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Best Office Administration Programs in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Office Administration Programs

Looking into office administration, but not sure where to start or what is exactly in the job description? An Office Administrator (OA) is not simply an Office Manager (OM), there are subtle, yet key differences in the roles and responsibilities of each.

Simply put, an office administrator focuses on the “technical processes” of an office to ensure that is running efficiently and effectively. One key skill that good Office Administrators must have is that of organization.

Necessary Skill Set:

  • Payroll training, ensuring that all employees receive paychecks on time
  • Good Communication Skills
  • Supervise other employees
  • Adapt to new technology (install software, train employees on new technology)

Roles of Office Administrator:

  • Order and maintain office supplies, including IT supplies
  • Represents Office relationships with vendors, clients, and consultants
  • Assists with recruiting and hiring new employees
  • Oversees financial administration
  • Creates reports and presentations
  • Handles incoming and outgoing mail and packages
  • Assists with scheduling and calendaring of staff

Depending on the type and size of the office, the skills and roles of an OA will evolve with the needs of the company. A beginning office administrator will need to have advanced knowledge and skill in the software application of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Some offices might have other software that OA’s will need to have advanced knowledge to be employed in that particular office.

The salary for an Office Administrator can greatly vary depending on the office type and location.

Most Office Administrators earn between $38K to $48K per year. Most Office Administrators will need some degree of education to be considered for a position, a minimum of an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Administration.

These Colleges offer online office administration programs, with most of them being entirely online!

Rank School Location
1Piedmont Community CollegeRoxboro, North Carolina
2Surry Community CollegeDobson, North Carolina
3Western Technical CollegeLa Crosse, Wisconsin
4Southern Arkansas University TechCamden, Arkansas
5Robeson Community CollegeLumberton, North Carolina
1

Piedmont Community College

  • Roxboro, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 42%

The Associate degree at Piedmont Community College prepares students in word processing, keyboarding, and spreadsheets. The core courses include administrative management, finance solutions, and database concepts. This program also prepares students with a course in basic Spanish in the workplace.

This degree is available online with an online format that takes about two years to complete. Students also have opportunities to earn certifications in Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

School Overview

Location: Roxboro, North Carolina
Tuition: $2,544
Program: AS in Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 42%
Visit School Website
2

Surry Community College

  • Dobson, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 24%

Surry Community College offers a practical approach to preparing students in Office Administration. Students master practical skills such as keyboarding and records management in their first courses, then they extend their knowledge into the theoretical courses such as communications and finances. The AA degree takes two years to complete, and graduates have all mastered the Microsoft Office Suite. The online degree is organized in a manner that enables students to participate in discussion boards, lectures and peer interactions with others in the same degree.

School Overview

Location: Dobson, North Carolina
Tuition: $2,540
Program: AS In Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 24%
Visit School Website
3

Western Technical College

  • La Crosse, Wisconsin
  • Graduation Rate: 48%

The Office Administration program at Western Technical College prepares students to enter middle management positions upon graduation. Students take 63 credits with courses in leadership development, human resource management, and project management. Graduates can be employed as Office Administrators, Office Managers, Store Managers, and Product Managers.

School Overview

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tuition: $4,403
Program: AS In Administration
Graduation Rate: 48%
Visit School Website
4

Southern Arkansas University Tech

  • Camden, Arkansas
  • Graduation Rate: 41%

Southern Arkansas University Tech provides students with technical knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare them for success as future Office Administrators. Students master Microsoft Office Suite and their final term they participate in an internship at an office where they gain hands-on experience and knowledge of the daily skills for their position. Most of the degree is available online.

School Overview

Location: Camden, Arkansas
Tuition: $534 Per 3 Credit Hour Course
Program: AS in Administration
Graduation Rate: 41%
Visit School Website
5

Robeson Community College

  • Lumberton, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 26%

Robeson Community College offers a unique educational experience, unlike many other community colleges. Robeson has connections with local employers, County Public Schools, Southeastern Health and BB&T Bank. The Associate of Applied Science takes two years to complete.

Students will learn marketing, spreadsheets, processing, management and Microsoft Office Suite.

School Overview

Location: Lumberton, North Carolina
Tuition: $2,563
Program: AAS Degree in Administration
Graduation Rate: 26%
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6

Lenoir Community College

  • Kinston, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 19%

Lenoir Community College prepares students with practical skills such as keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets and practical knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Lenoir Community College also requires a college success course to be taken in addition to the core courses. Students can finish the general and core courses in two years, earning their Applied Associate Degree in Office Administration.

School Overview

Location: Kinston, North Carolina
Tuition: $2,558
Program: AAS in Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 19%
Visit School Website
7

Wake Technical Community College

  • Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 28%

Wake Technical Community College prepares graduates to be employed at entry-level positions in corporations, banks, law offices, government offices, Real Estate, educational institutions, and other businesses. Students become proficient in text entry, office software, office procedures, soft skills, and office computations. Students also have opportunities to become certified in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, doing so greatly increases their skill set and job placement.

School Overview

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Tuition: $2,768
Program: AAS in Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 28%
Visit School Website
8

Wayne Community College

  • Goldsboro, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 28%

Wayne Community College values the success of each student and offers access to career coaches. Students in the Office Administration program learn keyboarding, text entry, records keeping along with more technical courses. Students have opportunities to participate in internships and earn certificates in Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Quickbooks. The program also offers theoretical courses in business ethics, human resource management, and business communication.

School Overview

Location: Goldsboro, North Carolina
Tuition: $2,524
Program: AAS in Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 28%
Visit School Website
9

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Jacksonville, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 24%

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers graduate high job placement rates with their many connections. Graduates are often employed in government agencies, schools, hospitals, and other businesses. The Office Administration degree has two concentrations students can choose from; office management and medical administration. Students take courses in computer applications, business communications, and spreadsheet concepts. During the last term, students will participate in internships in one of the offices with which the school has connections.

School Overview

Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Tuition: $2,878
Program: AAS in Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 24%
Visit School Website
10

Gateway Technical College

  • Kenosha, Wisconsin
  • Graduation Rate: 44%

Wisconsin’s Gateway Technical College offers an Associate degree in administration. Students take courses in keyboarding, proofreading/editing, and record management. The associate degree prepares students to either transfer to a bachelor’s degree or begin a career as an entry-level office administrator. Students take courses in business communication and Microsoft Office. Students also have opportunities to earn certifications in office administration application.

School Overview

Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Tuition: $4,450
Program: AAS in Administration
Graduation Rate: 44%
Visit School Website
11

Broward College

  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 22%

Broward College prepares aspiring office administrators with key skills in keyboarding, record management, business communications, and word processing. Graduates are adequately prepared to take the certification exam for Microsoft Office Specialist in Word. Students attending full-time can graduate in two years.

School Overview

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tuition: $2,830
Program: AAS in Administration
Graduation Rate: 22%
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12

Daytona State College

  • Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 37%

Daytona State College offers a two-year AAS in Office Administration with concentrations in general office, legal, and medical administration. Students will also complete courses in communications and keyboarding. Students have opportunities to earn certifications in office management and office support.

School Overview

Location: Daytona Beach. Florida
Tuition: $3,140
Program: AAS in Office Administration
Graduation Rate: 37%
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13

Northwest Mississippi Community College

  • Senatobia, Mississippi
  • Graduation Rate: 27%

Northwest Mississippi Community College offers an AAS in Office Administration for working professionals that are seeking to advance their career. Students will learn about office administration, databases, word processing, and filing systems.

Students also learn how to use their skills to keep an office running smoothly and efficiently. The degree can be earned online.

School Overview

Location: Senatobia, Mississippi
Tuition: $3,000
Program: AAS in Administration
Graduation Rate: 27%
Visit School Website
14

Jefferson State Community College

  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Graduation Rate: 8%

Jefferson State Community College offers an online Office Administration degree that is very technology-based. Students have courses in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Quickbooks, and other applications. Students can also choose to specialize in various concentrations such as medical office assistant, legal office assistant, and office application assistant. This AAS degree will take about two years to complete.

School Overview

Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Tuition: $4,800
Program: AAS in Administration
Graduation Rate: 8%
Visit School Website
15

Columbia Southern University

  • Orange Beach, Alabama
  • Graduation Rate: 42%

Those aspiring to have a career in Business Administration will have a strong foundation from the program available at Columbia Southern University. The entire bachelor’s degree is delivered in an online format with flexibility for students to choose classes and a course schedule that fits their needs. Courses with an emphasis on marketing, management, tourism, information technology and more allow students to specialize within business administration.

School Overview

Location: Online
Tuition: $230 Per Credit
Program: BS in Business Administration
Graduation Rate: 43%
Visit School Website

Methodology

As more businesses are seeking qualified office administrators, having the right education, certifications and experience will make the difference in job placement and earning potential. Knowing what one needs to be successful in office administration will help get you started on the right track to a rewarding career.

Schools are ranked according to programs specific to office administration, cost, accessibility (online), and graduation rate. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact us.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

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