Office and Business Technology

Office Administration & Accounting Technologies Degrees and Courses

Program Description

The Office and Business Technology (OBT) program offers a learner-centered and employment-focused curriculum for students seeking training in administrative office and accounting support positions. Careers as administrative assistants and accounting paraprofessionals are evolving with broader responsibilities and higher salaries. Faculty members work closely with local employers to ensure that current curriculum represents current job requirements.

Key curriculum courses include business software, software applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), desktop publishing, communication skills, records management, and accounting. Students may choose to pursue an Associate in Technical Arts degree (93 credits) or a specialized certificate (43-70 credits). Students may also choose to group certain key curriculum courses that will support related programs or fulfill industry-specific competencies.

Degree Options

Career paths for students who successfully complete the Administrative Assistant degree emphasis might include employment as an Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Executive/Confidential Secretary, or Office Manager. Completion of the Accounting Paraprofessional degree emphasis could lead to employment as an Accounting Technician, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk, Payroll Clerk, or Full-Charge Bookkeeper. (See Degrees & Certificates Quick View Associate in Applied Science Degree).

Students who plan to major in Accounting or Business Administration at a four-year institution should take ACCT& 201 , ACCT& 202 , and ACCT& 203 . Course descriptions are listed under Business Administration.

Certificate Options

Certificates may be earned by completing initial, intermediate, or advanced courses targeted for individual career pursuits. These certificates are designed for those whose intended job does not require an associate degree or for those who wish additional training in specific areas. (See Degrees & Certificates Quick View Program Certificates.)

Program Learning Outcomes

Administrative Assistant

Graduates of the Administrative Assistant program will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing with both customers and co-workers at a level necessary for successful employment.
Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate software to complete business-related tasks and requirements (word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and e-mail).
Demonstrate the ability to use proper formatting and design concepts to produce a variety of documents.
Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate filing procedures to store and retrieve records necessary for day-to-day operations of an organization.
Demonstrate the ability to record basic accounting transactions and prepare basic financial statements in both a manual and computerized system.
Demonstrate the ability to perform basic payroll functions and prepare monthly, quarterly, and yearly tax forms.
Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate mathematical concepts to typical business situations.
Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors including regular attendance, punctuality, professionalism in working with others, appropriate problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Demonstrate the ability to research employment opportunities and create an effective employment package (cover letter, resume, and application).

Accounting Paraprofessional

Graduates of the Accounting Paraprofessional program will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to analyze and correctly record accounting transactions in both manual and computerized systems.
Demonstrate the ability to prepare and analyze basic financial statements.
Demonstrate the ability to apply accounting practices in a variety of business structures (service business, merchandising business, sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation).
Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing with both customers and co-workers at a level necessary for successful employment.
Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate software to complete business-related tasks and requirements (word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and e-mail).
Demonstrate the ability to perform basic payroll functions and prepare monthly, quarterly, and yearly tax forms.
Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate mathematical concepts to typical business situations.
Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors including regular attendance, punctuality, professionalism in working with others, appropriate problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Demonstrate the ability to research employment opportunities and create an effective employment package (cover letter, resume, and application).

Entry into the Program

Please apply at Enrollment Services. The admission and registration guidelines are listed in the catalog and on the College’s website, www.skagit.edu. Before enrolling in Office and Business Technology (OBT), students are encouraged to review the sample schedules and the course descriptions. Although students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter, some key courses are offered only at specific times during the year.

Tech Prep

Please see Non-Degree Programs for information regarding Tech Prep.

Work-Based Learning

Students working toward an AAS degree will integrate their classroom learning with work-based learning by participating in Cooperative Education (OFTEC 199 ) at a supervised work site. Department Chair approval is required.

Credits and grades are based on job hours worked, work performance, and completion of learning objectives specified in a learning contract. Concurrent enrollment in the Cooperative Education seminar or equivalent is required. A special project may be substituted for Cooperative Education with consent of the Department Chair.

Credit by Examination

Credit by examination is available for the following OFTEC courses: OFTEC 115 , OFTEC 116 , OFTEC 122 , OFTEC 132 , OFTEC 134 , OFTEC 140 , and OFTEC 145 . Regulations for awarding credit by examination have been established by the college and are listed in the “Academic Regulations” section of this catalog.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

An Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100-level with both an overall 2.0 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in the technical major.

These suggested schedules illustrate one way students can complete the OBT program and obtain an associate degree.

Note: these suggested schedules are for first-year, full-time students who begin school fall quarter.

It is important to consult each course description for any prerequisites required.
Some courses are offered only once a year. It is important to review the annual schedule.
Quarterly schedules are subject to change. Students should contact a department adviser to review any changes prior to registering for classes.
Students starting winter or spring quarters should contact a department adviser.

Program Certificates

A Certificate in Office and Business Technology is granted upon completion of the following requirements with a 2.0 grade point average or above. Credits earned in these certificates can be applied to requirements in the degree program.

Individual Technical Certificate

An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval.

Micro-Certificates

These certificates focus on a specific skill within this program. A certificate is awarded to students who complete the following with a 2.0 grade point average or above: (Some courses may require prerequisites)

Office Administration & Accounting Technologies Degrees and Courses

Programs

Courses

Office Administration & Accounting Technologies