Office Professional Diploma

Strong fundamentals for entry-level jobs.

Looking to learn some solid skills? This one-year diploma is designed for students who want to learn entry-level business and technology skills.

You'll have opportunities for job shadowing and practical assignments that simulate real-world business scenarios, providing you hands-on experience that can be directly applied to your future career.

After completing this program, you'll be qualified to step into entry-level office positions or you can continue into the Business Office Management or Legal Office Management degree programs.

Program location

Available in West Burlington Not available in Keokuk Not available online

Skills you'll learn

  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Records management
  • Office accounting
  • Communication and organization
  • Microsoft Office software and technology

Where this can take you

Simple list of career options here. Need to see a few to know if we start with a sentence and then go with a bullet list.

  • Data entry
  • Receptionist
  • Front desk clerk

Contact Us

West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu

Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu

Schedule an Appointment

The Business Administration program is designed for students who wish to specialize in business, entrepreneurial, or sport management careers. Choose from four pathways: Business Office Management, Entrepreneurship, Legal Office Management, or Sport Management. Each pathway is supported by coursework that offers skills and hands-on training in the chosen field. Topics include leadership, teamwork, communication, social media, event management and developing your professional image.

Diploma and certificate options are available and can be earned separately or in conjunction with this AAS degree. You also have the opportunity to participate in Business Professionals of America with the chance to attend state and national conferences.

Office Professional diploma awarded after completion of all courses listed in Fall 1 and Spring 1 of Business Office Management or Legal Office Management pathway.

*Certificates and diploma can be earned one time.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester I Course Title Credit
ADM-162 Office Procedures 3
CSC-110 Introduction to Computers 3
ENG-131 Business English 3
MAT-712 Business Math 3
ADM-103 Office Technology 2
Take WBL-155 as 1 credit
WBL-155 Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management 1-2
TOTAL CREDITS 15 - 16

Spring Semester I Course Title Credit
ADM-117 Keyboarding and Document Production 3
ADM-181 Records and Database Management 3
ACC-102 Workplace Accounting 3
HUM-287 Leadership Development Studies 3
Take ADM-180 or ADM-198 and LGL-173
ADM-180 Administrative Management 3
ADM-198 Legal Terminology 2
LGL-173 Legal Assistant Litigation 3
TOTAL CREDITS 15 - 17

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.

ENG-131 - Business English

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course teaches the fundamentals of written communication with focus on the elements of effectively written business documents. The emphasis is on the development of writing skills through a) exercises in grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling and b) application of these skills in a variety of written business documents. Prerequisite: Meet minimum placement test score requirements or a minimum grade of C- in ENG-013. No Waivers.

MAT-712 - Business Math

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides a study of math fundamentals and their application to business situations. Topics covered include banking procedures, payroll and taxes, weights and measurements, fractions and percentages, commissions, discounts, mark-ups/mark-downs, borrowing and interest, and insurance copays and deductibles. Microsoft Excel and traditional methods will be used to make common business decisions.

ADM-103 - Office Technology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course provides in-depth and practical use of calendaring/scheduling systems, voice recognition software, advanced email functions and the Internet as a research tool. Common office technology including video conferencing, projection, copiers, faxing, scanning, transcription, 10-key calculating and multi-line phone systems will be presented and practiced in multiple settings.

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.

ADM-180 - Administrative Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is a study of administrative management including organization, site location, office layout, environment, communication processes, job analysis, job evaluation, salary administration, performance appraisal and employer/employee relations. The concepts and practices in this course are designed for students interested in office management or employee supervision.

ADM-198 - Legal Terminology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course is a study of the basic terminology used in a legal office. Emphasis will be placed on legal terminology definitions and on a study of court cases that pertain to the topics being covered.

LGL-173 - Legal Assistant Litigation

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course prepares legal administrative assistant students to aid an attorney in litigation procedures. Students receive instruction regarding the detail necessary for trial preparation from the instant the dispute requires the services of an attorney.

ACC-102 - Workplace Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course serves as an introduction to accounting that is used directly in the operation of small to mid-sized businesses. Topics covered will include an introduction to general ledgers, payroll accounting, computerized accounting, and tax accounting as well as inventory management and cost accounting.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

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