The Office Support Certificate provides students with an entry-level skill set related to the functions of an office setting. Students will learn necessary keyboarding skills and the proper use of various computer programs critical to a career in business. Students will have the opportunity to job shadow various positions within different business settings so they may gain real-life exposure to the career opportunities available to them upon completion of their program of study.

Students enrolled in the ESL Pathway will learn critical English-speaking skills in addition to the technical skills needed for successful entry into the workplace.

Students enrolled in the Professional Pathway will learn more advanced technical skills related to the functions of an office setting.

Coursework in this option prepares you for Microsoft Office Specialist® certification. You also have the opportunity to participate in Business Professionals of America with the chance to attend state and national conferences.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
ADM-162	Office Procedures	3
CSC-110	Introduction to Computers	3
Take WBL-155 for 1 Credit
WBL-155	Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management	1-2
	TOTAL CREDITS	7 - 8

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
ADM-117	Keyboarding and Document Production	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
ADM-181	Records and Database Management	3
ESL-102	Reading/Writing IV	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	6

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Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
Take 1 of 2 courses
ADM-120	Advanced Document Production	3
ESL-105	Listening/Speaking IV	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	3

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Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
Take 1 of 2 courses
ADM-230	Integrated Office Projects	3
ESL-108	Grammar IV	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	3

ADM-162 - Office Procedures

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an understanding of the concepts, skills, procedures and professional image needed for employment in an office environment. Introductory topics include operational and supervisory functions, telephone and teleconference procedures, scheduling, travel arrangements, meeting and event planning, mail and shipping procedures and ethics and professionalism. Students use problem solving techniques and decision making experiences in a team environment.

CSC-110 - Introduction to Computers

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an introduction to computer concepts. The student will use the Windows operating system, presentation software, electronic spreadsheet software, database management software and word processing software. Microcomputer hardware and software as well as the processing concepts associated with each will be discussed. The course will also include information on file management, the Internet, virus protection and e-mail basics as applicable to the academic world as well as the business environment. Lab time outside of class is required to complete projects.

WBL-155 - Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Lecture: 0.5-1

Lab: 1-2

Credit: 1-2

Students in this course will explore the fields of Business, Finance, Marketing and Management while developing research skills, professionalism and building occupational knowledge. Students will visit workplaces in this employment sector to learn about specific jobs, professional requirements and develop a basic knowledge of an organization's structure and values.

ADM-117 - Keyboarding and Document Production

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A fundamental course in developing keyboarding skills for business and personal use. Students use Microsoft Word to learn proper formatting of office letters and memos, business and academic reports, tables, newsletters, flyers and graphics. Proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building are emphasized.

ADM-181 - Records and Database Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This class emphasizes the principles and practices of effective records handling. Management of records is performed according to the Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles of ARMA International. The record life cycle is covered including creation, storage, retrieval, maintenance and disposition of both manual and computerized database systems.

ESL-102 - Reading/Writing IV

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is a reading/writing course for non-native speakers of English. The course develops higher order comprehension skills such as distinguishing between fact and opinion, and mastering persuasion techniques. It emphasizes strategies and skills that will help increase reading speed and understanding of denotation and connotation. The course leads students through the writing process by providing a wide variety of activities to help them master skills necessary for academic writing. Prerequisite: ESL-052 or meet minimum placement test score requirements. This course should be taken concurrently with ESL-105 and ESL-108.

ADM-120 - Advanced Document Production

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

Students use Microsoft Word to create office documents and apply advanced formatting and production techniques including mail merge, header/footer manipulation, report generation and custom formatting. Standard formats of advanced tables, agendas, minutes, itineraries, news releases, resumes and medical and legal documents are learned, and online collaboration is introduced. This class continues to emphasize proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building. Prerequisite: ADM-117.

ESL-105 - Listening/Speaking IV

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is a listening/speaking course for non-native speakers of English. The course emphasizes comprehension of oral language as spoken by native English speakers. Students will practice pronunciation in academic discourse. The course will help develop skills in applying idiomatic expressions in negotiating and reducing miscommunication. Prerequisite: ESL-056 or meet minimum placement test score requirements. This course should be taken concurrently with ESL-102 and ESL 108.

ADM-230 - Integrated Office Projects

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course is designed to enhance and reinforce software skills through project-based activities by extensive use of integrating applications. Students complete projects that represent what is required in an actual business environment. This class will develop teamwork, creativity, decision making and critical thinking skills as will be experienced in the office setting. Software used includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and the Internet. Continued emphasis on proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building. Prerequisite: ADM-120.

ESL-108 - Grammar IV

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is an advanced course in grammar for non-native speakers of English, offering an introduction to such structures as gerunds, infinitives, various types of clauses and conditional sentences. Students will learn to apply the structures in classroom readings and in a variety of written tasks. Prerequisite: ESL-059 or meet minimum placement test score requirements. This course should be taken concurrently with ESL-102 and ESL-105.

Trisha Hopper - Professor - Business

Email: thopper@scciowa.edu
AA, Carl Sandburg College
BA, Western Illinois University
MBA, Quincy University

Renee Smith - Professor - Business

Email: rsmith1@scciowa.edu
AA & AAS, Southeastern Community College
BA, Buena Vista University
MBA, Grand Canyon University