basic business practices, provides instruction in healthcare industry practices. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToGetIn">What Do I Need To Get In?</h3> <p>At minimum, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent to be considered for admission into associate's degree programs in this field. You might also need to submit standardized test scores, high school transcripts and letters of recommendation. If your course of study includes online courses, you may need to have a computer that meets minimum technical specifications and is connected to the Internet. If you want to prepare for this program in high school, consider taking business, mathematics or computer science classes. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatJobsCanIGet">What Jobs Can I Get?</h3> <p>With an associate's degree in office technology, you could be eligible for a number of entry-level administrative careers in business offices. You could work as an administrative assistant, digital publishing technologist or executive assistant. Additionally, if you earn a degree in a field like medical office technology, you may be eligible for more specialized careers in that industry.</p>