An office management degree provides understanding of the core principles and skills used in management of an organization's office settings. These may include middle level or upper level management positions. The program teaches students how to lead and supervise their subordinates. Other skills taught include communication, interpersonal, and stress management skills. In today's business world, having an office management degree may be beneficial due to the increasing challenging nature of work.
The coursework taught in this degree program may include office technology, business law, business math, accounting, and computer systems. The degrees offered include associate, bachelor, and master's level programs in office management. Usually, an associate's degree may be sufficient for secretary level and related positions. For administrative positions, a bachelor's degree may be required. Those interested in executive and top level positions should consider a master's degree. The degree students choose to purse varies with the desired management level of the student.
In addition to traditional campus-based programs in office management, there are various online programs offered as well. These programs provide the convenience of learning from home or wherever there is an internet connection. They also offer flexible and self-paced schedules, which may suit professionals with busy work-life routines. Also, these programs may be less costly as compared to campus-based programs.
Associate's Degree in Office Management
The program aims to provide sound and well-rounded knowledge of various business policies and processes needed to start a career in management. It prepares graduates for entry level management jobs in a variety of business settings. The curriculum includes courses which teach office skills, computer management, accounting, personal finance, and marketing and communication skills, among other courses. The following list provides examples of courses taught:
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Word Processing
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Desktop Publishing
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Transcription and Electronic Spreadsheets
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Business Communication
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Office Administration
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Records and Information Management
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Financial Accounting
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Managerial Accounting
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Computing Fundamentals
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Fundamentals of Business Management
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Personal Finance
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Microeconomics
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Macroeconomics
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Principles of Marketing
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Organization and Management
The above mentioned curriculum is for one program and may be slightly different at the school you choose. To get the exact curriculum details of the program you wish to enroll in, contact your admission counselor.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with an associate's degree may be able to purse a number of jobs in the government, business, nonprofit, or medical offices. The following mentions a few of the career opportunities:
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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
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Receptionists
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Office Clerks
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Office Managers
Receptionists perform administrative tasks including answering phone calls and attending to visitors. They give general information about the organization to customers and the public. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage of receptionists was $25,990 in May 2012.
Secretaries and administrative assistants have the duty of performing routine clerical and administrative tasks. The details of their duties include managing files, drafting messages, scheduling appointments, and supporting other administrative staff. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of secretaries and administrative assistants was $35,330 in May 2012.