Computer Information Systems - Microsoft Office Specialist (certificate)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Official Title of Certificate: Computer Information Systems - Microsoft Office Specialist, Certificate

Award: Certificate

Code: CRT.CIS.MICROSOFT-OS

Total Credit Hours: 23

About the Computer Information Systems Department

Purpose: To prepare students for employment in businesses that have a demand for personnel with personal computer skills. Students receive a general background in computer operations and extensive training using productivity software necessary to support the electronic office and business.

The Microsoft Office Specialist emphasizes the development and expertise in Microsoft Office applications of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. This certificate can be used as a stepping stone to the Help Desk and Technical Support Certificate or the Information Systems Technology AAS degree program. Note: Students can earn the Office Applications Specialist Letter of Recognition along with this certificate.

Range of Occupations

Applications software designer
Office Manager
Administrative Assistant
Microsoft Office Certified Application Specialist trainer
Personal computer specialist

Special Conditions

Financial Aid: This program has not been approved by the U.S. Department of Education for eligibility for federal student aid. Students enrolled in this program may not be eligible to receive financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education (Pell Grants, SEOG, Federal Work-Study, Direct Loans or PLUS loans) or the Maryland Higher Education Commission (Educational Assistance Grants, Senatorial Scholarships or Delegate Scholarships). For current information on eligible programs, contact Financial Aid by calling 410-777-2203, emailing finaid@aacc.edu or stopping by a Financial Aid office.

Certificate Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a certificate, students must have demonstrated eligibility for ENG 101 , ENG 101A , ENG 111, ENG 115, or ENG 121. See Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements .

Certificate Requirements: 23 credits

BPA 162 - Business Communications 3 credit hours
CTA 111 - Personal Computer Word Processing Applications 4 credit hours
CTA 112 - Personal Computer Presentation Graphics Applications 4 credit hours
CTA 113 - Personal Computer Information Management Applications 4 credit hours
CTA 115 - Personal Computer Database Management Systems 4 credit hours
CTA 116 - Personal Computer Spreadsheet Applications 4 credit hours

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Use Microsoft Word at a proficient level.
Use Microsoft Excel at a proficient level.
Use Microsoft Access at a proficient level.
Use Microsoft PowerPoint at a proficient level.
Provide user training in Microsoft Word.
Provide user training in Microsoft Excel.
Provide user training in Microsoft Access,
Provide user training in Microsoft PowerPoint.
Manage and analyze effectively office automation requirements.
Analyze and design basic database systems by incorporating problem-solving techniques used in developing business computer information systems.
Build and Analyze spreadsheets, add charts, conduct What-If Analysis.
Prepare dynamic presentations.
Use extensive word processing features such as MailMerge, Document Tracking features.
Link and embed objects across applications software programs.
Recommend and implement appropriate solutions in the workplace.

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

Career, Workforce Certifications Education and Transfer Resources