Business Software Applications Specialist
Program Number:
311069
One-Year Technical Diploma
Program Website:
Program Courses offered at the following Campuses:
About
The Business Software Applications Specialist Program gives the student an understanding of the general business activities required of office employees. Software skills, along with customer service and interpersonal skills, are emphasized. To succeed as a Business Software Applications Specialist, students should have a mastery of software skills, a mastery of English fundamentals, enjoy working with people, enjoy problem solving, and be detail oriented. The program is also available completely online. In order to graduate from the program, students must receive a grade of C or higher in all program courses.
Graduates of this program typically earn $1,800 per month.
Admissions
Requirements for Program Application
The following is required to process your application:
- High School transcript - or
- Completed COMPASS - or
- HSED/GED Test Scores - or
- College transcript showing an Associate's, Bachelor's or higher degree from an institution other than Madison College
Admission Processing Deadlines:
Fall 2012
Madison College begins collecting applications for the following year's fall semester on September 1, 2011. For this program applications must be received by August 31, 2012 to be considered for the fall semester. All supporting documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be received by September 15, 2012.
Spring 2013
Madison College begins collecting applications for the following year's spring semester on January 16, 2012. For this program applications must be received by January 15, 2013, to be considered for the spring semester. All supporting documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be received by February 2, 2013.
Admission information and Next Steps:
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes:
- Manage an office effectively and efficiently.
- Communicate clearly and professionally.
- Recognize professional values and exhibit professional behaviors in the work environment.
- Use appropriate technology and technical skills to manage information and solve problems.
- Exhibit interpersonal skills and attitudes for working in an office environment.
Employment
Career Potential:
View Gainful Employment information.
- Administrative Services Coordinator
- Customer Service Associate
- Office Assistant
- Program Assistant
- Receptionist-Data Entry
- Secretarial Assistant
- Word Processor
With advanced training graduates may find employment as:
- Administrative Assistant
- Executive Assistant
- Executive Secretary
- Information Coordinator
- Office Manager
Additional Info
Online Program
The Business Software Applications Specialist program is taught completely online. You are not required to come to the Madison, Wisconsin campus.
Online Program Information
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Program Application
If you are seeking a Diploma from Madison Area Technical College, complete the Program Application (standard form for all 16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges located on the WTCS website). If you are not a resident of the United States, you must contact the kafischer1[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (program coordinator) prior to submitting the application. Madison Area Technical College will not issue an I-20 student visa for this program. After you have completed the Program Application, please fill out the Business Technology Student Information Form. -
Taking Classes in Sequence
It is recommended that you take classes in the sequence they appear in the curriculum. Contact Karen Jennings at (608) 243-4044 for more information.
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Getting Credit for Work Experience, Certifications or Completed Classes
If you have work experience, certifications such as Certified Professional Secretary, Certified Administrative Professional, Microsoft Office Specialist Cerfification, or have already taken classes at this or other institutions you may be able to be granted advanced standing to earn your degree more quickly. You may take a Challenge Exam for some courses to gain advanced standing. Contact cyero[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Chris Yero )at (608) 243-4019 for more information.
Online Course Information
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Curriculum
All classes listed in the curriculum are offered online.
- Registration. For further information, contact Karen Jennings at (608) 243-4044.
- Class information will be sent to registered students approximately 10-15 days prior to the beginning of the course.
- Textbook and supply information will be sent via email approximately one month before the semester begins. Textbooks may be ordered from the Madison Area Technical College bookstore online or by calling (608) 246-6017.
- Madison Area Technical College reserves the right to cancel an offering if the course fails to meet the minimum number of students.
Online Course Expectations
- Be self-motivated, independent, and have basic knowledge in computer operations such as keyboarding, sending and receiving email, surfing the Internet. For more information about online learning, refer to "Are you an Online Learner?."
- Make time to devote to class work. These are credit classes that typically meet 3-5 hours per week in the traditional setting. Internet students are required to do the same work as the face-to-face student. It is recommended that a beginning online learner take no more than six credits.
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Online classes in the Business Software Applications Specialist Program have specific technical requirements:
- Pentium 3 Processor
- 56 Modem
- 20 gb hard drive
- 128 mb Ram (256 recommended)
- Sound Card
- Plug-ins as needed
- Windows 98 or higher
- MS Office 2002 or higher
- Internet Explorer 4 or Netscape 4
Online Class Costs
The cost range is $70-$100 per credit.
Types of Aid/Scholarships:
- Madison Area Technical College scholarship information is posted in the Student Bulletin.
- Madison Area Technical College Financial Aid Information
- Refund Information
For more information about the online Business Software Applications Specialist Program, contact Karen Jennings at (608) 243-4044.
Certification Information
The following certificates can help you get hired, promoted or update your skills. These certificates are essential for work in today's modern offices.
- Madison Area Technical College Certificate in Microsoft Office - The basic certificate courses are available online or in the classroom and can be achieved in one semester. If you completed the courses for these certificates complete the certificate form to receive an official certificate from the Business Technology Department
- Certified Professional Secretary and Certified Administrative Professional - Both are internationally recognized professional certification programs for administrative staff and are administered by International Association of Administrative Professionals. The Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) began in 1951; the Certified Administrative ProfessionalCM (CAPCM) program was launched in 2001. The CAP certification requires successful completion of one-and-one-half-day, four-part written examination (three of the parts are identical to the CPS requirements). Both require an experience component. For more information on the program or the more than 250 testing sites (some international sites are available) near you, go to http://www.iaap-hq.org and select “Professional Certification." Madison Area Technical College courses can prepare you to achieve these certifications.
For more information about the online Business Software Applications Specialist Program, contact Karen Jennings at (608) 243-4044.
Last Modified: February 7, 2012