Administrative Specialist
Administrative Specialist
Elevate Business Operations with Advanced Administrative Skills
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.
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.
- Microsoft Copilot Badges: Show your skills in communication and project management software.
Areas 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
Business Technology – Basic Technical Certificate
Business Writing – Basic Technical Certificate
Office Management – Basic Technical Certificate
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Career Opportunities
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
486
Annual Openings*
$
19.62
Hourly Median Wage*
$
40,809
Annual Median Salary
8.78
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
396
Annual Openings*
$
28.44
Hourly Median Wage*
$
59,155
Annual Median Salary
8.78
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
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.
82
Annual Openings*
$
28.36
Hourly Median Wage*
$
58,988
Annual Median Salary
14.35
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
19
Annual Openings*
$
17.38
Hourly Median Wage*
$
36,150
Annual Median Salary
-16.44
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
16
Annual Openings*
$
22.86
Hourly Median Wage*
$
47,548
Annual Median Salary
2.07
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*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. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
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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Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Related Programs
Bookkeeping & Accounting
Prepare for High-Demand Accounting Roles with Hands-On Training
Marketing Communications
Launch Your Career in Dynamic Marketing: Blend Creativity with Strategy
Medical Administrative Support – ARCHIVED
Become an Integral Part of Healthcare with Administrative Expertise
Clubs
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.
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