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 CWIAdministrative 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.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Basic Technical Certificate
Fully Online
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Locations
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.
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
Career Opportunities
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.
514
Annual Openings*
$18.30
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,064
Annual Median Salary
-1.19%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
335
Annual Openings*
$26.07
Hourly Median Wage*
$54,226
Annual Median Salary
4.33%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
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.
71
Annual Openings*
$26.94
Hourly Median Wage*
$56,035
Annual Median Salary
-6.81%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
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.
20
Annual Openings*
$21.51
Hourly Median Wage*
$44,741
Annual Median Salary
0.97%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Data Entry Keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
20
Annual Openings*
$17.82
Hourly Median Wage*
$37,066
Annual Median Salary
-16.83%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, 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).
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
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.
News
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 EventRequest More Information
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