Administrative Office Specialist

1. Exhibit effective interpersonal skills and professional attitudes by demonstrating the ability to communicate with authority figures and peers; follow work rules and expectations appropriately; maintain confidentiality; and recognize an appropriate business appearance. 
2. Demonstrate the ability to express thoughts clearly, concisely, and appropriately in verbal and written format by consistently using correct mechanics, grammar, format, and message approach (direct, indirect).
3. Demonstrate the use of critical thinking skills to analyze and solve business problems by demonstrating the ability to define problems, find relevant information, synthesize and evaluate information, and implement decisions.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding speed and accuracy and knowledge of correct document formatting.
5. Demonstrate technical competency by utilizing a wide range of software applications necessary for business office operations; demonstrates initiative in learning to use new technology, and applies new technology accurately in office settings.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of roles and functions of various professionals; collaborate and problem-solve as part of the office team.   
7. Demonstrate ability to set priorities, organize work, and sequence tasks appropriately, and consistently complete projects on a schedule. 
8. Demonstrate the ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary in business applications including accounting, by working with percentages; decimals and fractions; understanding accounting principles as they are applied to business office bookkeeping; and using formulas for creating spreadsheets and databases.
9. Develop and evaluate customer service skills by ascertaining the characteristics of a customer service organization and using customer service skills in servicing customers professionally.
10. The Administrative Office Specialist AAS degree includes all technical courses along with 15 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum general education credits to help provide a well-rounded education. The completion of a degree shows commitment and dedication and can be advantageous for students seeking jobs beyond entry level or with employers who require a degree.    

Administrative office specialists perform a full range of office responsibilities. They collaborate with administrators and other support personnel to ensure efficiency and accuracy in all office tasks.  This includes employing a variety of software packages which may include word processing, database, presentation, desktop publishing, electronic calendaring and meeting, and bookkeeping software.   
 
Other types of responsibilities include executing mail procedures, preparing communications, such as emails, invoices, reports, and other correspondence, maintain filing systems, both electronic and physical, managing accounts and performing bookkeeping duties. In some offices, administrative office specialists may be responsible for one or two of these areas. In a small office, they may be responsible for all of them.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

MnTC General Education Requirements

This program requires completion of the following fifteen credits of general education from at least three goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Refer to the MnTC course list for elective courses:

Program Sequence

Students can choose to complete this program part-time. Part-time students will take longer to complete their program than students who follow the full-time sequence listed on the official program guide. Because every course may not be offered each semester, it is important for part-time students to reach out to their faculty advisors for help in planning their long-term, part-time course sequence.

If you need help picking out your first semester courses, reach out to your faculty advisor or enrollment services. 

Office Communication Specialist
Certificate

Office Software Specialist
Certificate