Office Technology
Program Description
From the Catalog
The Office Technology Program prepares students for employment as Administrative Assistants, Legal Administrative Assistants, and/or Client Relations Specialist. Students find learning convenient through a variety of face-to-face and online courses taught by South Central College’s knowledgeable and experienced faculty. Office Technology graduates locate career opportunities in a variety of fields, such as engineering, agriculture, education, government, manufacturing, banking, law-related offices, and medical facilities. South Central College’s graduates are hired because of their excellent computer application skills, professionalism, customer relations, and communication skills.
Majors:
Office Systems Specialist
A.A.S. Degree – 60 Credits
This program is designed to prepare students for employment with a focus toward information processing from the support perspective. Applied skills are developed in personal computer software usage, electronic mail, network management, applications support, systems administration tasks, personal computer maintenance, Internet, and emerging software technologies.
Administrative Assistant
A.A.S. Degree – 68 Credits or Diploma – 54 Credits
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as administrative assistants. Administrative assistants perform a variety of tasks, which may include the following: learn and use various computer applications, prepare and edit business documents, file, manage records, use electronic calendars, handle telephone calls, schedule meetings, make travel arrangements, greet visitors, and process mail. Other responsibilities may include the following: perform research, supervise or train others, take minutes at meetings, purchase equipment and supplies, and present data. After completion of this program, students will be proficient with oral and written communications, as well as decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Legal Administrative Assistant
A.A.S. Degree – 67 Credits or Diploma – 57 Credits
Legal Legal administrative assistants perform the administrative tasks in a law office such as answering the telephone, managing the electronic and paper files, transcribing, preparing law office correspondence and legal documents, maintaining the calendar, personal contact with attorneys, courthouse personnel, law office personnel, and others. In addition, the legal administrative assistant drafts documents, gathers information relevant to the client’s case, has personal and phone contact with the client, and does minimal legal research. Overall, the legal administrative assistant manages the procedural tasks for clients in the law office with an attorney’s supervision. There are 12 credits of legal courses in this major. These 12 credits are offered online. Many of the non-legal courses are also offered online. The difference between a legal administrative assistant degree and a legal administrative assistant diploma is that the degree has 16 credits of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
There are 12 credits of legal courses in this major. These 12 credits are offered online. Many of the non-legal courses are also offered online. The difference between a legal administrative assistant degree and a legal administrative assistant diploma is that the degree has 16 credits of General Education.
Watch a video about one of our recent Legal Administrative Assistant graduates.
Client Relations Specialist
Certificate – 27 Credits
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as a client relations specialist. Because client relations specialists answer questions from external and internal customers about the organization, they need to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Client relations specialists may be asked to perform general office responsibilities as well as customer service tasks.
Business Software
Certificate – 16 CreditsThe Business Software Certificate allows students to upgrade their technology and software skills. Students will learn the Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Students may choose from a varied list of electives to tailor the certificate to their individual needs.
Agribusiness Office Specialist/Manager
A.A.S. Degree – 72 CreditsThe Agribusiness Office Specialist/Manager program prepares students with the understanding, knowledge, and skills to manage or staff a modern farm or agribusiness firm office. The program provides specific office skills necessary to function in an agribusiness office setting, as well as the agricultural background to work with producers and customers.
Business Education Teaching Degree
A.S. Degree -- 60 Credits
Students enrolled in the Administrative Office Management Associate of Science (AS) Degree are prepared to manage functions in the office environment. This degree option is recommended for experienced office professionals as well as entry-level administrative professionals who are looking to increase their potential for promotion. Graduates of this degree program receive training in a variety of office management functions including those in communications, information resources, and management. Students earn half of the required credits (30) in business-related courses and the other half (30) in business-related liberal arts and sciences classes. Students find learning convenient through a variety of face-to-face and online courses taught by South Central College’s knowledgeable and experienced faculty. Students may also choose to transfer this degree to Winona State University’s Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education--Teaching through the articulation agreement to prepare as a business educator or as a corporate trainer.
If you would like to email us a question send it to officetechnology@southcentral.edu.