Office assistants hold an office together by performing administrative duties, data entry, and clerical work. Unfortunately, more companies are cutting costs by outsourcing these positions. If you are an office assistant or want to become an office assistant, you can increase your pay and job security by getting a degree in Business Administration. You do not need to get a bachelor's degree, as an associate's degree in Business Administration should give you the skills you need to remain competitive. Although many colleges and universities offer Business Administration programs, you can save money by attending a community college or taking classes online.

Community colleges are a surprisingly good option. Many provide top-notch education for only a fraction of the cost. For example, the Northern Virginia Community College is one of the best community colleges in the United States for those interested in Business Administration and only costs $70.18 per credit for resident students. The Cuny Borough of Manhattan Community College is located in the heart of New York City. This community college's goal is to prepare students for the business world. Tuition is $120 per credit for residents. Cuny LaGuardia Community College offers a variety of business courses as well as a diverse student body. Tuition here also costs $120 per credit for resident students. As you can see, community colleges can be surprisingly affordable, high-quality computer office assistant schools.

Online programs are more popular than ever. Some online computer office assistant schools offer associate's degrees, while others offer diplomas and certifications. Online classes are not for everyone. You will need to be highly motivated and independent to make the most out of online programs. You will also need to be able to teach yourself new information if necessary. Although professors do their best to help their students, you will need to be able to learn without any face-to-face interaction. Finally, do not be afraid to ask questions. You should be able to reach your professor by email, through private messages, or on forums, depending on your program. Two good online programs are those offered by Virginia College and Kaplan University.

Virginia College offers several online programs. You can choose to get an Administrative Assistant Certificate or Diploma if you do not want to get a degree. This college also offers both an Associates in Business Administration and an Associates in Administrative Office Management. You can choose to get your Bachelor in Business Administration online as well, although a bachelor's degree is not necessary for any office assistant position. This college offers courses in Keyboarding, Word Processing, Financial Analysis, Personnel Management, Economics, Accounting, and Customer Service, among others.

Kaplan University does not offer any non-degree programs, but allows degree-seeking students to pursue an Associates in Business Administration, Associates in Administrative Office Management, or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. An associate's degree will require 90 credit hours to complete. Courses include Accounting, Economics, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Small Business Management, and Software Applications. Before you make your decision, contact an advisor at any one of these computer office assistant schools.