Administrative Specialist

Transform Your Future with an Education for Excellence in any Organization

CWI students in the Administrative Specialist program learning at computers

Program Overview

Are you aiming to become a business support professional who adds value to employers and communities? The Administrative Specialist program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is designed to develop such dynamic professionals. This program hones your skills to improve business efficiencies and customer relationships, preparing you to perform complex duties by applying the latest technology. As office roles evolve with increasing reliance on technology, this program offers Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications, significantly boosting your job prospects.

Students can earn Basic Technical Certificates in Business Technology, Business Writing, and Office Management, which are integral parts of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program also includes specialized courses with emphasis areas in Bookkeeping and Accounting, Marketing Communications, and Medical Administrative Support. Completing these emphasis areas leads to an AAS degree with a specialized focus, enhancing your knowledge and skills for accounting-related positions, digital marketing, or medical administrative roles.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Basic Technical Certificate

Fully Online

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

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Learning Opportunities

  • Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications: Gain critical certifications to showcase your office technology proficiency.
  • Diverse Business Electives: Choose from emphasis areas like Bookkeeping and Accounting, Marketing Communications, and Medical Administrative Support.
  • Technical Certificates: Earn certificates in Business Technology, Business Writing, and Office Management.
  • Real-World Business Skills: Develop skills for varied office settings and small businesses.
  • Comprehensive Business Training: Prepare for roles in office administration, business management, IT, and business support.

Industry Certification Preparation

  • Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): An NCCA accredited certification specifically for those in office and administrative roles.
  • Microsoft Certifications: Certify in Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Slack Badges: Show your skills in communication and project management software. 

Area of Study

Bookkeeping & Accounting

Dive into the Bookkeeping and Accounting emphasis to become the financial backbone of any organization, mastering the crucial skills of financial management and data analysis that shape business decisions and drive efficiency.

Marketing Communications

Embrace the Marketing Communications emphasis to transform into a storytelling expert in business, developing innovative strategies that captivate audiences and shape the branding success of any enterprise.

Medical Administrative Support

Opt for the Medical Administrative Support emphasis to play a pivotal role in healthcare, acquiring specialized skills in managing medical records and procedures essential in providing top-notch assistance.

Degrees & Certificates

Administrative Specialist – Associate of Applied Science Degree

2

YEARS

AAS

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements

Business Technology – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Available Fully Online

Certificate Requirements

Business Writing – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Available Fully Online

Certificate Requirements

Office Management – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Available Fully Online

Certificate Requirements
Woman sitting at desk smiling

Career Opportunities

  • Office Clerks, General

    Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.

    364

    Annual Openings*

    $15.71

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $32,677

    Annual Median Salary

    8.66%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

    Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers. Excludes legal, medical, and executive secretaries (43-6011 through 43-6013).

    237

    Annual Openings*

    $17.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,504

    Annual Median Salary

    5.11%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Receptionists and Information Clerks

    Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization. Excludes “Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service” (43-2011).

    150

    Annual Openings*

    $14.05

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $29,224

    Annual Median Salary

    15.17%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer User Support Specialists

    Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Excludes “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).

    68

    Annual Openings*

    $22.63

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,070

    Annual Median Salary

    17.58%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

    Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff. Excludes “Secretaries” (43-6012 through 43-6014).

    25

    Annual Openings*

    $23.51

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,901

    Annual Median Salary

    4.16%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Occupations, All Other

    All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).

    20

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    35.64%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Data Entry Keyers

    Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing. Excludes “Word Processors and Typists” (43-9022).

    11

    Annual Openings*

    $14.20

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $29,536

    Annual Median Salary

    -9.65%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • File Clerks

    File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.

    9

    Annual Openings*

    $17.26

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $35,901

    Annual Median Salary

    -5.61%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Word Processors and Typists

    Use word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned. Excludes “Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners” (27-3092), “Medical Transcriptionists” (31-9094), “Secretaries and Administrative Assistants” (43-6010), and “Data Entry Keyers” (43-9021).

    4

    Annual Openings*

    $17.31

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,005

    Annual Median Salary

    -33.91%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Administrative Specialist as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Business Professionals of America

College of Western Idaho is proud to be part of Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and other related career fields.

News

College of Western Idaho is providing opportunities over the next month for students to make connections which could lead to employment and internships.

Read more about Upcoming Job and Career Fairs at CWI

Assistant Professor, Yolonda Barnes, recently presented research examining the effect of articulated credit on college outcomes at national conference.

Read more about Barnes Presents at National Technology and Science Conference

Congratulations to Laura Bagley, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for February 2019.

Read more about Staff of the Month—February 2019

Congratulations to Dr. Yolonda Barnes who recently become a certified instructor of Leadership Development Studies curriculum.

Read more about Barnes Certifies to Teach Leadership Curriculum

Wallgren and Harbacheck participate in Maximus Job Fair, highlighting the College’s Administrative Specialist program.

Read more about Administrative Specialist Program Highlighted at Job Fair

Lindsey Wallgren has been selected as College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for April 2018.

Read more about Faculty of Distinction—April 2018

Administrative Specialist students test out their interviewing skills.

Read more about Administrative Specialist Mock Interviews

College of Western Idaho faculty presented at the Western Business Education Association Conference over President's Day weekend.

Read more about Faculty Present at the Western Business Education Association Conference

Dr. Yolanda Barnes, Program Chair for the Administrative Specialist program at College of Western Idaho, recently presented doctoral work at the National Technology and Social Science Conference in...

Read more about Barnes Presents at National Conference

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition

Teri Harbacheck of CWI’s Administrative Specialist program has been selected as May Faculty of Distinction.

Read more about Administrative Specialist Faculty Wins May Honor

CWI students earned one gold medal, three runner-up finishes, and a third-place award at the Business Professionals of America National Conference.

Read more about CWI Students Rack up Awards at National Event
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