In today's workplace, administrative professionals play an increasingly important role in coordinating and maintaining an efficient office. As a graduate of the Administrative Professional Certificate program, you will have the skills needed to manage the administrative activities within an office setting including preparing various types of correspondence, reports, and spreadsheets; maintaining files and inventories; handling inquires; scheduling appointments and meetings; and compiling and recording data. You will also be expected to have extensive knowledge of computers and electronic equipment.

Graduates have found work in private, public, and non-profit organizations including:

• Banking and other financial institutions
• Engineering firms
• Government agencies – municipal, provincial, and federal
• Legal agencies
• Land development companies
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Oil and gas companies
• Sales and marketing companies
• Transportation and logistic companies

The Alberta Government provides up-to-date information on Alberta’s occupational profiles including wage and salary information. Click on the link to find out more.

Alberta Learning Information Services: Occupational Profile

Though optional and not a requirement to graduate, learners are encouraged to apply for Work Experience (practicum), as Work Experience directly bridges classroom study with the skills needed in the workplace.  Learners have an opportunity to use their new technical skills; observe and integrate into the workplace culture; work on soft skills/communication skills; network with industry colleagues; gain reference(s); add experience to your resume; possibly gain extended employment or referral; and receive evaluation from the host. 

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and follow the application process to be accepted into Work Experience. The application process aligns with the competitive nature of a job search. Candidates are responsible and demonstrate a high level of professional and program expectations. Not all applicants are guaranteed a Work Experience position.

Applications for Work Experience (4 to 6 week unpaid practicum) are accepted by the Academic Advising team with Work Experience scheduled to commence immediately following the successful completion of all required courses in the final term.  Interviews and placements are arranged during final term through an Academic Advisor (Calgary placement only).   

It is important to note that both ADMN9999 ($200) and prerequisite ADMN9998 ($150) are non-credit courses and therefore not covered by student loans; students are encouraged to budget accordingly.

Find out more! 

Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.

Plan the sequence of your courses with the program schedule located in the Program Description > Course Schedule. 

Once you are a registered student in a program at the Chiu School of Business, our Academic Advising team can also assist you with planning. 

If you are taking an online course, you should make sure your computer has the following applications: 

• Reliable internet access – DSL or cable connections are highly recommended.
• We recommend Windows 7 or 10 (preferred) or Mac OS software; Microsoft Office 2013 (minimum); Adobe Acrobat Reader; and a media player such as Adobe Flash Player, QuickTime, or Windows Media Player.
• Some courses might require additional software or applications packages. You will be given this information before starting the course.
• We recommend Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari as browsers. D2L does not work well with Internet Explorer. 

The approximate cost of textbooks and other supplies is estimated at $750 per term.