Administrative Degree Program Information

The skills needed by clerical-level workers to perform the day-to-day chores of running a business have become more complex and technology dependent as business has become more complex and technology dependent. A degree in administrative assistant provides training in the practices and procedures job seekers will encounter in a modern office. Degrees are primarily available at the associate's level. Degree holders can seek positions at government agencies and non-profit organizations as well as with businesses.

Associate's Degree in Administrative Assistant

An associate's degree program in administrative assistant will introduce students to concepts in business communication, organization and human resource management and train them in typical office tasks, such as scheduling meetings and appointments, filing and maintaining paper and electronic records, budgeting, writing letters, taking phone calls and conducting research. Most programs give special emphasis to the use of personal computers and business software as facilitating tools. Students develop strong listening, writing, interpersonal and supervisory skills.

Education Prerequisites

Students who want to enroll in an associate's degree program in administrative assistant will need a high school diploma or GED. Most colleges do no specify a class distribution, but students who have taken courses in typing and office skills will have an advantage.

Program Coursework

  • Accounting basics
  • Business language & composition
  • Computers & business software
  • Communications
  • Dictation and transcription
  • Office management

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov projected jobs would grow 9 percent for administrative assistants from 2006 to 2016, the economic contraction that began in 2008 has suspended growth for an indefinite time frame. Workers with an associate's degree in administrative assistant will have to be persistent and patient in pursuing the opportunities that do exist. According to Payscale.com, administrative assistants earned a median wage of $14.22 per hour as of 2009.

Continuing Education Information

Students who have earned an associate's degree in administrative assistant and want to further their careers can consider applying their degree toward a bachelor's in business administration. Many colleges that offer an administrative assistant associate's also have transfer programs for that very purpose. Those who earn a bachelor's degree can go on to pursue a master's in business administration.

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