This degree or certificate prepares students for employment in an office setting performing clerical job duties, such as word processing business correspondence, operating office equipment, micro-computer operation, scheduling appointments, coordinating and overseeing office functions. The coursework is comprised of traditional business concepts which encompass accounting principles, human relations as they apply to the business environment, general office procedures, written business communications, management speaking techniques, and Microsoft Office applications. Special emphasis is placed on providing comprehensive instruction in the structure, mechanics, and strategies of technical writing, as well as oral communications. Students will focus on the development and proper use of English vocabulary, both general and specialized, critical thinking and composition skills, effective speaking and interviewing techniques. Students must complete all required core courses for a total of 30-31 units. Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able initiate and respond to correspondence effectively while using the latest automated technology, system software (Windows OS), and application software (Word, Excel, and Outlook) to perform more advanced skills; become familiar with Global information systems to be able to sign on to an account and use common utilities, including e-mail, Gopher, and Web browsers to search a variety of databases for information; acquire the necessary knowledge and skills of accounting and bookkeeping to be able to use journals and ledgers to prepare balance sheets and income statements and be able to translate accounting records into a basis for sound decision making in a variety of businesses; be able to use a variety of office procedures to perform such tasks as sorting mail, filing and processing documents; develop interpersonal skills to conduct and participate in job interviews, practice effective human relation skills in business, handle telephone conversations with ease, and develop skills to communicate more effectively with customers and other employees verbally; and type by touch at a minimum of thirty (30) words a minute and to create, edit, and format advanced features for any business document including forms, medical and legal forms, resumes, job applications, bibliographies, footnotesend-notes, newsletters.