Harper College

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Program Overview

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.

Program Requirements

Number Course Title Credits
CAS 105 1,2 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 1,2 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 1,2 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 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 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 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 1 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

CIS 100 or

Description: Provides students 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 system majors.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

CIS 101 3

Description: Provides students with an introduction to computer and information systems used in business environments. Includes computer hardware, operating systems, information systems, programming concepts, computer security and ethics, and trains students in the use of business software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, database management software, networking and internet access methods. IAI BUS 902

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ENG 130 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 C or better, or other placement options. english-placement-grid.php

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

MGT 111 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.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

1,2 - This course is included in the Office Assistant certificate. Students may take CAS 105, 115 and 125 OR CAS 160 to satisfy this requirement.

1 - This course is included in the Office Assistant certificate.

3 - Placement test scores required.

Gainful Employment

Last Updated: 11/8/24