If you’re looking for steady work in a profession with opportunities across many fields, office administration might be the path for you. At SPSCC, our program pairs you with experienced faculty to prepare you for employment or establish a strong foundation to transfer for a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. You’ll gain experience in Microsoft Office software, as well as related office programs and business practices.
The Office Administration Specialist Associate in Applied Science Degree is designed for persons interested in working in an office or administrative support position in the private or public sector. The program equips the student with a variety of skills used in large or small businesses through the study of keyboarding, communications, human relations, office technology, small project management, leadership, and other related courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work with state, county, or other municipal agencies as well as private industry. Typical duties may include formatting documents, composing business correspondence, and electronic filing/organization/planning – and go beyond the historical functions performed by a receptionist. With experience, graduates of the Office Technology & Administration program may advance to leadership positions within their organizations. Technical skills and the ability to adapt to new situations are important for career advancement.
Administrative Assistant
Secretary
Office Clerk
Length of Program
The Office Technology and Administration – Office Administration Specialist Program takes a minimum of seven quarters of full-time studies for the Associate in Applied Science degree.
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives.
At the completion of the Office Administration Program, the successful student will be able to:
Assess the effectiveness of, select, and use existing and/or emerging technologies and tools to enhance productivity, including software, mobile computing devices, data and records management, cloud computing and virtual document sharing, communication technologies, and related resources
Perform diverse administrative duties without direct supervision, including scheduling, project management for small to medium level projects, and organization of the office’s daily workflow
Analyze problems and challenges and research potential solutions
Monitor and model interpersonal competency skills necessary for a diverse workplace by analyzing and adjusting one’s own behavior, demonstrating appropriate and effective communication and conflict management strategies, and recognizing and addressing differences in communication and interaction for a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace with both internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrate ability to proficiently communicate orally and in writing, including the design and proofreading of internal and external messages for a variety of audiences, contexts, and situations
Use quantitative and computational skills to solve a variety of business applications including inventory management, purchasing, travel planning, and budget monitoring
Recognize common ethical dilemmas that may arise in businesses and organizations and implement practical strategies to address ethical issues, both personal and organizational
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for required and recommended courses.
