Administrative office professional
Prepare for in-demand office and technology careers with practical skills you can use right away.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Business
Certificate
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
4-semester degree
3-semester certificate
CAREER COMMUNITY
Administrative services, legal assisting and court reporting
*Please note: Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options.
Program overview
Build job-ready skills for today’s offices and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Prepare for a wide range of careers with skills employers want. In Stark State’s administrative office professional program, you’ll learn to use today’s information management software and office technology while building strong communication and teamwork skills. You’ll be ready to support managers, work well with others, and succeed in many types of workplaces—from business offices to human resources, administration, and technology fields.
Program details
Many courses in this program are web-enhanced or web-delivered and a variety of day and evening class sessions are offered.
Graduates are eligible to take industry-recognized certification exams such as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Organizational Management (OM), and Technology Applications (TA).
Students who are enrolled at the College for at least one semester and who have passed the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) examination are eligible to receive credit toward an associate of applied business degree in administrative office professional, subject to the review and approval of the appropriate department chair.
In addition, Stark State offers a one-year technical certificate in administrative office professional for non-degree-seeking students. In addition, you can apply certificate program credits to the associate degree program.
Careers and outcomes
Work in many areas that include these and others:
- schools
- hospitals
- government offices
- legal and medical offices
Prepare for a career in these roles and more
- administrative assistant
- executive assistant
- office manager
- virtual assistant
FAQs
- You can start with an administrative office professional certificate, taking classes that directly apply to the associate degree in administrative office professional.
- The desktop publishing certificate is stackable toward the administrative office professional degree and the administrative office professional – management degree.
- The formatting and office skills certificate is stackable toward the administrative office professional degree.
- The Microsoft-certified applications professional certificate is stackable toward the administrative office professional degree and the administrative office professional – virtual office professional degree.
You will need a computer or laptop running the most up to date Windows or Mac OS or a Mac with Microsoft Office 365 installed. Please note that Chromebooks are not compatible with some required software and therefore cannot be used. If you are using a Mac, you may occasionally need access to a Windows PC to complete certain assignments and software.
Our programs offer a variety of face-to-face, day, evening, fully online, and hybrid (Zoom) classes.
In this program, you will develop a combination of technical and professional skills that are vital in today’s office settings. These include, but are not limited to proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate typing and data entry, knowledge of office procedures, strong customer service, effective verbal and written communication, time management, problem-solving, basic accounting, teamwork, digital design, and professional workplace behavior.
Yes. Our programs offer two administrative assisting scholarships, and the College has many other scholarships and financial aid opportunities available.
Yes. It is possible to work full-time while enrolled in our programs; however, some of the courses will require students to attend either one night a week on campus or through Zoom.
Our programs include panel discussions with experienced administrative assistants, giving students valuable insights into the profession. Students also gain practical, hands-on experience by completing 105 hours in a real-world administrative assistant setting through the practicum course.
The one-year certificate program does not include a practicum.
Students can obtain employment in a variety of professional settings, including healthcare, non-profit organizations, government agencies, education, human resources, private businesses, legal, and virtual remote work.
Salary ranges for administrative assistants vary depending on skills, job title, and location, but typically range from $30,000 to $61,000 annually.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Rene Eneix, MA, CRI
Department Chair, Digital Media and Administrative Technologies
330-494-6170 ext. 4876
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.