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Administrative Specialist Certificate

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Program Available at:

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

Catalog Year 2022-2023 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

For more information, visit the Dallas College Business Office Systems and Support webpage and your success coach 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. 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.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 45 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

POFI 1301 – Computer Applications I

POFT 1301 – Business English

CHOOSE ONE:   

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • POFI 1341 – Computer Applications II OR
  • POFM 1302 – Medical Software Applications

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication This is a Core course.
  • SPCH 1315 – Public Speaking This is a Core course. OR
  • SPCH 1321 – Business and Professional Communication This is a Core course.

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

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with your success 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. Must earn a grade of “C" or better.

CHOOSE ONE:   

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

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

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

Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 3

POFT 2312 – Business Correspondence & Communication

ELECTIVE Must be selected from the following: POFI 2350, POFI 2331, POFI 2340, POFT 1319, POFT 1328, POFT 2301

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • POFT 1380 – Cooperative Education-Admin. Assistant and Secretarial Science, General Capstone course for this award. OR
  • ​POFT 1382 – Cooperative Education-General Office Occupations and Clerical Services Capstone course for this award.

CHOOSE ONE:  

CHOOSE ONE:   

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

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

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

Total Hours: 15-16

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 45-46 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated August 5, 2025