Program Overview

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Office Administration – General (Online)

Build your office administration expertise. Learning online, at your own pace, gain skills in organization, information management and communication to support organizations across various sectors.

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

Other

Start Date(s)

Ongoing

Locations

Online

Open to

Domestic Students

CIP Code

52.0408

Find your career

Prepare for a rewarding career at the core of every thriving organization. Skilled office administrators play a vital role in ensuring workplaces run smoothly by:

• Organizing tasks, workspaces and environments.
• Managing and processing diverse types of information.
• Supporting effective and clear communication.

Is it for you?

People who thrive as office administrators are:

• Highly organized and enjoy managing tasks, schedules and priorities.
• Team players who are adept at building relationships and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Effective communicators.
• Comfortable with office technologies and learning new tools.

How you'll learn

Flexible learning that fits your life.

Prepare for a successful career in office administration with self-paced online learning.

• Develop strong communication skills and learn strategies for building and maintaining customer relationships.
• Gain expertise in essential office tools and technologies, including Microsoft Word, Excel, presentation software and desktop publishing.
• Build a solid foundation in finance, accounting math and computerized accounting.

Courses

Semester One

ACCT8003 Accounting Basics I

This course introduces students to how accounting information is used by and meets the needs of both internal and external users through effective and efficient communication as well as what accounting information is required by a business concern to reflect clearly the operating results of the enterprise over its operating life. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to generally accepted accounting principles, the interpretation and preparation of financial statements, and how this information is recorded in the various business records.

BUSI8055 Building and Maintaining Customer Relationships

This course is intended to develop your understanding of customer service and the skills associated with understanding the needs of the customer, meeting those needs and fostering an environment that encourages customers to return. It will be of interest to anyone who works with customers, either internal or external, on a daily basis.

MATH8002 Business Math

This course provides a review of basic arithmetic and algebra as well as providing students with mathematical tools and concepts needed for other college courses and in future employment. This course is to prepare students for later courses in Marketing, Business, Financial Planning, Accounting, Purchasing and Insurance.

COMM8001 Communications

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students develop stronger grammar and business writing skills to become effective business communicators. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practice writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

COMP8522 Computer Keyboarding Skills I

In this course students learn keyboarding techniques using various methods. Keyboarding speed and accuracy are emphasized. Proofreading and editing documents is covered. Research about repetitive stress injury (RSI) and proper ergonomics is included. The student should be able to achieve a minimum speed of 25 net words per minute (nwpm) with 5 or fewer errors with frequent practice.

ACCT8019 Computerized Accounting

This course introduces students to a multi-module accounting software program designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Students will use the software and their knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to create and maintain accounting records, including period end procedures and the creation of financial statements for sole proprietorships.

BUSI8185 Ethical Issues in Business

Organizations which are supportive of a positive ethical culture enjoy critical competitive advantages, such as a good reputation and the respect and support of their clients, employees and other stakeholders. This course is designed to assist employees in developing and understanding a framework with which to make ethical decisions. Cases will be drawn from real business situations. Research papers and case studies will be used to formulate the discussion topics.

COMP8166 Excel Core

Learn to use Microsoft Excel to create and format spreadsheets in order to analyze data and make more informed business decisions. You will discover how to create, edit, format and print workbooks; use mathematical formulas and functions; create and format charts and shapes; insert images; and how to cut, copy and paste data.

MATH8012 Finance and Accounting Math

This course introduces the student to the concepts and procedures of the time value of money calculations used in Mathematics of Finance. It covers topics in simple interest, compound interest, simple and general annuities, bonds and cost-benefit analysis.

COMP8155 Introduction to Computers 1

This course will familiarize students with the digital world by exploring the hardware and software of their computer system. Graduates will be able to use the most common functions of the Windows operating system including File Explorer for file management, utility programs, various web browsers for social media while observing and identifying security and privacy concerns and issues. Graduates will be able to build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets including correctly functioning formulas using Microsoft Excel and create commanding presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint while using the cloud to store and access their files.

BUSI8505 Office Technology and Procedures

This course helps the student acquire practical and transferable office administration skills, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge, which can be valuable in obtaining and retaining careers in today's fast-changing office environment. Topics covered include Internet research and email messages; managing time and stress; telecommunications; office reception and customer service; planning meetings and travel arrangements; handling the office mail; and document management.

COMP8074 Presentations and Desktop Publishing

Start, navigate and generally understand concepts essential to the use of Publisher. By working with objects, frames and text in a publication, students will perform a mail merge and create drawings and WordArt objects. They will be able to create stationery, design master pages, and use layout and page techniques to enhance Publisher publications. The ability to create electronic presentations as well as various types of print materials, such as business cards, letterhead, brochures, flyers and newsletters, is necessary in business today.

COMP8535 Word Core

Learn to use MS Word 2019 or 365 for Windows, a word processing package that has the convenience and efficiencies of pull-down menus. Learn to create, edit, format and print documents. Use paragraph, page, and character formatting commands. Create multiple page documents with table, and desktop publishing.

COMP8547 Word Expert

Learn to use advanced MS Word 2019 & 365 software features required to prepare complex and professional documents. Learn to manage document options and settings, design advanced documents, create advanced references, and create custom elements.

Courses subject to change.

Additional courses information

Please note:

• Courses should be completed in the order listed. Please take note of courses with pre-requisites or co-requisites. Registration requests may be denied if these have not been satisfied.
• Students should complete all program requirements within seven years.
• Students may apply to receive the credential after completing all required courses.

Required courses:

• COMM 8001 | Communications
• COMP 8155 | Introduction to Computers 1
• COMP 8535 | Word Core
• COMP 8166 | Excel Core
• MATH 8002 | Business Math
• BUSI 8505 | Office Technology and Procedures
• ACCT 8003 | Accounting Basics I
• COMP 8522 | Computer Keyboarding Skills I
• COMP 8547 | Word Expert
• BUSI 8185 | Ethical Issues in Business
• MATH 8012 | Finance and Accounting Math
• COMP 8074 | Presentations and Desktop Publishing
• ACCT 8019 | Computerized Accounting
• BUSI 8055 | Building and Maintaining Customer Relationships

Admission Requirements

This program is open for enrolment on a course-by-course basis. Students should possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or be classified as a mature student (19 years of age or older without an OSSD) prior to registering for courses.

Costs

Domestic students

Approximate costs (2024–25)

Course availability and costs can be found at Loyalist Focus.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs and resources. Learn more about paying for college and OSAP for students completing distance education programs.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Take your office administration expertise to the next level by building on your skills and turning your certificate into a diploma with further online studies:

• Office Administration – Legal
• Office Administration – Executive
• Office Administration – Health Services

You could also receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Related programs

Office Administration – Executive (Online)

Learn online at your own pace and build on what you learned in the Office Administration – General program. Enhance your skills in organization, information management and communication to support executive-level operations.

Office Administration – Health Services (Online)

Skilled support is key in medical offices. This flexible, self-paced program prepares you for roles in clinics, hospitals and more. Learn communication, data management, invoicing, OHIP billing, transcription and office procedures to excel in health care administration.

Office Administration – Legal (Online)

Gain the skills for a vital role in a fast-paced, precision-driven law office. Through courses simulating real-world legal practices, master legal forms and processes while acquiring expertise in transcription, record keeping, accounting and office administration.