Professional skills that will increase your value in the workplace
These days, resources are tight and employers are looking for detail-oriented, tech-savvy administrative support personnel who can manage both complex projects and day-to-day office needs. With a degree, diploma, or certificate from Minnesota State College Southeast's Administrative Support Careers program, you'll become an expert-level user of office software programs and sharpen your customer service skills to become a valuable team player.
With an Office Assistant Certificate from Minnesota State College Southeast, you will be ready to work at a professional level in any office. You will gain in-depth skills in word processing and keyboarding plus essential business skills in customer service, communications, and office procedures. This is a 27-credit certificate that includes coursework in math, English, and job seeking skills.
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and career goals. All of Minnesota State College Southeast's Administrative Support programs can be completed 100% online. We also offer full-time and part-time schedules so that you can plan your program to fit in with your home and work life.
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Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
COMM1015
Job Seeking Skills
Students will gain independence and proficiency in job searching skills through activities and assignments designed to help them learn how to find jobs, how to prepare to apply for jobs, and how to present themselves as candidates for jobs. Skills covered will include how to search electronically for a job; how to develop written documents needed for a successful self-directed job search, including how to create an electronic portfolio; and how to secure, conduct, and follow up on job interviews. (Prerequisite: none) (1 credit: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
ADMS1417
Word Processing I
This course covers utilization of word processing software to perform basic word processing applications. (Prerequisite: ADMS2410 Keyboarding I or concurrent enrollment) (2 Credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
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2 cr
ADMS1419
Business Communications
This course provides the study and practice necessary to develop competence in using language effectively and appropriately in business communications. Emphasis is placed on providing a practical grasp of the principles of English usage and style that build the framework for effective business communication. This course develops basic writing techniques for use in composing memos, e-mail messages, and letters. (Prerequisite: Writing College Level Placement or ENGL0528) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ADMS1420
Office Procedures
This course provides an overview of procedures and theory for administrative support personnel. Students will identify the personal qualities, skills, and technical knowledge required of the administrative professional in today's business environment. The following topics will be explored: teamwork, managing stress, ethical behavior, customer service, technology etiquette, travel arrangements, and processing workplace mail. A summary of the job search process and preparing a resume is included. An overview of standard filing rules published by the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) is incorporated through the use of a filing simulation kit. (Prerequisite or Concurrent: ADMS1417, or ADMS2410) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ADMS1421
Customer Service Concepts
This course provides an introduction to customer service concepts and skills that are essential for professionals in today's business environment. Effective customer service techniques ranging from appropriately resolving customer complaints, exceeding customer expectations, and analyzing the impact of customer satisfaction will be studied. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ADMS1424
Integrated Office Skills
An emphasis will be placed on learning transferrable skills such as effective written and verbal communication in the workplace; office efficiency via file management, ergonomics, and time management; and seeking assistance via the internet, software help menus, and editing/proofreading. Through the use of an office simulation, the student will perform tasks based on actual job situations that utilize the skills necessary to work in a computerized office as well as problem solving, decision making, and teamwork. The office simulation uses a variety of business application software including word processing, presentation graphics, e-mail, and the Internet. (Prerequisite or Concurrent: ADMS2410) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
ADMS2410
Keyboarding I
Students will learn the alphabetic and number keys by touch using proper techniques on the computer keyboard; improve speed and accuracy; format basic business documents including memos and letters; and proofread and apply language arts skills. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
ADMS2411
Keyboarding II
This course covers production typing using basic business formats. In addition to reviewing office document formats from ADMS 2410 (Keyboarding I), new formats of multiple-page documents and those requiring use of additional word processing features will be covered. Students will continue to develop speed, accuracy, and proofreading skills while demonstrating proper office ergonomics. (Prerequisite: ADMS2410 or equivalent) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
BUSN1245
Business Computers
This course is designed to provide "hands on" training in the use of the computer aimed at information processing for coursework, personal, and professional purposes. According to skillful design standards, students solve business problems using industry-standard software application programs (word processing, spreadsheets, and database management, presentations, and email/calendar). A brief introduction to file management, cloud technology, and operating system is covered. Students will also develop an understanding of computer safety, security, ethics, and privacy. (Prerequisites: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 27 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $5,254 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $1,000 |
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| Estimated Total: | $6,254 |
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Career Opportunities
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Specialist
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
- Customer Service Specialist
- Executive Assistant
- Virtual Assistant
Career Information
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Accurately and efficiently utilize computer application software for office applications.
- Exhibit proficiency in formatting business documents according to industry standards utilizing proper keyboarding techniques.
- Create real-life documents using correct English and proofreading skills.
- Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the workplace.
- Apply knowledge of office procedures to simulated or entry-level employment situations.
Highlights
- 100% online administrative support degrees
- Office internship opportunities available
- Learn how to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Use technology that parallels business and industry
- Transfer within the Administrative Support programs
- Accepting enrollment in fall or spring semesters
Instructors
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Ramona Coron
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Ramona Coron earned her A.A.S. degree in Medical Secretarial Science from Anoka Ramsey Community College and her B.S. degree in Business Education and Office Administration from Winona State University. She specializes in online administrative support instruction. Contact Ramona at rcoron@southeastmn.edu.