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Administrative AssistantRequirements

Business Technology Administrative Assistant Degree Requirements

Explore the classes that will teach you the technological and people skills to start a career as an administrative assistant.

Start your degree program by choosing from an array of general education classes, including math, writing and history. These classes give you knowledge and critical thinking and communications skills that are valuable in any employment context. 

You’ll also take general degree requirements, including records management, word processing techniques and introduction to business, for a total of 21 credits. These core administrative assistant associate degree classes delve into business fundamentals, office software and other skills required to keep an office functioning smoothly. 

Next, select an area of concentration such as bookkeeping, multimedia or supervisory management. Apply your knowledge during an internship at a local organization with expert guidance from your instructors. 
 

Row Groupings (Written) Communication Credits
(Written) Communication

Choose one of the following:

required

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or argumentative compositions. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

Any Guaranteed Transfer Pathways Introductory Writing Course (GT-CO1) with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

(Recommended)
3
Total (Written) Communication Credits 3
Row Groupings Mathematics Credits
required

Covers the fundamentals of financial mathematics. Topics include pricing, taxes, insurance, interest, annuities, amortization, and investments. Course is not repeatable for credit.

(Recommended) *
3
Note *Or any higher level Math course.
Total Mathematics Credits 3
Row Groupings Business Education Requirements Credits
Business Education Requirements

Choose one of the following: 

required

Introduces accounting fundamentals with emphasis on the procedures and practices used in business organizations. Major topics include the accounting cycle for service and merchandising companies, including end-of-period reporting. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on financial accounting concepts prescribed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including financial information for external partners, the accounting cycle process, basic terminology, transaction analysis, internal control systems, and financial statement preparation and analysis. Course is not repeatable for credit.

*
3
Space
Note And the following three courses:
required

Emphasizes public law, regulation of business, ethical considerations, and various relationships existing within society, government, and business. Specific attention is given to economic regulation, social regulation, labor-management issues, environmental issues, and contract fundamentals. This course analyzes the role of law in social, political, and economic change business environments. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic to advanced features of spreadsheet software to design and create accurate, professional worksheets for use in business and industry. The course includes entering data, creating formulas, professional formatting, creating charts, creating, sorting and filtering tables, creating and using templates, applying built-in functions, creating pivot tables, applying "what-if analysis" with data tables, creating macros, and using solver features. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.

3
required

Examines the concept of ethical corporate responsibility and how an organization's resources, including individual employees and work groups of the corporation, identify and respond to social and ethical problems. Included in the course are topics of corporate ethics and social responsibility, how these concepts apply to business and management principles, and the individual corporate citizen's involvement with making ethical decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Note *If pursuing the Bookeeping Emphasis.
Total Business Education Credits 12
Row Groupings Administrative Degree Requirements Credits
Note Choose one option below:Option one:
required

Introduces touch control of the ten-key pad. Emphasizes the development of speed and accuracy using proper technique. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Provides continued instruction and the opportunity for students to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please call or email the Business department for more information. See the department web page at for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant

0 to 12
required

Introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. This course examines the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Space
Note: Complete all of the following courses: 
required

Instructs on how records are created, stored, and retrieved. Covers the basic filing rules - classifying, indexing, coding, storing, and retrieving as applied to basic methods - alphabetic, chronological, subject, numeric, and geographic. Emphasizes `hands-on` records management through the use of simulations, which includes manual and/or computer software. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides instruction in the preparation of business documents for the modern office using current software and learning software commands and functions. Includes creating, processing, and editing documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Emphasis is placed on functions of the office. Includes office organization, work in the office, office layout, equipment and supplies, procurement and control, work flow, forms design, record storage and retrieval systems, personnel administration and problems, and government control. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic applications for advanced word processing for Windows. It reviews and expands the students` knowledge of MS Word functions including merging, sorting, tables, charts, desktop publishing newsletters, document enhancements, styles, macros, templates and wizards to increase proficiency. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Demonstrates the culmination of learning within a given program of study. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please call or email the Business department for more information. See the department web page at for contact information. Prerequisite: Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant

Course Prerequisites

BTE 2055 and CIS 1055 with grades of "C" or better.

0 to 12
required

Explores an array of database skills. Includes table, query, form, and report creation and modification. Also includes application integration. Course is not repeatable for credit..

Course Prerequisites

CIS 1018 or CIS 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
Total Administrative Degree Credits 21
Row Groupings Choose one of the five emphasis areas below:
Row Groupings Bookkeeping Credits
Bookkeeping

*Students seeking the Bookkeeping emphasis must take ACC 1011 instead of ACC 1001.

required

Covers the practical lab portion of the Fundamentals of Accounting course providing hands-on activities using software provided by the publisher or Open Educational Resources (OER) content. The lab demonstrates the recording of accounting information discussed in ACC 1001 with emphasis on the procedures and practices used in business organizations. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ACC 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

Course Corequisites
ACC 1011
2
required

Focuses on the fundamentals of managerial accounting and cost management as tools to aid internal users' decision-making processes. This course covers basic managerial accounting concepts, such as product costing and cost behavior and control. It also covers internal management decision making tools, including cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, cost analysis, and planning and control systems.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ACC 1011 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Introduces the capabilities of computer applications in accounting. Includes solving accounting problems of a financial nature and hardware and software controls. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ACC 1001 or ACC 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Introduces laws pertaining to payroll and sales taxes including record keeping rules; preparation of various federal, state and local forms for reporting payroll and sales taxes; and computerized payroll procedures. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
ACC 1001 or ACC 1021
3
required

Defines stress in both positive and negative effects. A discussion on how it effects both employees and the workplace. Causes of stress are identified and methods for managing stress are researched and practiced. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Provides a clear sense of purpose for the following: structured goals, overcome barriers, leverage practical strategies, tools, and techniques to develop and implement an effective time management framework. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Introduces the concept of working as a team member. This course emphasizes the ability to negotiate, collaborate, build consensus, and make quality decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
Total Bookkeeping Credits 12
Row Groupings Introduction to Customer Service & Leadership Credits
required

Defines stress in both positive and negative effects. A discussion on how it effects both employees and the workplace. Causes of stress are identified and methods for managing stress are researched and practiced. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Provides a clear sense of purpose for the following: structured goals, overcome barriers, leverage practical strategies, tools, and techniques to develop and implement an effective time management framework. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Introduces the concept of working as a team member. This course emphasizes the ability to negotiate, collaborate, build consensus, and make quality decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Introduces interpersonal relations most directly linked to attainment of organizational and individual goals in the business world. Other factors include motivation, career development, and conflict resolution. It explores the importance of effective communication in organizations. Addresses organizational issues such as employee motivation and customer complaints as related to product or service defects. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on the leadership skills for contemporary organizations. Covers development and communication a shared vision to motivate and empower employees to manage conflict, to negotiate, and to develop teams. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Enables students to learn the relationship of self to customers, problem solve and understand the importance of communicating with customers. Specific emphasis is given to managing customer expectations by building customer rapport and creating positive outcomes. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Introduction to Customer Service & Leadership Credits 12
Row Groupings Management Basics Credits
required

Defines supervision, examines the functions of a supervisor, explains the necessary skills for successful supervision, relates supervision with human resources, and discusses supervisory challenges. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on the leadership skills for contemporary organizations. Covers development and communication a shared vision to motivate and empower employees to manage conflict, to negotiate, and to develop teams. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces the concept of working as a team member. This course emphasizes the ability to negotiate, collaborate, build consensus, and make quality decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Introduces interpersonal relations most directly linked to attainment of organizational and individual goals in the business world. Other factors include motivation, career development, and conflict resolution. It explores the importance of effective communication in organizations. Addresses organizational issues such as employee motivation and customer complaints as related to product or service defects. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides an overview of the principles of management. Emphasis is on the primary functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling with a balance between the behavioral and operational approaches. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Management Basics Credits 13
Row Groupings Multimedia Credits
required

Surveys the components of a variety of different presentation software programs. Emphasis includes design and layout concepts integrating graphics, text, sound, and animation to create business documents such as presentations, slides, handouts, outlines, letterheads, sales flyers, newsletters, and other business documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Explores the complete set of web authoring skills using HTML and/or other languages. The course covers links, backgrounds, controlling text and graphic placement, tables, image maps and forms. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. Course competencies and outline follow those set by the Adobe certified Associate exam in Visual Communication using Adobe Illustrator. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Multimedia Credits 12
Row Groupings Supervisory Management Credits
required

Defines supervision, examines the functions of a supervisor, explains the necessary skills for successful supervision, relates supervision with human resources, and discusses supervisory challenges. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces the concept of working as a team member. This course emphasizes the ability to negotiate, collaborate, build consensus, and make quality decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

1
required

Introduces interpersonal relations most directly linked to attainment of organizational and individual goals in the business world. Other factors include motivation, career development, and conflict resolution. It explores the importance of effective communication in organizations. Addresses organizational issues such as employee motivation and customer complaints as related to product or service defects. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides an overview of the contemporary issues, theories, and principles used to effectively manage human resources. Topics covered include job analysis and design, talent acquisition and retention, planning and recruiting human resources, selecting employees, job placement, employee training and performance management, selecting employees, compensation and benefits, and retaining employees. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on the leadership skills for contemporary organizations. Covers development and communication a shared vision to motivate and empower employees to manage conflict, to negotiate, and to develop teams. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Supervisory Management Credits 13
Row Groupings Electives
Electives

Select a minimum of nine credits from the Approved Electives, excluding any BTE courses, or any prefix related to your emphasis area.  

Total Elective Credits 9
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 60-61