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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 General Education Requirements:
row MAT course:
MAT course:

Please select MAT 1160 OR any higher level Math course

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
row Select ONE from the following ENG courses:
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

ENG 1021 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
row Select THREE courses (minimum of 9 credits) from either the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science General Education Approved Electives, excluding any BTE courses or any prefix related to your empahsis area: 9
Total General Education Credits 15-16
Row Groupings Business Education Requirements: Credits
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
Note NOTE: If seeking the Bookkeeping Emphasis below, students must take ACC 1021 (4 credits) instead of ACC 1001.*
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
Total Required Business Education Credits 12
Row Groupings Administrative Requirements for Major: Credits
Complete one Option (3 credits) from the following Complete one Option (3 credits) from the following.
Option 1:   Option 1:
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. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

Course Prerequisites

BUS 2089 with a grade of "C" or better.

0 to 12
Option 2:   Option 2:
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
Complete all following courses 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. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

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 Required Administrative Credits 21
Row Groupings Choose an Emphasis below to complete your degree:
row Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping

*Students seeking the Bookkeeping Emphasis must take ACC 1021 instead of ACC 1001 under the Business Education Requirements section above.  The one-credit difference between those two courses will be applied to the Bookeeping Emphasis to bring the total credits in this area to 12.

required

This course continues the application of accounting principles to business organizations. Major topics include corporate equity and debt financing, investments, cash flow statements, financial analysis, budgeting, cost and managerial accounting.Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

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

4
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 for Emphasis 12
row Multimedia
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 for Emphasis 12
row Management Basics
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 Basic Credits for Emphasis 13
row Supervisory Management
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 for Emphasis 13
row Introduction to Customer Service & Leadership
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 for Emphasis 12
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 60-62