23 Credits CERT3294/CERT2257, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
This program is designed to prepare learners 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 client relations tasks.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 23 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $4,932
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $4,932 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Note: Keyboarding Prerequisite Requirement
Students must either currently have or attain the skills in OTEC1001 Computer Software for College and OTEC1790 Keyboarding for College before entry in the Office Administration and Technology programs.
Required Technical Courses (7 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses:
MKT1830 Customer Service (3 credits)
This course covers the importance of customer service and how the student can achieve quality customer service. Total Quality Management is an essential part of customer service and how quality service is relayed to the consumer. This course explains how to develop a service attitude, dealing with various types of customers, handling customer complaints, decision making and using the team concept.
OTEC1820 Business English (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with comprehensive, up-to-date instruction in the correct use of English grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and number usage in written business communications. Students will develop proficiency in proofreading, identifying common errors, and using reference materials to correct sentences, paragraphs, and business documents. (Prerequisite: None)
OTEC1822 Microsoft Excel (4 credits)
This course prepares students to work with Microsoft Excel in a career setting or for personal use. It begins with the introduction of concepts such as creating, editing, and formatting worksheets in a uniform, attractive style. It includes inserting formulas, creating charts, and enhancing the display of worksheets of varying complexity. The course will move on to the advanced concepts and features of formatting, using functions, analyzing numerical data, and projecting outcomes to make informed decisions. Features of protecting workbooks, using macros, using pivot tables, and customizing the Excel environment are also included. Current communication needs will be met by including hyperlinks to external information, as well as importing, exporting, and sharing date. (Prerequisite: none)
OTEC1860 Microsoft Word (4 credits)
This course is designed to build student skill at both a basic and advanced level in Microsoft Word. It begins with the introduction of concepts such as file management, entering text, editing, terminology, spelling, and printing. It continues with the basic skills students need to use the application proficiently. Once students are proficient at the basic level, the course moves on to the advanced concepts and features such as macros, merging, and tables. (Prerequisites: None)
OTEC2800 Office Keyboarding (3 credits)
This course covers the continuing development of keyboarding speed and accuracy. Advanced document formatting, such as letters, tables with special features, templates, labels, mail merges, multi-page reports, columns, etc., will be included. Students will continue to develop proofreading skills as they format documents from straight copy, rough draft, handwritten copy, and arranged and unarranged sources. (Prerequisite: A minimum keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute on a 3-minute timing, with 3 errors or less or advisor approval.)
OTEC2810 Computer Technology (3 credits)
This course provides computer technical information that goes beyond the basics for college educated students. It covers not only hardware and software but the new, emerging technology trends that affect computing and everyday life. Topics such as networks, data security, personal privacy, online safety, digital rights, and Internet usage will be addressed. There will be an emphasis on social and ethical issues for thought-provoking course discussions. (Prerequisite: None)
OTEC2820 Business Communications (3 credits)
This course covers the principles of effective writing and requires students to plan, compose, and format a variety of business communications. Emphasis is on proofreading, editing, and revising communications not just to make them correct but also to make them better. Types of communications may include letters, memos, e-mail, announcements, instructions, form letters, and digital media. Specific letter or memo types may include request and response, claim and adjustment, persuasive, credit and collection, and goodwill communications. Students will learn about letter and envelope formats, international communication differences, and organizational approaches for writing correspondence. Students will learn about words to avoid, transitions, parallel structure, and the you attitude. (Prerequisite: OTEC 1820)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
