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All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
Overview
Open the door to a fast-paced office career with the one-year Office Professional certificate. Learn to communicate in an office setting, understand common office procedures and use technology to organize business information. You practice collaboration and teamwork to complete a variety of business tasks.
You can graduate with several Microsoft Office certifications, demonstrating your essential skills in word processing, spreadsheet, email and presentation software.
When you graduate, you can launch your office professional career or apply to the second year of SAIT’s Administrative Information Management diploma.
Is this the right program for me?
To achieve success in this program, students should:
- attend and actively participate in class
- spend approximately six hours per week on each course outside of regular class time
- be familiar with the use of a Windows-based computer and have basic skills in Microsoft Office
- be prepared to work in teams
- become familiar with and adhere to SAIT’s academic policies.
Also, students who are engaged and take advantage of SAIT services and resources usually experience more success in SAIT’s programs.
Professional designations
Students have the opportunity to write up to four Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams in this program:
- Word 2013 Specialist
- Excel 2013 Specialist
- PowerPoint 2013 Specialist
- Outlook 2013 Specialist
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a one-year SAIT Office Professional certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- administrative assistant
- office assistant
- office administrator
- mail and message distribution clerk
- personal secretary
Related careers include:
- legal assistant
- accounting technician
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,632
Year 1 (International): $17,238
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2020 open Oct. 2, 2019 and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2020 | Sept. 8, 2020 |
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Standing out among the piles of resumes hitting recruiters’ desks can be daunting, but SAIT alumni have an advantage.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Applications are accepted until the program start date.
- Fall 2020 start: applications open Oct. 2, 2019.
Admission requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- Math 10C or Math 20-3 or Pure Math 10 or Applied Math 10
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- All applicants to SAIT must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Office Professional and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AMAT-240 | Applied Mathematics for Business | 3.0 |
| BCMP-220 | Business Software Foundations | 3.0 |
| BCMP-270 | Presentation Software | 3.0 |
| COMN-220 | Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| OADM-211 | Business Studies | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total: | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BCMP-215 | Collaborative Software and Technologies | 3.0 |
| BCMP-250 | Word Processing Essentials | 3.0 |
| BCMP-260 | Spreadsheet Essentials | 3.0 |
| COMN-280 | Communication and Presentation Skills II | 3.0 |
| OADM-257 | Office Administration | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total: | 15.0 | |
| Program total: | 30.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses and attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,410 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,632 |
International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,925 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $17,238 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 2, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
For any questions, or to set up a virtual advising appointment, please contact our School of Business Advising Centre
Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Rose Campbell, Academic Chair
Email: rose.campbell@sait.ca