College of Applied and Technical Studies
www.kent.edu/cats

About This Program

Gain hands-on experience and skills in the latest office technologies to prepare you for a rewarding career in administrative support. Enroll now and take the first step toward your future. Read more...

Contact Information

• John Baker | jbaker96@kent.edu |
  330-308-7570
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
  • Tuscarawas Campus
  • Online (any campus above)
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students may apply either BSCI 11010 or BSCI 21010 in place of BSCI 10001.

²

IT 11000 may count toward applied electives if taken before or with any other Information Technology (IT) or Office Technology (OTEC) course.

³

Students may apply a maximum 4 credit hours of OTEC 26692 to fulfill major requirements.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Medical Billing/Coding Office Concentration Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Office Technology (no concentration)

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Medical Billing/Coding Office Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in an applied or technical associate degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements, please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Organize, manage and analyze critical business data using spreadsheet and database software.
2. Create state-of-the-art documents, using design guidelines, terminology and basic publication concepts of industry standards.
3. Import and integrate data from their original software to another for upgraded usage.
4. Determine the most appropriate software to use in creating specific business documents that meet industry standards for mailing.
5. Contrast, compare and adapt to forces that influence emerging management practices.
6. Manage the people, productivity, technology and environment within the administrative function of an organization.
7. Integrate coursework with realistic office settings, emphasizing the total quality management environment.
8. Use multiple channels used in business to communicate with others
9. Participate in the activities of various businesses to determine the variety of job responsibilities assigned to employees in their profession; develop job search strategies for use in their outreach activities.
10. Track and provide administrative support in managing projects, using software designed for this specific purpose.
11. Examine, describe and exercise various leadership, decision-making and motivational skills.

Full Description

The Associate of Applied Business degree in Office Technology focuses primarily on front-end office functions, where employees use technology for daily job responsibilities that may include producing business documents, designing presentations, generating data reports and creating financial spreadsheets. Students use the most current versions of business software applications and learn the fundamentals of accounting, automated records management, business communications and resource management.

Graduates gain a wide variety of computer application skills needed for gainful employment in office administrative support positions, including office assistant, accounting clerk, office manager, administrative coordinator, executive administrative and administrative assistant–technology.

The Office Technology major includes the following optional concentration:

• The Medical Billing/ Coding Office concentration provides a basic understanding of software, medical terminology, billing/coding and procedures used in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices and outsourcing facilities involved with providing billing operations. Students complete either an unpaid, 40-clock hour internship or an applied project that provides hands-on experience with real-world medical billing and coding processes.