Administrative Office Professional, AAS

Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Administrative Office Professional AAS degree is offered to students seeking employment as professional administrative assistants.

This program is designed for students who seek immediate employment in the wide open field of administrative professionals; training is applicable for both first-time job seekers and experienced employees who wish to advance in their careers. The Administrative Office Professional program allows students to meet their career goals whether related to job-entry preparation, job advancement, or college transfer.

Market driven, industry validated - the newly revamped Administrative Office Professional (AOP) state-wide degree program reflects the evolving responsibilities of administrative assistants. Office professionals are increasingly self-directed and technically proficient. The AOP program emphasizes software skills, project management, internet communications and research, meeting and event preparation, customer service and public relations, the ability to think logically and demonstrate problem-solving techniques, and the need to successfully interact with a variety of personalities.

Core outcomes include the ability to:

• Use business software applications to complete a variety of business documents.
• Apply critical thinking and technology skills to solve a business problem.
• Use software to set up and manage meetings, events, and complete travel arrangements.
• Demonstrate efficiency and accuracy in handling the telephone.
• Receive, interpret and follow both written and verbal instructions in a simulated office environment.
• Organize records with both manual and electronic filing methods.
• Identify career path options typical of office occupations.
• Create effective spreadsheets that communicate financial and other business information.
• Apply standard English rules in clear, concise, and effective business communications.
• Apply mathematical skills to accounting situations.
• Make effective presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Apply and integrate advanced computer software applications to complete complex projects and documents.
• Use communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills for internal and external customer support.
• Meet or exceed the current speed and accuracy requirements for typing and 10-key operation in the industry.

Successful pursuit of this degree requires students to possess collegiate skills in reading, communication, computation, and critical thinking. To acquire that competency, it is highly recommended that students complete pre-collegiate courses to gain these skills in the first terms of their program.

It is imperative that students interested in business and management occupations work closely with their academic advisor to create a plan that addresses their specific career interests. Advanced training may be required for certain occupations and transfer degrees may be more appropriate for students intending to further their education beyond KCC.