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Degree at a Glance

Degree Type

Associate of Applied Science

Location

Greeley Campus

Credits

60

Tuition*

In-District
$6,040.00
In-State
$9,100.00
WUE
$13,240.00
Out-of-State
$30,640.00
Est. Lab/Course Fees
$89.00

*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates

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Administrative Assistant

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Administrative Assistant

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. 
 

Business Education Requirements

  • 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
  • OR
  • 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
  • - Required for students pursuing the Bookkeeping Emphasis.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Business Education Required Credits 12

Administrative Degree Requirements

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant for contact information. Prerequisite: 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
  • - Must be taken for three credits. 
  • 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 Required Credits 16

Electives

Students must select two courses from the following list:

  • 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
  • Emphasizes effective business writing and cover letters, memoranda, reports, application letters, and resumes. This course includes the fundamentals of business communication and an introduction to international communication. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • 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 https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    0 to 12
  • - Must be taken for two credtis. 
  • Presents proper techniques in negotiation and conflict resolution. Explore the important practices that determine successful negotiation in business. Other key elements discussed are: principles of conflict resolution including business policies, accepted business contracts, labor union contracts, pay raises, and starting salaries. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the behaviors of groups and individual members of organizations and how to influence their behavior. Emphasis is on the tools managers use to achieve organizational effectiveness. 
    3
  • 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 Elective Credits 5-6

Choose One of Five Emphasis Areas

Bookkeeping

  • 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 or ACC 1011 with a grade of "C" or better. May be taken concurrently.
    2
  • 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
  • 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, ACC 1011, or ACC 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
  • 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 Prerequisites
    ACC 1001, ACC 1011, or ACC 1021 with a grade of "C" or better. May be taken concurrently.
    3
  • 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
  • OR
  • 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
  • OR
  • 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

Multimedia

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Management Basics

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Supervisory Management

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Introduction to Customer Service and Leadership

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 and Leadership Credits 12

General Education Requirements

  • 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
  • OR
  • 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.
    3
  • OR
  • 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
  • Covers the fundamentals of financial mathematics. Topics include pricing, taxes, insurance, interest, annuities, amortization, and investments. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • OR
  • Any higher level Math course. AND
  • Select three courses (minimum of 9 credits) from the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Approved Electives list, excluding courses with a CTE prefix.
Total General Education Required Credits 15
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 60-62