The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Administrative Office Professional degree prepares the student for entry into administrative office positions leading to increasing levels of managerial responsibilities. These positions have titles such as: Administrative assistant, secretary, office assistant, and support specialist.    

The program provides a strong foundation of office and technology skills as well as coursework in business communications, business theory, interpersonal relations, and business law. Program emphasis is placed on preparing the student to perform complex tasks including the integration of workplace skills that emphasize communication, teamwork, project management, and problem-solving.

This degree is a statewide program that provides connected instruction and pathways for completion between participating Oregon community colleges. Students may start at Southwestern, but complete and transfer credits to any of the participating colleges. Consult an advisor for complete information. 

Students may choose to enter the program by completing one of four certificates within the Career Pathway. To see how this program links to others in the Pathway click here.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 91 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AAS Administrative Office Professional degree is awarded.

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

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:

Program Guide

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

• Apply human relations, organizational development, and critical thinking skills to solve problems in an office setting.
• Compose, proofread, and produce a wide range of business documents using appropriate software and equipment.
• Follow professional business procedures and standards.
• Store, retrieve, distribute, and manage information to support office and management personnel.
• Integrate computer, computation, communication, and critical thinking skills to accomplish complex office tasks and solve problems.
• Apply knowledge of the internal organization and management of an office.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.