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...
CWI Administrative Specialist
Overview
The Administrative Specialist program provides skills for students seeking a career in office administration. Students gain proficiency in leading office application software with the opportunity to obtain Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications. Students gain strong editing and writing skills, business math and accounting fundamentals, digital publishing and basic website design, and maintenance training.
The career-focused Administrative Specialist program offers you three areas of emphasis:
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
Prepares students by enhancing the skills of individuals who are seeking or are currently employed in accounting-related positions. - Medical Administrative Support
Prepares students by building medical front office skills, enhancing human relations skills, and training with medical office software for scheduling, submitting electronic bills, and documenting patient encounters. - Marketing Communications
Offers students a wide-range of business courses including business concepts, marketing, promotion, selling, or management.
Program graduates are equipped with the office and management skills necessary to become productive and responsible leaders in today’s workplace.
The Administrative Specialist program also offers three 12-month certificates:
- Business Technology Certificate
Provides students with the necessary training to complete tasks on the desktop computer and in a virtual world. By earning this certificate students will learn basic computer programs, how to create projects by integrating applications, and work with teams in an online environment. - Business Writing Certificate
Provides students with principles and strategies for effective written and oral communication in business. Students will develop and enhance skills in business writing, detecting and correcting errors in format, punctuation, spelling, grammar and word usage. - Office Management Certificate
Provides students with necessary skills to operate in an office environment. Students will develop and enhance skills in accounting, business math, and basic office procedures.
These certificates are a great option for students pursuing the Administrative Specialist AAS and CWI students pursuing other associate degrees as well as current administrative professionals that want professional development.
Well trained Administrative Professionals are always in high demand. These certificates will allow individuals and companies the resources they need for proper training.
Take the next step in your career, and apply today!
Mission
The Administrative Specialist program develops students into business support professionals who are empowered to better their lives and to add value to employers and communities. They gain the skills to improve business efficiencies and customer relationships. Students will be prepared to perform complex duties by applying current technology in their careers.
Why This Program
Imagine becoming an important member of an office team. In almost every sector of business and industry, there is a need for skilled administrative assistants. When you enroll in the Administrative Specialist Program here at CWI, we help you learn the skills you need to become a qualified professional. You will receive the skills to manage the day-to-day administrative needs of any office environment.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Prepare to write and speak professionally
- Develop skill and proficiency using the latest Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency leads to MOS certification
- Apply real-world math skills to specific business processes
- Demonstrate knowledge of accounting processes including the use of computerized accounting software
- Fulfill a specialty or concentration from one of three different areas
- Possess an understanding of the mechanics of websites and the role social media integration has on web design and website management
- Implement design methods and apply software applications to effect visual and written communication across a wide range of digital mediums
- Use appropriate interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences, as they relate to various workplace situations
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Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Administrative Specialist - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Business Technology - Basic Technical Certificate
1
YEARBTC
Business Writing - Basic Technical Certificate
1
YEARBTC
Office Management - Basic Technical Certificate
1
YEARBTC
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time.
2 The Admission Deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full Academic Calendar for more information.
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Interest in a business career
- Enjoyment of working with others
- Keyboarding proficiency is a plus
- College-level reading skills
- Fluency in the English Language
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
This program requires an internship. This is a wonderful opportunity to apply classroom knowledge and skills acquired in a structured, real-world organization. Find out more.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Executive Secretaries
- Secretaries
- Administrative Assistants
- Executive Administrative Assistants
- Office Manager
- Virtual Assistant
- Records Manager
- Administrative Service Manager
- Special Programs Coordinator
- Special Events Coordinator
- Administrative Analyst
This program provides training needed to enter all types of administrative specialist careers. Graduates may find employment with large corporations, small businesses, government organizations, and more.
Administrative professionals often support the work of managers, preparing presentations, managing calls, handling correspondence, and responding to various needs of the business as they arise.
Administrative Support is required by just about every industry. You might find yourself working in a medical office, a law office, a government office, or in another industry. In any case, you'll likely find yourself in an office setting.
Virtual assistants are becoming more and more in demand, so it's possible that you might be able to work from home.
After completing the Administrative Specialist program students will have the opportunity to take the Certified Administrative Professional in progress or CAP (ip) Exam. The CAP (ip) will help them stand out in a crowded job market, and get a jump start on their career.
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

College of Western Idaho is providing opportunities over the next month for students to make connections which could lead to employment and internships.

Assistant Professor, Yolonda Barnes, recently presented research examining the effect of articulated credit on college outcomes at national conference.

Congratulations to Laura Bagley, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for February 2019.

Congratulations to Dr. Yolonda Barnes who recently become a certified instructor of Leadership Development Studies curriculum.

Wallgren and Harbacheck participate in Maximus Job Fair, highlighting the College’s Administrative Specialist program.

Lindsey Wallgren has been selected as College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for April 2018.
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management