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Office Support Specialist
Technical Diploma
Why choose Office Support Specialist?
- Learn to perform clerical and support work with the skill and flexibility required in today’s offices.
- Engage in challenging hands-on experiences using word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and electronic mail software.
- Keep going to get your associate degree in the Business Management program.
- This program can be completed entirely online.
Performing office work has never required more knowledge and efficiency than it does today. And the busier and more successful an organization is, the more likely it is to need qualified office support specialists to keep the office running smoothly.
Program Locations
Online
Delivery:
Online (anytime, anywhere)
Full-Time or Part-Time
8-Week Classes
Length of Program: One Year
Credits: 32
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Mid-State’s Office Support Specialist program develops students into key members of an office team. The program emphasizes document preparation and the effective use of personal interactions and ever-changing technology to support your role as the central communications link in an office.
Through a variety of activities, you will learn to handle multiple projects and deadlines, manage time, solve problems, and be helpful in nature—all skills in high demand by employers.
Outcomes
- Perform accurate workplace communications.
- Use technology skills for business tasks.
- Perform routine office procedures.
- Demonstrate professionalism and effective workplace relationships.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $5,179.04
- Books: $654.56
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $5,833.60
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10102101 | Introduction to Business | 3 | |
| 10801195 | Written Communication | 3 | |
| 10106106 | Quality Customer Service | 3 | |
| 10801198 | Speech | 3 | |
| 10102138 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | |
| 10102231 | Business Networking | 1 | |
| Term Total | 16 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10103106 | Microsoft Office-Introduction | 3 | |
| 10196189 | Team Building and Problem Solving | 3 | |
| 10102230 | Business Communities | 1 | |
| 10104102 | Marketing Principles | 3 | |
| 10106190 | Professional Business Skills | 3 | |
| 10101140 | Accounting 1 | 3 | |
| Term Total | 16 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 32 Credits |
Instructors
SHARON BEHRENS, AAS, BA, MBA, MEd
Sharon earned an MEd from National-Louis University and an MBA from Walden University. She has many years of office experience to share and a passion for technology. She keeps her skills current as an active member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Sharon also attends conferences and authors and edits software textbooks and other instructional materials for leading publishing companies. She also serves as club advisor to the Mid-State chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA).
“I enjoy getting to know my students and find it invigorating to see their skills and confidence evolve through the many hands-on opportunities available.”
Careers
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
- Customer Service Representative
- Office Support Specialist
- Program Assistant
- Secretary
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
Take the Next Step
"Mid-State’s Office Support Specialist program taught me to have confidence in my capabilities. One month after graduation I accepted my first professional job in the banking industry."
MEGAN GROSSKLAUS
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
