Elevate your career potential by building your organization, technology, and business communication skills.
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Administrative Professional
Program Number: 101066
Your Degree: Associate Degree
Estimated Time to Complete: 60 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Delivery Method: 100% Online, Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Business
Estimated Program Cost: $11,446.45
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  • Program Overview

    Prepare for an administrative professional career at Madison College.

    In this degree program, you will learn current business technology and software, and attain the office skills needed to work as support staff in any organization. Our instructors have real-world experience as administrative professionals and can’t wait to work with you.

    The Administrative Professional program may be used to help you prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) computer certifications.

    Program Details

    Students in the Administrative Professional program can attend full or part-time.

    Administrative Professional classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Why Madison College?

    • Flexible course offerings allow you to master professional skills in a growing career field and advance your software skills to improve office efficiency
    • Learn from experienced instructors with real-world office experience
    • Experience life as an administrative professional as you complete an on-site internship
    • Earn credit for prior learning through transfer credits, certifications, challenge exams, and experiential credit
    • Obtain additional diploma credentials by completing earn-as-you-go career pathway credits
    • Learn to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders
    • Gain knowledge and experience for managing administrative projects

    Administrative Professional Careers

    Madison College associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of administrative professional including:

    • Administrative Assistant/Secretary
    • Administrative Support
    • Desktop Publisher Specialist
    • Information Coordinator
    • Information Processing Specialist
    • Office Assistant
    • Office Support
    • Program Assistant
    • Project Coordinator
    • Receptionist
    • Secretary
    • Transcriptionist
    • Word Processor

  • Program Courses

    Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester. 

    Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.

    First Semester
    10-103-104
    Microsoft Teams and Integrated Applications
    This course introduces Microsoft Teams as a collaboration and communication tool within Microsoft 365. Students learn to create teams, manage meetings, share files, and collaborate in real time using channels and integrated apps such as Forms, Planner, Lists, Whiteboard, and Loop. Emphasis is placed on productivity, digital etiquette, and ethical and responsible use of digital tools. Competency in Windows and file management required.
    1 credit
    10-103-120
    Digital Learning Foundations
    Introduces essential digital tools and resources at Madison College. Students will explore the student homepage and key support resources, navigate important features within Brightspace, develop skills in digital file management using File Explorer/Finder and OneDrive, download and utilize Microsoft 365 applications and web conferencing tools, and conclude with an introduction to the role of AI in their educational journey.
    1 credit
    10-103-165
    Outlook
    Use Microsoft's messaging and personal information management program. Communicate by email; schedule appointments, meetings and events; manage the Inbox, contact lists, tasks, notes, and to-do lists; categorize and flag messages; track and archive messages; configure and customize Outlook; manage Outlook components; integrate Outlook options; create quick steps and rules; configure autoarchive settings, work with news feeds.
    1 credit
    10-106-100
    Mindset for Success
    Designed to foster the attitudes and skills that can inspire and empower you throughout your career regardless of your chosen path. Develop and improve skills in creativity, ambition, critical thinking, innovation, opportunistic thinking, and teamwork through experiential and problem-solving approaches. Become an engaged workplace contributor and develop a workforce-ready mindset.
    3 credits
    10-106-107
    Business Document Applications
    Achieve expert-level word processing skills by learning on Microsoft Office Word. Students will utilize the software to solve practical problems in a project-based format. Explore fundamentals and best practices in document creation, editing, formatting, collaboration, tables, mail merge, desktop publishing, themes, templates, forms, and macros. Students must have the ability to key 30 WPM.
    3 credits
    10-801-195
    Written Communication
    Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.
    3 credits
    10-804-123
    Math with Business Applications
    This course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes.
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-103-145
    Access
    Within the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Access database software can help manage your information, data, and records. In this beginning level course, students will create, edit, and manipulate databases, add tables to store and organize data, create relationships to take advantage of a relational database, perform queries to extract meaningful information, add calculations to tables and queries to determine values, create and use forms to assist with data entry and online data management, and develop reports for data analysis and reporting out to stakeholders. Students must be competent in Windows and have file management skills.
    1 credit
    10-103-169
    Collaboration and Productivity Tools
    Learn, compare, and analyze the successful use of collaboration and social media tools used in organizations today. Organize notes, images, files, and correspondence with Microsoft OneNote; build a customized online calendar to track meetings and tasks; explore and participate in social media applications from a business perspective; examine video conferencing systems and take part in a live web meeting; utilize SharePoint to store and manage files. This course uses Microsoft Office 365/OneNote 2019.
    1 credit
    10-106-109
    Business Spreadsheet Applications
    Create professional, data-driven workbooks using Microsoft Excel. Develop skills with formulas, functions, worksheet formatting, charts, tables, conditional formatting, multiple worksheets and workbooks, templates, data validation, worksheet protection, and macros. Import and cleanse data, perform what-if analysis using Scenario Manager, Data Tables, and Solver, and complete loan amortization, investment analysis, and asset depreciation calculations.
    3 credits
    10-106-164
    Customer Contact Skills
    Develop a foundation in customer service knowledge and skills through inquiry and analysis of internal and external customers, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening techniques, critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as adding value to customer service interactions. Focus on the impact of technology on customer service, analyze service breakdowns and recovery, examine customer loyalty programs, and explore the diverse customer base within our global economy.
    2 credits
    10-106-172
    Administrative Office Management
    Develop the skills necessary to succeed in a global business office. Topics include: teamwork and interpersonal skills, business travel, meeting preparation and support, meeting minutes/note taking, online surveys, workplace confidentiality, management and leadership skills, and global business perspectives. Learn how to effectively manage and support others within an organization.
    3 credits
    10-106-231
    Business Presentations and Publications
    Explore key graphic design principles and best practices for designing and presenting. Using Microsoft PowerPoint, incorporate graphics, SmartArt, icons, multimedia elements, charts, and tables to engage your audience. Add transitions and professional animations. Work with the Slide Master to fully customize presentations. Develop eye-catching handouts, flyers, social media posts, and presentations using free online graphic design tools such as Canva. Prerequisite: Windows competency, including solid file management skills. This course uses Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Canva.
    3 credits
    10-801-196
    Oral/Interpersonal Communication
    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-101-106
    Accounting Fundamentals
    Surveys accounting principles and practices with an emphasis on interpretation, rather than preparation, of financial statements. Presents basic business terminology, cash basis and accrual basis accounting, ratio analysis, payroll, and budgeting. This class is not for students majoring in accounting.
    3 credits
    10-104-114
    Social Media Marketing
    This course provides an overview of the impact of social media technologies on marketing strategies. Current social media tools/platforms and their business applications, strategy insights, creative, and ethics will be covered along with the development of a social media marketing plan.
    3 credits
    10-106-106
    Business Writing and Research
    Apply effective writing strategies to compose employment-related correspondence including business letters, memos, informal reports, and formal reports. Learn to use correct-order writing plans as well as appropriate tone, etiquette, and style. Apply writing, researching, and critical thinking skills in the context of real business writing scenarios. Reinforcement of grammar, punctuation, and proofreading will be integrated throughout the course.
    3 credits
    10-809-172
    Introduction to Diversity Studies
    This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context.
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    Psychology of Human Relations
    This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-102-135
    Project Management Fundamentals
    Develop skills to manage a project from start to finish through teamwork. Class topics include project acceptance; defining, planning, scheduling, leading, monitoring, and controlling projects; and project closeout. Apply skills, both as a participant and a project leader, in case studies and group projects, using tools such as Microsoft Project, templates, charters, Gantt charts, critical paths, milestones, risk control and prioritization.
    3 credits
    10-106-112
    Event Planning & Coordination
    Learn to plan and coordinate business meetings and events using event management processes such as goal setting, developing objectives, planning and implementation of event logistics, facility set up, and follow-up activities.
    3 credits
    10-106-126
    Software Capstone
    This course is based upon knowledge learned in previous courses using multiple software applications including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Apply industry-standard formats to business correspondence including, business letters, reports, and publications. Manage information, apply critical-thinking skills to real-world scenarios, research topics, and compose a variety of integrated business documents, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations.
    3 credits
    10-106-190
    Professional Development
    Get fully prepared for your job or internship search! Build an electronic portfolio by creating an effective resume, cover letter, and thank you letter. Polish interviewing, networking, and personal branding skills. Learn effective techniques to present yourself to employers for job prospects or promotions.
    1 credit
    10-899-404
    Electives
    4 credits
    Recommended Electives
    10-103-156
    Microsoft Project Tools
    This course will use Microsoft project management tools, including but not limited to MS Project, Planner and Copilot, to plan a project, create and use a Gantt Chart, communicate project information, assign resources, assign costs, track project progress through completion, and share project information with other programs.
    3 credits

  • How to Apply

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.

    Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes, or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2026

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026

    Spring 2027

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027

    Summer 2027

    • Application available on September 15, 2026
    • Application completion deadline is July 15, 2027

    Fall 2027

    • Application available on October 15, 2026
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:

    • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED completion
    • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
        • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Administrative Professional career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    UW Oshkosh
    The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    Lakeland University
    Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
    Milwaukee School of Engineering
    Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Franklin University
    Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree.

  • Career Outcomes

    After completing the Administrative Professional program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

    • Demonstrate effective workplace communications
    • Apply technology skills to business and administrative tasks
    • Perform routine administrative procedures
    • Manage administrative projects
    • Maintain internal and external relationships
    • Model professionalism in the workplace

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      		202320242025
      Number of Program Graduates888
      Number of Surveys Sent878
      Number of Surveys Returned456
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment336
      Percent Available for Employment75.0%60.0%100.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market25.0%20.0%0.0%
      Available for Employment

      		202320242025
      Graduates Employed235
      Percent of Graduates Employed66.7%100.0%83.3%
      Employed in Related Occupation224
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%66.7%80.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation001
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%0.0%20.0%
      Employed - No Response010
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%33.3%0.0%
      Seeking Employment101
      Percent Seeking Employment33.3%0.0%16.7%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      		202320242025
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.53.83
      Number of Satisfaction Responses446
      Very Satisfied (4)231
      Percent Very Satisfied50.0%75.0%16.7%
      Satisfied (3)214
      Percent Satisfied50.0%25.0%66.7%
      Unsatisfied (2)001
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%16.7%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      		202320242025
      Number of Primary Reason Responses446
      Preparation for Getting a Job332
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job75.0%75.0%33.3%
      Career Change111
      Percent Career Change25.0%25.0%16.7%
      Improvement of Existing Skills002
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills0.0%0.0%33.3%
      Preparation for Further Education001
      Percent Preparation for Further Education0.0%0.0%16.7%
      Personal Interest000
      Percent Personal Interest0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      		202320242025
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses225
      Before Enrollment002
      Percent Before Enrollment0.0%0.0%40.0%
      While Attending the College003
      Percent While Attending the College0.0%0.0%60.0%
      After Training at the College220
      Percent After Training at the College100.0%100.0%0.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      		202320242025
      Number of Employment Location Responses245
      In College District225
      Percent In College District100.0%50.0%100.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown020
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%50.0%0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202320242025
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count22
      Average Monthly Wage$6,616$4,730
      Average Hourly Wage$38.46$27.50
      Average Work Hours per Week40.040.0
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count112
      Average Hourly Wage$32.69$21.42$21.00
      Average Work Hours per Week25.020.020.0

    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      City of Sun Prairie EMSMunicipal Clerk AssistantSun Prairie
      Omni Financial LLCAdministrative Assistant
      Price Insurance AgencyOffice AssistantFort Atkinson
      Promega CorporationTraining & Packaging CoordinatorFitchburg

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

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