Administrative Assistant, Executive Secretary, and Professional Secretary are the career goals of students who enroll in this program. Students acquire basic skills in keyboarding, oral and written communication, filing, and business procedures and practices. The most popular computer applications packages are used to train students in word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing. Internet topics such as e-mail, searching, and HTML are included.
Students complete this program by developing skills in organizational management, decision making, and human relations and are prepared to compete as professionals in the business world.
Administrative assistants are employed in organizations of every description. About one-half of all administrative assistants are employed in firms providing services, ranging from education and health to legal and business services. Others work for firms that engage in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and communications. Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and real estate firms are important employers, as are Federal, State, and local government agencies.
The specific duties of an administrative assistant depend on the type of firm in which they are employed. Administrative assistants are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical duties that are necessary to run and maintain organizations efficiently. They schedule appointments, give information to callers, organize and maintain files, fill out forms, and take dictation. They may also type letters, make travel arrangements, or contact clients. In addition, secretaries operate office equipment like facsimile machines, photocopiers, and telephones with voice mail capabilities.
Administrative assistants use personal computers to run spreadsheet, word processing, database management, desktop publishing, and graphics programs. Executive secretaries or administrative assistants may handle more complex responsibilities like conducting research, preparing statistical reports, training employees, and supervising other clerical staff.
Administrative assistants must be proficient in keyboarding and competent in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and oral communication. Most employers require knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs. Shorthand is necessary for some positions. Employers also look for communication and interpersonal skills, because secretaries must be tactful in their dealings with many different people. Discretion, judgment, organizational ability, and initiative are important for higher level positions. Professional secretaries must be adaptable, versatile, and be willing to learn to utilize updated software packages and operate new office equipment.
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Associate in Science Degree with a Major in Administrative Assistant |
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Required Core Courses |
Units |
|
3 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Plus a minimum of 8 units from the following: |
|
|
3 |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
1.5-3 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
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|
Total Required Units in Major Area |
24 |
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Plus General Education and other requirements for the Associate degree |
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|
Required Courses |
Units |
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Plus a minimum of 5 units from the following: |
|
|
3 |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
1.5-3 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
Total Required Units |
24 |
