Essential Information
Two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in office technologies provide basic office training. Some programs offer specializations such as medical office work, word processing, legal office work or office management. Prior to graduation, students must complete and internship in order to gain hands-on office experience. They must also compile a portfolio of their achievements, which can be used to showcase their abilities to potential employers.
Applicants must hold a high school education or its equivalent to enroll. In addition, most programs expect students to meet minimum keyboarding requirements or take beginning keyboarding coursework.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Office Technologies
Associate's degree programs in this field typically require 60 semester units of coursework. In addition to fulfilling general education requirements, students become proficient in word processing, data management, document preparation, and spreadsheets. They also improve business communication skills, including telephone presence and inter-office relations. Course topics could include:
- Accounting
- Business mathematics
- Office electronics
- Data management
- Office spreadsheets
- Business communications
Popular Career Options
Graduates can seek opportunities in a variety of office settings, such as within the insurance, legal, travel, medical or service industries. Potential job titles include:
- Office manager
- Secretary
- Law office assistant
- Data processor
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all secretaries and administrative assistants were projected to see a 9% decline in employment from 2019 to 2029. The mean annual salary for secretaries and administrative assistants (except legal, medical and executive) was $40,420 in May 2020.
Continuing Education
Those with associate's degrees in an office work specialty area may wish to pursue certification in that realm, such as administrative assisting, bookkeeping, transcribing, computer networking or working with specific software. These are available through third-party organizations, private companies or software manufacturers. Those interested in expanding their career options can apply to bachelor's degree programs in office administration.
Aspiring office assistants can earn an AAS in Office Technology. From there, they can start working in office jobs, earn specialized certifications or enroll in a bachelor's degree program.
