Office Systems Technology
Program Description, Mission, and Objectives
The mission of the Office Systems Technology Program is to prepare students for employment or advancement in office support positions by providing learning experiences in word processing, spreadsheet management, database management, written and oral communications, administrative office procedures and internet usage along with critical thinking and problem solving experiences.
The program awards the Certificate and Associate in Applied Technology degree.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Office Technology Program may become employed as a General Office Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Legal Office manager or Executive Office Manager. Additional information is available from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Skills Needed
Students develop skills in keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet management and record/information management. A student in the Office Systems Associate Degree Program is eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Secretaries’ (CPS) exam, the hallmark of success in this profession.
Expected Earnings/Salary
Earnings for Office Administration Personnel as reported by the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook are as follows:
- The median annual earnings for administrative assistants are $29,050.
- The highest 10 percent earn more than $43,240 annually.
The Office Systems Technology Program offers an Associate in Applied Technology - Office Systems Technology and Career Entry Certificates in: Office Systems, Financial Secretary, Medical Secretary and Word Processing.
Click here to view the current course requirements for each of these program options.
Estimated Program Cost
Office Systems Technology (OAD)
| Award Level |
Credit Hours |
Est. Tuition/Fees |
Est. Books/Supplies |
Total Est. Cost |
| Associate Degree (AAT) |
75 |
$9,825.00 |
$1,800.00 |
$11,625.00 |
| Career Entry Certificate (CER) |
59 |
$7,729.00 |
$1,500.00 |
$9,229.00 |
| Career Skills Certificate (STC) - Medical Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Word Processing |
29 |
$3,799.00 |
$600.00 |
$4,399.00 |
*Estimated cost based on Fall 2011 tuition. Subject to change without notice.
Advisory Committee
Ms. Glenda Waller, PHR
EEO/OD Specialist, Huntsville Utilities
Dr. Linda Shonesy
Dean of the College of Business, Athens State University
Contact the
Office Systems Program at 256.551.3155 or 256.551.3147 for additional program information.