Why This Matters
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22% HAVE AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Administrative assistants have space to advance into managerial or executive roles, which is correlated to higher levels of education. Around 22% possess an associate degree.
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3,311,400 OF YOU ARE NEEDED BY 2029
While administrative roles are predicted to decline 9% within the next decade, a projected 3,311,400 of you are still needed within the United States. In the medical industry, administrative roles are projected to grow 10% by 2029.
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EARN UP TO $67,510 PER YEAR
High-level positions like executive administrative assistants earn an average annual salary of $63,110 per year, with the top 10% earning $67,510 or higher annually.
Our Research
This list focuses on administrative assistant associate programs. Since administrative roles are highly technical, the majority of these programs award an Associate in Applied Science or an Associate of Science degree. One program awards an Associate of Arts degree. We reviewed programs that are offered online or in blended formats.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is a national authority on institutional excellence, used as a measure of educational quality throughout the U.S. Other national accrediting organizations include the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. All other programs we researched are from regionally accredited institutions. Degrees and credits earned through these programs are transferable to other institutions within the United States.
- 76 hours to write this article
- 52 universities and colleges we assessed
- 95 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Administrative Assistant Associate Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Similar degrees include associates in business, accounting, finance, and marketing. While these degrees can be applied to an office setting and will include some of the same courses, an administrative assistant associate degree focuses specifically on the office-related technology and skills you will use on the job, such as business writing, business law, information management, software integration, and office team procedures.
Seek out programs from regionally or nationally accredited schools, as these focus both on the quality of the program and the institution itself.
While administrative assistants are needed across many fields, the job outlook is highest in the medical field, with 10% projected job growth by 2029.
You can gain a competitive edge in your job search by becoming a certified administrative professional (CAP) via the CAP exam, which you are eligible for with an associate degree and three years of professional administrative experience. You can also become a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) via each Microsoft application’s associate-level exam.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online administrative assistant associate programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? For online programs, two delivery options are available. Synchronous courses unfold in real time, so all students must be present (virtually) at a designated meeting time. Asynchronous courses do not have a set meeting time, so you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace. You must decide which delivery option works best with your schedule.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? An online administrative assistant associate program requires approximately 60 credits, or about two years, to complete if you take courses full-time. Part-time students require an additional six-plus months to earn their degree.
When researching programs, keep track of application deadlines. This information is accessible on the school’s website.
To finance your education, look into financial aid, grants, and scholarship options. Keep an eye on application materials and submit all paperwork by the deadline.