This is an archived copy of the 2018-2019 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://ecatalog.socc.edu.

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Office Specialist prepares students for immediate employment as an entry-level professional in a variety of industries, including health care, finance, construction, and technical services. Coursework focuses on skills most requested by employers across the board, including written and oral communication, organization, customer service, and computer proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Employment in these types of occupations in 2012 was much larger than the statewide average for all occupations. The total number of job openings is projected to be much higher than the statewide average number of job openings for all occupations through 2022.

Credits earned in this program can be applied to the AAS Administrative Office Professional, the Certificate of Completion Clerical, and the Certificate of Completion Bookkeeping Clerical. 

Click here to learn how this Career Pathway Certificate can lead to an AAS Administrative Office Professional degree.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 28 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Office Specialist is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

CIS90Computer Basics2
MTH20Basic Mathematics4
OA121Beginning Keyboarding3
WR90RAcademic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course)4

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CIS125W Word Processing Applications Microsoft 3
MTH82 Business Mathematics 1 4
OA124 Keyboard Skill Building 3
OA220 Electronic Calculators 1
WR115
Introduction to Expository Writing
or English Composition
3
 Credits14
Winter
AC2764
Small Business Accounting
or Principles of Accounting II
4
BA288 Customer Service 3
CIS120 Concepts of Computing 4
OA240 Filing and Records Management 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits28

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Provide customer service according to specific instructions.
  • Use computer to organize/complete tasks, communicate effectively, and schedule self or others, according to specific instructions.
  • Enter data accurately (requires basic math, keyboarding, and copying skills).
  • Accurately produce, edit, and proofread business documents.
  • Follow professional business procedures and standards.
  • Store, locate, and retrieve information to perform routine duties in a professional environment.