Harper College

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Program Overview

This 8 credit-hour certificate program prepares students for positions as assistants in a business office. Students are introduced to advanced word processing and spreadsheets, to use of the Internet including Web browsing and e-mail, and to integrated use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Students are also introduced to office skills such as time and records management and collaboration. This certificate is the first in a two-certificate sequence and may be followed by the Administrative Assistant certificate.

Program Requirements

Number Course Title Credits
CAS 105 1 and

Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular word processing package. Includes editing, formatting, creating tables and outlines and merging data.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 115 1 and

Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular spreadsheet package. Includes creating, editing and formatting worksheets; working with formulas, functions and charts.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 125 1 or

Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular database package. Includes creating databases, tables and table relationships, maintaining and querying databases, and creating forms and reports.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 160 1-3

Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of currently popular software packages or suites. Includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software and the integration of these applications.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 135 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.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 205 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, references, mail merge, forms and macros.

Prerequisite: CAS 105 or CAS 160 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 215 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.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CAS 290 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 management, interpersonal skills, communication skills and leadership.

Prerequisite: CAS 125 and CAS 135 with grades of C or better AND CAS 205 and CAS 215 with grades of C or better or concurrent enrollment.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

1 - Students may take CAS 105, CAS 115 and CAS 125 OR CAS 160 to satisfy this requirement.

Gainful Employment

Non-financial aid eligible program.

Last Updated: 11/8/24