Office Administration

Persons with a desire to change careers and work in today's modern office environment should consider a career in Office Systems Technology. Today's modern office professional is a productive, responsible, and efficient team member in large and small business organizations.

Successful graduates enjoy using computer applications, are good decision makers, and need little supervision. They exhibit good judgment, have good people skills, and enjoy leadership in the office environment.

Studies emphasize office management skills including records management, integrated computer applications, keyboarding, word processing, basic accounting, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, presentation graphics, and database concepts.

Other essential topics include professional research and report writing, oral communications, critical thinking, and general psychology.

Besides using technical skills to process work, office professionals are involved with receiving clients and communicating with fellow employees, as well as planning meetings and conferences.

An internship is included as part of this curriculum program. In many instances, this work experience is helpful in seeking employment.

Jobs are plentiful. Because many of the tasks performed by office professionals are interactive, requiring good communication and organizational skills, this continues to be a growing workforce. Growth is especially rapid in business, government, and industry environments.

Graduates are employed as administrative assistants, data entry clerks, and receptionists. After getting established and with a proven work performance, salaries can increase rapidly.

In addition to the two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree, CCCC offers both diploma and certificate programs. The diploma program is designed as a three-semester program that can be completed in one year. Certificate programs are available in Information and Word Processing, and Receptionist.

Software manufacturers and independent vendors establish "certification tests" that are intended to indicate a certain level of knowledge.

Nationally recognized certifications are always a plus for people seeking employment and for employees seeking advancement.

CCCC is an authorized testing center where students can test at reduced costs. Computer certification tests available for Office System Technology students include all Microsoft Office Systems (MOS) exams.

Are there special OST areas that offer certifications?
Yes. Students have an opportunity from their course of study to become MOUS certified in four areas: Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. We also offer the Receptionist Certificate and the Information and Work Processing Certificate.

Are special skills needed for the program?
Even though our courses begin at entry level we recommend that prospective students enroll in as many computer courses in high school as possible. Be sure that you enjoy the challenge of working with computer applications, that you have good communication skills, and that you have good people skills.

Is there a demand in the job market for the OST graduate?
Yes, there is a wide demand for OST graduates in a variety of areas ranging from data entry positions to administrative assistants to middle management. The job market is universal and provides opportunities of advancement.

What Students Learn

Students successfully completing the Office Administration Program will be able to:

  • Create various business tools using proper formatting, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in job seeking skills.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the area of keyboarding.
  • Apply alphabetic and numeric filing rules and procedures.
  • Successfully perform in a co-op work experience program.
  • Produce business letters, memorandums, reports, forms, tables, resumes, and other business documents using proper formatting, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Research and write business reports and deliver effective oral presentations.

Please Note:
Curriculum guides are for students enrolled during the current academic year. Students enrolled in a previous academic year should visit the Program Evaluation link in Self-Service to find the required list of courses for graduation. For assistance, consult your advisor.