The Administrative Professional Certificate focuses on developing the clerical skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to work in a business office setting. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry-level positions as administrative assistants or may move seamlessly into the Business Administration Career - Administrative Professional Option associate degree program.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

By completing the Administrative Professional Certificate, you will learn keyboarding skills, management, and research techniques, and become proficient in communication and computer literacy. Graduates of this program will know how to adapt to the technological changes in the global economy and how to apply good business etiquette.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

2 Semesters

27 credits

Learn Online

  • This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • Some courses may be completed at QCC Southbridge.
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

Business Basics

Semester 1

This semester will start you off in business, computer information systems, English, and psychology.

Become an Expert

Semester 2

During this semester you will learn more in-depth business and accounting skills, advanced computer skills, and work on speech and communication.

See the full curriculum

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

A businesswoman sits at a desk and works on a computer
Associate in Science

Business Administration Career - Administrative Professional Option

The Business Administration Career - Administrative Professional Option will prepare you for immediate entry into the workforce as administrative professionals in a business or medical setting. Prospective students may choose to specialize by completing either the Administrative Professional Certificate or the Medical Office Certificate first; all courses in the certificates apply to the associate degree program. Graduates of the Business Administration Career - Administrative Professional Option are highly-trained and workforce-ready.

Career Stats

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In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: APC).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in two semesters.
  • Meet with Career Services to discuss the internship process and leads for internship placements.
  • Contact Career Services to complete all requirements of CPS 298 (required prior to registration for BUS 298). See www.QCC.edu/career-services.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss associate degree (Program Code: BBAP); or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Keyboarding ApplicationsBSS 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introduction to Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 111F/S/SU3 
Pre Cooperative Education SeminarCPS 298F/S0 
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Human Relations in OrganizationsPSY 158F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total12 

Semester 2

  • Apply to associate degree (Program Code: BBAP); or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Financial Accounting IACC 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Integrated Communications for BusinessBUS 201F/S/SU3CIS 111, Placement into college level English
Business Administration Capstone ORBUS 250F/S3CIS 111, Coreq: ACC 101 or CIS 212
Career Strategies & Internship ExperienceBUS 298CIS 111, CPS 298, Coreq: ACC 101 or CIS 212
Advanced Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 112F/S/SU3CIS 111, Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or QMAT placement score > 21
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total15 
Total Credits Required:  27 

Program Goals:

The Administrative Professional Certificate focuses on developing the clerical skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to work in a business office setting. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry-level positions as administrative assistants or may move seamlessly into the Business Administration Career - Administrative Professional Option associate degree program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate keyboarding speed and accuracy, with a minimum touch keyboarding rate of 30-35 words per minute on a three-minute timed writing, with at least 90% accuracy.
  • Demonstrate computer literacy and conduct research from a variety of sources.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively; create a portfolio of business communications using a variety of software applications.
  • Meet the challenging role of the administrative professional by adapting to the technological changes in the global economy and the diverse workplace.
  • Understand records management, appointment scheduling, and business etiquette, and develop excellent customer service skills.
  • Complete a 150-hour structured learning experience in which students apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to a work experience.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

  • Prospective students should note that CORI/SORI checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing may be required by an internship host employer in order to complete BUS 298.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • Students enrolled in BUS 298 may incur an additional expense for professional liability insurance.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 52.0408.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.