Office Administration: General Office A.A.S.

The Office Administration curriculum prepares individuals for employment as administrative office personnel who use skills in the areas of office management, office finance, legal office, virtual office, customer service, and office software.

Coursework includes computer applications, oral and written communication, analysis and coordination of office tasks and procedures, records management, and other topics depending on the subject area selected within this curriculum.

Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in a variety of office positions in business, government, and industry. Upon graduation, students may be eligible to sit for industry-recognized certification exams.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, ACC, BUS, CTS, OST and WEB

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
ACC-120		4
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Principles of Financial Accounting ‌‌
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌
OST-131		2
This course covers basic keyboarding skills. Emphasis is placed on the touch system, correct techniques, and development of speed and accuracy. Upon completion, students should be able to key at an acceptable speed and accuracy level using the touch system. View course details for Keyboarding ‌‌
OST-286		3
This course covers the personal competencies and qualities needed to project a professional image in the office. Topics include interpersonal skills, healthy life-styles, appearance, attitude, personal and professional growth, multicultural awareness, and professional etiquette. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate these attributes in the classroom, office, and society. View course details for Professional Development ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
MAT-110		3
This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems and to analyze and communicate results. View course details for Math Measurement & Literacy ‌‌
OST-134		3
This course is designed to provide the skills needed to increase speed, improve accuracy, and format documents. Topics include letters, memos, tables, and business reports. Upon completion, students should be able to produce documents and key timed writings at speeds commensurate with employability. View course details for Text Entry and Formatting ‌‌
OST-136		3
This course is designed to introduce word processing concepts and applications. Topics include the preparation of a variety of documents and mastery of specialized software functions. Upon completion, students should be able to work effectively in a computerized word processing environment. View course details for Word Processing ‌‌
OST-137		3
This course introduces the concepts and functions of software that meets the changing needs of the community. Emphasis is placed on the terminology and use of the software through a hands-on approach. Upon completion, students should be able to use the software in a business environment. View course details for Office Applications I ‌‌
OST-164		3
This course provides a comprehensive study of editing skills needed in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, proofreading, and editing. Upon completion, students should be able to use reference materials to compose and edit text. View course details for Office Editing ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACC-140		2
This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms, and journalizing/ posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology. View course details for Payroll Accounting ‌‌
COM-231		3
This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in a group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Communication. View course details for Public Speaking ‌‌
OST-132		2
This course is designed to increase speed and improve accuracy in keyboarding. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic tests to identify accuracy and speed deficiencies followed by corrective drills. Upon completion, students should be able to keyboard rhythmically with greater accuracy and speed. View course details for Keyboard Skill Building ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BUS-110		3
This course provides a survey of the business world. Topics include the basic principles and practices of contemporary business. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of business concepts as a foundation for studying other business subjects. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Introduction to Business ‌‌
BUS-137		3
This course is designed to be an overview of the major functions of management. Emphasis is placed on planning, organizing, controlling, directing, and communicating. Upon completion, students should be able to work as contributing members of a team utilizing these functions of management. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Principles of Management ‌‌
CTS-130		3
This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include writing formulas, using functions, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts. This course covers advanced functions, charting, macros, databases, and linking. View course details for Spreadsheet ‌‌
OST-171		3
This course introduces the skills and abilities needed to conduct a variety of office administration activities using the latest technology. Students will learn the proper etiquette of communicating electronically as well as the unique procedures and logistics for conducting business in the virtual office. Upon completion, students will know the vocabulary of the virtual office and will have a basic understanding of modern technical communication tools. View course details for Intro to Virtual Office ‌‌
WEB-140		3
This course provides an introduction to web development software suites. Topics include the creation of web sites and applets using web development software. Upon completion, students should be able to create entire web sites and supporting applets. View course details for Web Development Tools ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACC-150		2
This course introduces microcomputer applications related to accounting systems. Topics include general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and correcting, adjusting, and closing entries. Upon completion, students should be able to use a computer accounting software package to solve accounting problems. View course details for Accounting Software Applications ‌‌
HUM-115		3
This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Critical Thinking ‌‌
OST-233		3
This course provides entry-level skills in using software with desktop publishing capabilities. Topics include principles of page layout, desktop publishing terminology and applications, and legal and ethical considerations of software use. Upon completion, students should be able to design and produce professional business documents and publications. View course details for Office Publications Design ‌‌
OST-289		3
This course is designed to be a capstone course for the office professional and provides a working knowledge of administrative office procedures. Emphasis is placed on written and oral communication skills, office software applications, office procedures, ethics, and professional development. Upon completion, students should be able to adapt to an office environment. View course details for Office Admin Capstone ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.