Earn an Associate Degree and/or other business certifications
You can earn an Administrative Professsional Associate in Science Degree, become certified in computer software by doing short-term training, or simply take individual courses.
Work Toward an Administrative Professional Associate in Science Degree
The Administrative Professional program prepares you with the technical, administrative, and interpersonal skills for a career in an administrative support position in today’s offices. For more information visit the Madison College website.
For an overview of the courses required for the AP degree, the proposed sequence, and how you can waive certain courses, see Courses Titles and Options. For course content, see Course Titles and Options.
Obtain a Computer Software Certification
If you're a student who is looking for short-term training leading to certification, obtain a certificate from Madison College for demonstrated technology skills. This certificate covers Microsoft software, internet, and web design skills and knowledge. This is a certificate offered through Madison College and is not to be confused with Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS®) certificates. Click here for an overview.
Enroll in Individual Courses
Taking individual courses will help you stay current with new business technology and trends. For a complete listing of courses available for administrative professionals, see Course Descriptions below.
About Madison College
Madison College is the largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System's 16 colleges. It provides "real world smart" education through a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science, adult basic education and life enrichment studies, as well as customized employee training. Madison College offers associate degrees, vocational diplomas and certificates in more than 140 programs of study. For more information about Madison College, visit their website at www.madisoncollege.edu.
Online College Benefits
Even though classes are online, with varying lengths and starting dates, they operate on a semester basis. Courses must be completed within the semester time frame, although students may proceed through a course at their own rate. By limiting courses to one semester for completion, students have an automatic deadline for course completion, addressing one of the major problems of online learning, procrastination and the forfeiting of courses because no deadlines are set by the institution.
Online College FAQ
There are many advantages to online learning:
It is cost effective – no commuting.
It allows you to study and learn at your convenience and own pace
You can receive information and even obtain a degree while still holding down a full-time job.
With e-learning, you can learn any time, any place where there is a computer; there’s 24/7 accessibility.
Most employers have tuition reimbursement as an employee benefit. They will be glad that you don’t have to "leave work" to attend a class.
You can prepare for professional certifications, take a single course to help you personally or on the job, or work toward a college degree – all without leaving your home
You can meet other professionals – just like yourself – from literally around the world.
You actually have better access to faculty and technical help because you can post questions or seek assistance any time of the day or night – not just during faculty "office hours."
There’s no circling the campus looking for student parking.
IAAP has successfully worked with the Wisconsin Technical College System, its educators and administrators, for many years, in many different ways. Examples of past ventures included: the PSI Model Curriculum For Business Education and the PSI Postsecondary Model Curriculum For Office Careers (IAAP was formerly called Professional Secretaries International or PSI); and the National Skill Standards Board participated in providing input on Administrative Professions, to name a few projects. IAAP respects the vision and emphasis on quality education that Madision College has demonstrated in all its programs for administrative professionals. Their dual focus on technology and interpersonal skills complements the skills that employers across the nation are requiring of capable, promotable, and exceptional support staff.
For online courses, students must have access to a computer with the following recommended requirements:
| 2 Gigahertz (GHz) processor or faster | Sound Card or integrated/on board sound |
| High-speed Internet connection | Plug-ins as needed (webcam and microphone recommended) |
| 80 GB hard drive | Microsoft Office 2010 |
| 2 GB Ram | Internet Explorer 7 or later |
| Windows XP or later |
You may obtain an online Administrative Professional Associate Science Degree. It requires 67 credits. You may receive experiential credit for some courses based on your work experience, test for advanced standing, and apply for selected certifications. Courses may be applied to academic institutions for a Bachelor’s degree in selected program areas, at the discretion of individual schools. See the section that outlines the necessary courses and their descriptions.
Any of the courses listed in the AP Administrative Professional Program may be taken individually. You do not need to plan on working toward a degree, but can take courses to fill skill gaps or to keep pace with changing work requirements.
Textbooks may be ordered online at www.matcbookstore.com. Web orders will be shipped the next business day. A fee of approximately $15 will be added to the cost of each textbook to cover shipping and handling. Either prepayment or credit card may be used to purchase textbooks.
Course testing varies. It may include projects, multiple-choice tests, hands-on tests, and other forms of evaluating understanding and application of the material.