Best Online Associate Degree in Office Administration Programs

An associate in office administration is a two-year degree that can prepare students for positions in business offices. Potential job titles include data entry specialist, documentation specialist, executive assistant, administrative assistant, and bank teller supervisor.

An associate in office administration — a type of business degree — typically takes two years to earn. This is true for students in both online and on-campus programs. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed more quickly.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average total cost of attending a two-year institution was about $12,300 during the 2022-2023 academic year. This includes tuition, fees, and room and board. In-state tuition is usually much lower than out-of-state tuition, but some online schools charge in-state tuition to all online students.

According to PayScale, graduates with an associate in office administration earned an average base salary of $39,000 per year in April 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for secretaries and administrative assistants will fall 10% from 2022 and 2032.

Administrative assistants should be comfortable using technology and possess strong communication skills. They also need to be detail-oriented, organized, and sensitive to deadlines. These qualities can also help a student succeed in an associate in office administration program.

Most associate in office administration programs are about two years long and require students to complete at least 60 credits. Students learn the skills they need to work in all types of offices. They generally learn how to schedule and plan meetings, organize paper and electronic files, and make travel arrangements.

When applying to online associate in office administration programs, students should check with each school to find out if there are any in-person requirements. Some schools require in-person practicums, labs, or orientations.

Most associates in office administration result in either an associate of science (AS) or an associate of applied science (AAS) degree. The AS degree is heavy on science and math and can prepare students to continue their studies at four-year colleges or universities. Programs that award AAS degrees usually focus on giving students the skills they need to enter the workforce directly after graduation.

To get into an associate in office administration program, candidates must submit an application along with the application fee. It’s usually a good idea to apply to more than one school. In addition to the application, most schools require students to submit high school transcripts or proof of their GED diploma, along with scores from college entrance exams.

Some schools also require college application essays or letters of recommendation. Institutions may provide topics for your college application essay, or you may be able to choose your own topic. You can request letters of recommendation from your high school teachers if you’ve recently graduated, or from a supervisor at work.

If you’ve been working for a while, you may be able to get college credit for life and work experience. Check with the schools you’re applying to in order to determine if they offer this type of credit.

People with an associate in office administration earned an average salary of $39,000 per year in April 2024, according to PayScale. The average salary for all associate degree graduates overall was $61,000 per year. PayScale data indicates that professionals with an associate in business administration earned an average salary of $65,000 per year in April 2024.

One common job title for graduates with an associate in office administration is administrative assistant. The BLS projects a 10% decline in jobs for secretaries and administrative assistants between 2022 and 2032.

Even though the field is declining, there are still plenty of jobs for professionals with a background in office administration. Office administration professionals can work in a variety of industries, including healthcare; educational services; scientific, professional, and technical services; government; and religion.

See where an associate in office administration degree can take you. Learn more about business administration careers.

Although graduates with an associate degree in business administration earn more than those with a degree in office administration, the opposite is true at the baccalaureate level. According to PayScale, people with a bachelor’s in business administration earn an average of $78,000 per year in April 2023, while those with a bachelor’s in office administration earn an average of $69,000 per year in April 2023.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in office administration or business administration may decide to advance their education even further. A master’s in business administration (MBA) is a popular choice. An MBA can prepare learners for high-level leadership positions within a business or organization. A doctorate in business administration is the terminal degree for professionals in this field.

According to the NCES, the average total cost of attending a two-year institution was about $12,300 during the 2022-2023 academic year. Calculate the true cost of an associate degree by factoring in additional fees for books, transportation, and other necessary expenses. Tuition at public schools is usually lower for in-state students than for out-of-state students. Online program costs typically are comparable to on-campus programs, but that can vary depending on the school.

Synchronous programs require students to log in at specific times, while asynchronous programs allow students to set their own schedules. Check to see whether the school you’re considering offers asynchronous or synchronous programs. Part-time programs give you more flexibility to schedule school around work, while full-time programs and accelerated programs allow you to earn your degree more quickly.

Location is obviously important if you are attending classes in person, but it may be important even for online courses. Some schools have limited in-person requirements for their online programs, and you may need to travel to the school’s location. When deciding whether to attend school online or in-person, make sure you’re able to fulfill any in-person requirements.

Accredited schools have been approved by a third party, which has determined the institutions’ academic programs meet certain standards. There are two kinds of accreditation, regional and national. Regional accreditation is most important. The credits from regionally-accredited institutions are generally transferable to other colleges and universities.

Think about the types of student services you might need, and check to see which schools offer them. Many schools offer mentorship services or academic advising. They may also offer tutoring services, including extra help with math and writing. Students studying virtually may be able to take advantage of online student services such as career services, help with internships, and alumni networks.