In any organization that you come across; certain roles are assigned to different individuals for carrying out certain tasks. Secretaries who are also known as administrative assistants or even executive assistants execute the role that ensures timely task completion with the use of their organizing, computing and communication skills.
What is secretarial science?
The secretarial science program is also known as the administrative assistant or administrative professional program. The program’s objective is to help individuals develop certain set of skills that will further help them to better manage time, organize and communicate information across an organization. A typical program coursework includes topics on computer applications, record keeping, business communication and office management.
Which degree is best for secretary?
Getting an associate’s degree in secretarial science can help individuals to start a career as secretaries, executive assistant, administrative professionals and more. Have a look at the information on the type of degree available online for individuals to kickstart a career in the field:
| Degree | Credits (may vary) | Duration | General Admission Requirements (may vary) |
| Associate’s Degree | 60-82 credits | 2 years | High school diploma or equivalent. |
9 Online Accredited Associates Degree in Secretarial Science
1. Gaston College
Programs: AAS – Office Administration
Tuition: $76/credit hour (in-state); $268/credit hour (out-of-state)
Credits: 70 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #43 in Best Community Colleges in North Carolina .
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The fully online secretarial science program provides the opportunity for students to learn and acquire skills needed for a career as administrative professionals.
2. North Arkansas College
Programs: AAS – Office Management
Tuition: $98/credit hour (Boone County); $197/credit hour (out-of-state)
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #14 in Best Community Colleges in Arkansas.
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Getting a degree in secretarial science will provide graduates with skills in support management, record management, communication, office technology and more.
3. Wallace State Community College
Programs: AAS – Business Education/Office Administration (Administrative Assistant option)
Tuition: $127/credit hour (resident); $254/credit hour (non-resident)
Credits: 67 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #14 in Best Community Colleges in Alabama.
Financial aid: available, with 80% of students receiving financial aid.
The secretarial science program is a two-year degree that prepares graduates to work in offices and business settings of various types and sizes.
4. Wallace State Community College
Programs: AAS – Medical Administrative Assistant
Tuition: $127/credit hour (resident); $254/credit hour (non-resident)
Credits: 67 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #14 in Best Community Colleges in Alabama.
Financial aid: available, with 80% of students receiving financial aid.
After completing the program, graduates will acquire proficiency with medical terminology, medical office procedures and office technology.
5. Northcentral Technical College
Programs: Administrative Professional – Associate Degree
Tuition: $143.45/credit hour (resident); $215.18/credit hour (non-resident)
Credits: 61 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #45 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The coursework will prepare students in learning a wide range of skills including computer technology, communication, planning events and meeting.
6. Chippewa Valley Technical College
Programs: Associate Degree – Administrative Professional
Tuition: $146.20/credit hour (Wisconsin & Minnesota Residents); $219.30/credit hour (non-resident)
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #88 in Best Community Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 71% of students receiving financial aid.
On completion of the secretarial science program, graduates will acquire effective skills in communication and computing needed to excel in their career.
7. Casper College
Programs: AAS – Office Management
Tuition: $147/credit hour (in-state); $200/credit hour (WUE); $357/credit hour (out-of-state)
Credits: 82 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #3 in Best Community Colleges in Wyoming.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
Graduates with a degree in the program will be prepared for a career in a wide variety of options including clerical, administrative and office settings.
8. Gateway Technical College
Programs: AAS – Administrative Professional
Tuition: $188.90/credit hour (in-state); $283.35/credit hour (out-of-state)
Credits: 63 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #69 in Best Community Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 68% of students receiving financial aid.
The secretarial science program includes coursework that helps prepare students for a career as administrative professionals in both office and business settings.
9. Riverland Community College
Programs: AAS – Administrative Assistant
Tuition: $216.17/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #46 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The secretarial science program consists of courses that helps develop crucial technical and communication skills in students.
Free Online Secretarial Science courses
1. Oxford Home Study Centre
Course Title: Office Administration (short course)
Duration: 20 hours
Cost: Free
Certification: on completion, individuals have the liberty to claim one CPD-accredited certificate or one of two other certificates for a nominal fee.
The free online certificate course helps individuals to learn about efficient self-management, communication skills, and writing skills to name a few.
2. Alison
Course Title: Administrative Support
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours.
Cost: Free.
Certification: after completion, individuals can claim a CPD-accredited certificate on purchase.
The free certificate course helps individuals to learn and develop skills in office and business administration, office management, communication and productivity.
3. Alison
Course Title: Executive Assistant Skills
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours.
Cost: Free
Certification: after completion, individuals can claim a CPD-accredited certificate on purchase.
The course includes a variety of modules where individuals will get to learn about time management, organizing, and communication skills.
Is administrative assistant a good career path?
Starting a career as an office secretary or an administrative assistant is a decent career path with about 354,000 job openings projected each year by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Have a look at some of the top secretarial science career paths that graduates can pursue after completing an associates degree in secretarial science:
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
| Senior Executive Assistant | $71,844 |
| Operations Manager | $67,301 |
| Office Manager | $63,256 |
| Payroll & Benefit Manager | $63,199 |
| Executive Assistant | $58,957 |
Source: payscale.com
Conclusion
Becoming an administrative professional who assists and executes daily office tasks requires strong communication skills, time management, paying attention to details and organizing skills. If you are someone that can excel in these areas of work, then pursuing an online degree in secretarial science may just be the right pathway for you.
