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Associate Degrees

A.A. in Administrative Professional

This degree is designed to develop advanced skills needed for upper-level administrative support and office management careers. The course work includes communication skills, organizational management, business documents and projects, teamwork, financial data, ethics, and a variety of computer and office technologies.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 101 Fundamentals of College Accounting (3) 3 - 4
   or ACCT 301 Financial Accounting (4)
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 1
BUSTEC 110 Business Procedures for Professional Success 3
BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics (1) 1
   or CISA 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools (1) 1
   or CISA 127 Outlook: Tools (1)
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
BUSTEC 313 Web-based Conferencing and Presentations for the Business Professional 2
BUSTEC 332 Integrated Business Projects 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management 1
MGMT 300 Introduction to Leadership in Action (3) 3
   or MGMT 304 Principles of Management (3)
Total Units: 33 - 34

The Administrative Professional Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • manage office operations including employee supervision, records management, supplies and equipment, administrative support, financial statements, and customer service.
  • evaluate business projects, generate task lists, and prioritize completion of work.
  • integrate word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and electronic information management systems to complete business projects.
  • create, revise, and evaluate verbal and written business messages demonstrating business communication techniques.
  • utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational management skills to complete work independently or in a group.
  • analyze ethical dilemmas, utilize ethical decision-making processes, and determine appropriate ethical behavior.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities include clerical, administrative support, and executive assistant positions with private industry, non-profit organizations, and government entities.


A.A. in Virtual Administrative Professional

This degree offers enterprising individuals an opportunity to develop their own business ventures to perform administrative tasks using new technology and the Internet. The current trend toward "outsourcing" work supports the growing need for virtual professionals. Confidence in being customer focused and creative are essential activities of this program. The goal of the virtual administrative professional degree is to assist students in developing a niche that meets the needs of today's employers.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 105 Business Mathematics 3
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1) 1
BUS 224 Customer Service 1
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship 3
BUSTEC 110 Business Procedures for Professional Success 3
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting 1
BUSTEC 300.3 Keyboarding/Applications: Advanced Document Formatting 1
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
BUSTEC 332 Integrated Business Projects 3
BUSTEC 350 Virtual Careers and Technologies 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management (1) 1
CISC 305 Introduction to the Internet 1
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
BUS 498 Work Experience in Business (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 32

The Virtual Administrative Professional Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • categorize essential records into an adequate record keeping system.
  • compose written communications and deliver oral presentations for business proposals and projects that focus on the audience.
  • explain the importance of a business plan, financial plan, and marketing plan for a business.
  • create, arrange, and edit business documents using word processing features.
  • select different technologies and software to complete business projects.
  • design a virtual office atmosphere which includes marketing oneself, satisfying clients, and managing resources and capital.
  • manipulate and format data into a worksheet and database.
  • choose appropriate search strategies when using the Internet.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities include administrative professional, executive and/or personal assistant, real estate virtual assistant, online assistant, meeting planner, travel planner, desktop publisher, graphic designer, clerical recruiter, newsletter editor, virtual meetings organizer, and virtual assistant. Industries that virtual professionals support are sales, law, finance, church, Internet enterprises, marketing firms, public relations, direct mail, concierge, authors, contractors, and therapists.

Certificates of Achievement

Business Information Worker Certificate

This certificate prepares students for entry-level office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUS 224 Customer Service 1
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 1
BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics (1) 1
   or CISA 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
BUSTEC 332 Integrated Business Projects (3) 3
   or BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in business technology applications.
  • demonstrate proficiency in business administration skills.
  • demonstrate proficiency in business communication skills.
  • apply customer service skills in a business environment and provide a positive customer service experience.

Career Information

Students who successfully complete this certificate are prepared for entry-level positions in office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.


Law Office Clerical Assistant Certificate

This certificate provides the skills needed for entry-level clerical positions in law offices. The course work emphasizes workforce skills including an introduction to the use of terms particular to the legal field.



This Law Office Clerical Assistant certificate is not approved by the American Bar Association and does not prepare students to work as paralegals or legal assistants under California state law.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics 3
BUSTEC 100.1 Keyboarding Skills: Beginning (1) 1
   or BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning (1)
BUSTEC 100.2 Keyboarding Skills: Intermediate (1) 1
   or BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting (1)
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
LA 300 Introduction to Law and the American Legal System 3
LA 350 Law Office Management 3
Total Units: 17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate keyboarding competence in the legal workplace.
  • solve common office problems using current business technology and software applications.
  • practice effective communication with law office personnel and clients.
  • apply appropriate ethical standards to the special situations encountered in a law office.
  • produce written documents in appropriate formats using typical legal office technology.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions in a law office. In order to earn an A.A. or a Certificate to become a Legal Assistant/Paralegal, see the Legal Studies Program requirements in the Behavior and Social Sciences Division.


Office Technology Certificate

This certificate offers technological skills in preparation for first-time employment, re-entry, or career advancement in a variety of office careers. Program topics include keyboarding/word processing, integrated office applications, organization and supervision of office activities, office procedures, business communications, critical thinking, and report writing.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional (3) 3
   or ENGWR 300 College Composition (3)
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics 3
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 1
BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics (1) 1
   or CISA 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools (1) 1
   or CISA 127 Outlook: Tools (1)
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting 1
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 332 Integrated Business Projects 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management 1
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing (3)
BUSTEC 313 Web-based Conferencing and Presentations for the Business Professional (2)
CISC 300 Computer Familiarization (1)
CISC 306 Introduction to Web Page Creation (1)
Total Units: 26

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compose and format business documents.
  • demonstrate effective writing techniques for business documents.
  • integrate the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and electronic communication software to business tasks.
  • incorporate technological, communication, and problem-solving skills in the business setting.

Virtual Office Professional Certificate

This certificate offers preparation as an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative, and technical services to clients in virtual environments. This emerging profession encourages working from home.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional (3) 3
BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3) 31
BUSTEC 110 Business Procedures for Professional Success 3
BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics 1
BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools (1) 1
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting 1
BUSTEC 350 Virtual Careers and Technologies 3
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management (1) 1 - 2
   or CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
   or CISC 305 Introduction to the Internet (1)
Total Units: 17 - 18

1Individuals who hold a certificate as a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) may receive credit for this option with evidence of completion of the CAP certification.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compose and format business documents demonstrating effective writing techniques and utilizing electronic technologies.
  • follow procedures and guidelines for communicating with people over the telephone, through email, and with other technologies.
  • analyze the purpose of a business project, select software, and follow procedures to complete the project.
  • describe the different types of virtual environments.
  • use the principles of effective time management to prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • list the skills and work habits necessary for success in a virtual office career.
  • identify and select job and career opportunities in virtual environments.
  • determine requirements for setting up a virtual office.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities include administrative professional, executive and/or personal assistant, real estate virtual assistant, online assistant, meeting planner, travel planner, desktop publisher, graphic designer, clerical recruiter, newsletter editor, virtual meetings organizer, and virtual office assistant.

Certificate

Office Assistant Certificate

This certificate provides training in clerical procedures for entry-level office positions.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 1
BUSTEC 125 Clerical Assistant 6
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
Total Units: 8

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • perform keyboarding tasks successfully and competently in the workplace.
  • solve business problems using current business technology and software applications.
  • appropriately apply rules and procedures for the business environment.
  • produce job search documents and demonstrate job search skills.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions.