Business Education & Office Administration

Ms. Kathy Sides, Department Chair
256.352.8126
kathy.sides@wallacestate.edu
 

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4-5 semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1-3 semesters)

The Business and Commerce Department is committed to providing student-centered, innovative, and inclusive learning that advances ethics, community, workforce, and economic development; and inspires a quest for lifelong learning.

At a Glance

As the reliance on technology continues to expand in offices, the role of the office professional has greatly evolved. Office automation and organizational restructuring have led secretaries and administrative assistants to assume responsibilities once reserved for managerial and professional staff. Many secretaries and administrative assistants now provide training and orientation for new staff, conduct research on the Internet, and operate and troubleshoot new office technologies. In spite of these changes, however, the core responsibilities for secretaries and administrative assistants have remained much the same: performing and coordinating an office’s administrative activities and storing, retrieving, and integrating information for dissemination to staff and clients. 

Secretaries and administrative assistants are responsible for a variety of administrative duties and must possess technological skills to run an organization efficiently. They serve as information and communication managers for an office; plan and schedule meetings and appointments; organize and maintain paper and electronic files; manage projects; conduct research; and disseminate information by using the telephone, mail services, Web sites, and e-mail. They also may handle travel and guest arrangements. 

Program Description

The Business Education and Office Administration programs are designed for those students who wish to pursue careers in the accounting and administrative assistant fields. The programs offer a comprehensive curriculum composed of planned learning experiences designed to develop saleable skills; to develop attitudes and behaviors that will help the student enter, perform, and progress rapidly in a productive business environment; to meet challenges of the changing world of work; to develop abilities to communicate and get along well with others; and to gain an understanding of the nature of the business world.

Career Path

Those who have knowledge of a wide range of bookkeeping and accounting activities, and those with extensive knowledge of Software Applications, are in great demand in today’s office environment. 

In May 2023, the median wage and salary annual earnings of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks were $47,440. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,860. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

NOTE: Students must attain a “C” or higher in all major and specialized courses.