Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Summer 2024. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

Develop your language and office skills to enhance your opportunity for employment in an office environment with Seneca's Office Administration certificate programs.

Through our office administration programs, you will develop the basic skills necessary to work in any general business office environment within industry and commerce, government agencies, educational institutions or other business organizations. Some of the topics you will study include: oral and written office language skills, word processing, document preparation techniques, contemporary office procedures, current software applications such as Microsoft Word, and problem solving techniques.

The Executive Assistant, General Assistant, and Receptionist Clerk certificate programs are designed in building blocks so that credits from one certificate may be applied towards another. Students must apply to graduate after completion of each certificate. Certificates cannot be awarded retroactively.

Occasionally, certificate requirements are updated to meet changes in the workplace so that the skills of our graduates are current. Contact the Program Coordinator or Program Assistant for further information or to discuss your specific questions.

Entry Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with:
    • Grade 12 English: ENG4 (C) or ENG4 (U)

OR

  • Mature Student Status (age 19 or older) with the prerequisite course, its equivalent or appropriate Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate program credit (see Academic Upgrading)

OR

OR

Students who do not meet the admission requirement should contact the Program Coordinator directly for further advisement.

Prerequisites

It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.

Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

Certificate Requirements

PRC127
Writing Grammatically
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Completion of ESL934 or ELL100 at entry level for COM101 or permission of English coordinator

Students learn the rules of English grammar in a comprehensive, easy-to-follow manner. The course begins with a review of sentence parts, followed by an in-depth explanation of sentence structure, and culminates in a practical review of stylistic conventions in business and professional writing.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

KIP103
Introduction to Microsoft Office
Availability
 

Students will acquire skills using a variety of operations found in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and develop keyboarding skills (min. 35 wpm), through hands-on experience and assignments.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

LEG303
Communication I
Availability
 

In this course, students develop their knowledge of contemporary English grammar standards and organizational writing patterns, which together create a strong foundation for organizing and writing tasks in subsequent communication courses.

LEG303 is not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

AIP203
Microsoft Office
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

KIP103, LEG303

This course will familiarize students with the applications contained in the Microsoft Office Professional or Academic or University Edition of Microsoft Office 2016 covering Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

LEG301
Office Procedures
Availability
 

Office Procedures help students acquire practical and transferable office administration skills, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge which are valuable in obtaining and retaining careers in today's fast-changing office environment.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

OCA103
PowerPoint
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

PRC127, LEG303 and AIP203

Students learn to use MS PowerPoint for Windows using its pull-down menus, toolbars and dialogue boxes. PowerPoint as a presentation program allows students to create colourful graphics and text slides along with reports for your projects.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

OCA303
Excel
Availability
 

Students learn to use Microsoft Excel to create and format spreadsheets in order to analyze data and make more informed business decisions. Students will discover how to; create, edit, format and print workbooks; use mathematical formulas and functions; create and format charts and shapes; insert images; cut, copy and paste data.

The course is designed to help prepare students to write the MOS Certification exam for Excel 2013 (MOS Exam 77-420) or Excel 2016 (MOS Exam 77-727).

Students will also have the opportunity to earn MyITLab Microsoft Office Badges, which demonstrate achievement of skills in Excel.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

OCA403
Access
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Excel (OCA303)

Microsoft Access is a computerized database that allows you to manipulate, link, chart, query and report your data to customize the information you need. You will learn to use Microsoft Access 2016 to create databases, view, format, manage and modify data tables and fields. You will learn to create forms, queries, reports and explore data relationships using its pull-down menus, toolbars and dialog boxes. Microsoft certified courseware publication is used to present the software features in a well-illustrated graphic format to prepare students to complete the appropriate Microsoft Certification exam #77-730 for students who wish to write the MOS (Microsoft Office Certification).

Students can identify Access Skills to potential employers by successfully completing the course capstone project to earn a skills badge.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PRC186
Business Writing Strategies
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ESL934 (or equivalent) or permission of the coordinator

Effective and practical writing skills are important for successful communication in business. Students learn how to compose business correspondence including emails, memos, letters and reports with a focus on routine and persuasive messages. A review of basic grammar is also included.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

OCA603
Desktop Publishing
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access

Using a popular word processing program, students will combine basic design principles and advanced word processing techniques to produce a variety of printed matter such as stationery, business cards, posters, newsletters, letterhead, etc. A practical, hands-on approach will be taken with emphasis on producing real-life, professional materials but specific desktop publishing terminology and document handling techniques must be mastered.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

Electives (Select 1)

COM470
Interpersonal Communication
Availability
 

This course introduces necessary underlying concepts in understanding interpersonal communication. It encourages students to examine their own self-concepts, self-esteem and perception processes while learning about how these can interfere with the development of positive relationships. Students will learn the basic skills and competencies required for effective interpersonal relationships. They examine the ways in which relationships are initiated and maintained, and how they sometimes deteriorate. Finally students learn of the challenges involved in interpersonal communications.

Please note: Students in BHS, ECE, SSW, SSWA, SSWG, SSWI or SSIA cannot take this course to gain a General Education credit as it is too similar to core courses in these programs.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

MRK645
Building and Maintaining Customer Relationships
Availability
 

This course is intended to develop your understanding of customer service and the skills associated with understanding the needs of customers, meeting those needs and fostering an environment that encourage customers to return. It will be of interest to anyone who works with customers, either internal or external, on a daily basis.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

The following changes have been made to this program as of January 2020:

Students that started the program prior to January 2020 may use either subject to qualify for graduation.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Please note: LEG303 is not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Program Contacts

Maria Graziosi
Program Assistant
Maria.Graziosi@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0964


Melanie Rubens
Program Coordinator
Melanie.Rubens@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0973


For more information about this program, fill out the following form.