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Administrative Specialist Certificate

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Program Available at:

  • Brookhaven
  • Eastfield
  • El Centro
  • North Lake
  • Richland

Catalog Year 2020-2021 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Level 2 Certificate

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI Must be Complete

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For more information, visit the Dallas College Business Office Systems and Support webpage and your academic advisor at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Administrative Specialist Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Administrative Specialist Certificate. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. Courses from this certificate may apply to the related A.A.S. degree. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

The Administrative Specialist Certificate prepares students for a successful career as an office professional. Courses that complete the Administrative Specialist Certificate are noted below.

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements. Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 45 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1                                                                      

POFI 1301 – Computer Applications I

POFT 1301 – Business English

CHOOSE ONE:  

CHOOSE ONE:  

CHOOSE ONE:  

  • SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication 
  • SPCH 1315 – Public Speaking OR
  • SPCH 1321 – Business and Professional Communication These are core courses.

*Students cannot duplicate these courses as a required course and as an elective course.

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.

Total Hours: 15

 

SEMESTER 2                                                                      

POFI 1349 – Spreadsheets

POFI 2301 – Word Processing

POFT 1321​​ – Business Math

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course.

CHOOSE ONE:  

  • POFT 1309 – Administrative Office Procedures I OR
  • POFM 1317 – Medical Administrative Support

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to file an official program of study audit, confirm or update your academic/career path.
  2. Meet with a faculty or career advisor regarding placement for the Cooperative Education course.

Total Hours: 15

 

SEMESTER 3                                                                      

POFT 2312 – Business Correspondence & Communication

ELECTIVE Must be selected from the following: ITSW 1407, POFI 2331, POFI 2340, POFT 1319, POFT 1328, POFT 2301

CHOOSE ONE: 

  • POFT 1380 – Cooperative Education-Admin. Assistant and Secretarial Science, General OR
  • POFT 1382 – Cooperative Education-General Office Occupations and Clerical Services

CHOOSE ONE:  

  • ITSW 1407 – Introduction to Database* OR
  • POFT 1319 – Records and Information Management I*

CHOOSE ONE:  

*Students cannot duplicate these courses as a required course and as an elective course.

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
  2. Meet with your advisor to apply for the Administrative Specialist Certificate Completion.

Total Hours: 15-17

PATHWAY TOTAL: 45-47 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated July 24, 2025