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Program Facts 
Prepare for a position as a business office administrative assistant with this 17-credit- hour certificate program. Get an introduction to advanced and integrated word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software along with Internet tutorials on Web browsing and e-mail. You’ll also learn computer skills, business management principles and business writing techniques. This program is the second in a two-certificate sequence (following the Office Assistant Certificate).
Take classes in business software packages, word processing/spreadsheet/presentation software, computer and digital literacy, computer information systems, business organization and more. All courses are taught by multidisciplinary faculty who are experts in their fields. Many courses are offered online or in blended formats, giving you added flexibility.
Getting a certificate program is a convenient and affordable way to earn college credit and test out career paths that might be a good fit for you. Harper College features three large open computer labs that are staffed with certified IT Student Support Assistants who can assist with select coursework. You can also get additional experience outside the classroom by participating in a variety of student organizations.
This 17 credit-hour certificate program prepares students for positions as business office administrative assistants. Students are introduced to advanced word processing and spreadsheets, to use of the Internet including Web browsing and e-mail, and to the integrated use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Students are also introduced to computer skills and business management principles and to business writing. This certificate is the second in a two-certificate sequence: Office Assistant and Administrative Assistant.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options: 1 | 3 | |
Option 1 | ||
| CAS 105& CAS 115& CAS 125 | Word Processing Software and Spreadsheet Software and Database Software | |
Option 2 | ||
| CAS 160 | Introduction to Business Software Packages | |
Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of currently popular software packages or suites. Includes word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation software and the integration of these applications. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| CAS 135 | Presentation Software 2 | 1 |
Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular business presentation package. Includes editing, formatting, themes, slide masters and presentation effects. Lecture Hours: 5 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| CAS 205 | Advanced Word Processing Software 2 | 1 |
Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular advanced word processing package. Includes document sharing, advanced content formatting, document tracking and reference tools, mail merge, forms and macros. Lecture Hours: 5 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| CAS 215 | Advanced Spreadsheet Software 2 | 1 |
Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular advanced spreadsheet package. Includes workbook sharing, advanced content formatting, data importing, filtering, charting, pivot tables, forms and macros. Prerequisite: CAS 115 or CAS 160 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 5 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| CAS 290 | Office Assistant Capstone 2 | 2 |
Description: Provides students the opportunity to integrate skills introduced in preceding CAS courses through multi-task projects and case studies reflective of the current business office environment. Also provides a foundation for business office skills including time and workload management, records manageement, interpersonal skills, communication skills and leadership. Prerequisite: CAS 125 and CAS 135 with grades of C or better AND prior or concurrent enrollment in CAS 205 and CAS 215 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| CIS 100 | Computer and Digital Literacy | 3 |
Description: Provides the student with an introduction to computers in society and digital literacy. Includes computer hardware and operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, networking, internet usage, communication and collaboration, computer safety and ethics. This course is not intended for computer information majors. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 130 | Business Writing 3 | 3 |
Description: Teaches formal and psychological aspects of business correspondence. Introduction to various kinds of business letters, memoranda and reports. Improvement of grammar, spelling and word usage. Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MGT 111 | Introduction to Business Organization | 3 |
Description: Introduces the nature of business and the environment in which it operates. Forms of business ownership, introduction to operative and facilitating facets of business operation, management, marketing, accounting, statistics, business law, finance, investments, insurance and labor-management relations. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 17 | |
For more information about administrative assistant courses, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.