Administrative Office Professional (Software Applications Specialist Option)

Important Information

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses .

Courses Needed for This Program*

Total Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Note

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Office Administration program will be able to:

1. produce first-time mailable copy using state-of-the art software from a variety of input;
2. manage records and data electronically and manually;
3. combine organizational and technical skills to improve office workflow;
4. speak and write effectively for interpersonal, group, and office communication;
5. integrate information in a complex way to monitor and manage projects;
6. use credible sources and/or databases to gather business data, compile research, and draft or abstract reports; and
7. manage a multiphase business project. 

Program Description

This curriculum is designed to prepare students for various office careers in the business world.  The Office Administration program provides students not only with technical skills but also with the necessary analytical, conceptual, communication, and organizational skills to perform successfully in the many situations found in the office environment.  The program provides students a capstone experience in project management, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) identify as the newest skill set for the 21st century administrative professional.

Students complete a core of common required courses as well as courses in their chosen specialty.  Specialty options include Software Applications Specialist, Executive Administrative Assistant, and Medical Office Administration.  Each track is enhanced with one or more courses to offer students pathways to both career and academic advancement.  Many of the courses offered in the Office Administration program are offered in a self-paced mode of instruction and online.  Courses may be taken in any sequence as long as prerequisites are met.  Some courses are offered in alternate semesters.  Credit by examination is available for selected courses.

CCBC’s Executive Administration Assistant associate degree is aligned with the certification standards of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).  Students who successfully complete this degree track will be prepared to sit for the IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification exam.  Applicants for this exam must meet certain educational and work experience requirements.  These requirements can be found in the IAAP Certification Application Packet on the IAAP website, http://www.iaap-hq.org/certification.  Students are advised to visit this website for further certification details

Articulation: Baltimore County high school graduates may be eligible for advanced placement and credit in Office Administration courses.

Other

Certify Your Microsoft Skills

The Software Applications Specialist associate degree and the Business Software Applications certificate prepare students to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams.  Certification acknowledges candidates have the expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs.  Students who earn certification are set apart in today’s competitive job market with greater earning potential and career advancement.  CCBC Catonsville is an authorized Microsoft testing center.  For more information about certification testing, visit the Certiport website, http://www.certiport.com/portal/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=664&roleid=101, or contact Georgia Nunnally at 443-840-4206.

Articulation

Baltimore County high school graduates may be eligible for advanced placement and credit in Office Administration courses.