Monday, 21 May 2012

Online Secretarial Science Degree Program Overviews

Students can pursue an online associate's degree program that can lead to a secretarial career from a number of private and public 2-year schools. Students can earn degrees in secretarial science, office administration, administrative assisting or business administration.

Online Associate's Degree in Secretarial Science Overview

Prospective secretaries looking for programs online can gain the skills and knowledge needed for a career by pursuing an associate's degree in secretarial science, business administration, office administration or administrative assisting. These online programs focus on professional operation and performance in an office setting, with an emphasis on co-worker relations and computer literacy. Students learn basic skills in economics, accounting, office communications and coworker relations. An Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science are the most common degrees in the secretarial science field.

Program Information and Requirements

These online associate's degree programs usually take two years to complete. Many programs do not require any teaching or coursework in a traditional classroom setting, though some combine an online education with some on-campus requirements.
High-speed Internet access is recommended for the streaming of videos and downloading of class materials. Some assignments require Microsoft Office programs. Instructors and support staff can be reached by telephone or e-mail, but some programs offer immediate online visual and audio communication.

Common Courses

Accounting Course

Accounting measures the financial health and success of a business. Students learn to understand the numbers and financial systems behind a business. Emphasis is placed on the decision-making needed to maximize financial benefits and limit losses.

Human Resource Course

A knowledge of human resources is key for office personnel management and optimum productivity. This course covers motivational, organizational and communications skills necessary for leadership. Team building and international relations are also discussed.

Business Communication Course

Students gain the composition skills useful in writing professional letters, e-mails, faxes, reports and other types of business communication. Other areas of practice include oral communications, public speaking and effective research.

Computer Applications Course

Much of modern business activity is conducted on a computer. This course provides instruction on common word processing, presentation, communication and data tracking software.

Career Information

Graduates of an associate's degree program related to the secretarial sciences may pursue job opportunities as secretaries, administrative assistants, typists and receptionists, among other positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) secretaries earned an average of $42,340 and was one of the largest employment categories in 2008, with 4.3 million jobs. Many schools offer career development tools and counseling that are available for online learning graduates.

Continuing Education

Secretarial science programs are meant to prepare office workers for entry-level positions. Further education is beneficial for advanced professional standing. After earning an associate's degree in secretarial science or a related field, students can prepare for management and executive positions by progressing to a bachelor's or master's degree program in business administration at a 4-year college or university.

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