Essential Information
Office administration involves overseeing the day-to-day administrative tasks of a business or organization. Individuals pursuing a degree in this field will learn basic office procedures, personnel oversight and how to use office technology such as phone lines, fax machines and computer operating systems. Many associate's degree programs in office administration include practical work experiences or internships at businesses, providing graduates with a boost when looking for positions as office managers or administrators.
Common prerequisites for a 2-year program include a high school diploma or equivalent and transcripts. Some schools accept transfer students who have earned college credit in office technology or administrative assistance. Students may also be interested to know that there are a number of schools that offer office administration degree programs online.
Associate's Degree in Office Administration
Many courses included in an office administration associate's degree program have step-by-step instructions. These programs also include simulations, giving students experience with real-world situations. Some such courses include:
- Office procedures and systems supervision
- Accounting and economics
- Keyboarding, spreadsheets and desktop publishing
- Personnel and marketing management
- Introduction to human resources
- Business communications
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
In 2020, first-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers held about 1,427,260 jobs in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov). That number is predicted to decrease by 3% from 2019-2029. The median annual salary for these office managers and supervisors as of May 2020 was $58,450.
Continuing Education
Advanced educational opportunities exist for office managers and supervisors who are looking to move ahead in their careers. A prospective human resources manager might consider enrolling in a master's degree program in human resources. Aspiring business owners or corporate division managers might consider a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
For those looking to study towards an office administration degree program, an associate's level program is available. By learning key skills, such as personnel oversight and the operation of key office equipment, graduates will be prepared to work as an office administrator in a range of industries.
