Business Applications Specialist Certificate

This one-year certificate program is designed to provide students with concentrated skill training, leading to employment in entry level business support positions.

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Career Pathways

Our region boasts a wide variety of career opportunities with competitive salaries in the business support field. The labor market and employer information are specifically presented for the Amsterdam, Gloversville, Capital District, and the Mohawk Valley regions. Salary information is based on estimates within the Capital District.

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

MEDIAN SALARY

$48,391*

SALARY RANGE $28,399 - $67,487

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees’ time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks. (bls.gov)

Over 500 expected jobs in the region in the next 10 years.

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

MEDIAN SALARY

$43,080*

SALARY RANGE $28,399 - $61,417

Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers. (bls.gov)

Over 10,000 expected jobs in the region in the next 10 years.

Human Resources Assistants

MEDIAN SALARY

$48,714*

SALARY RANGE $36,586 - $63,981

Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports and search employee files. (bls.gov)

Over 600 expected jobs in the region in the next 10 years.

Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer.
Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)

Some of Our Regional Employers

Our commitment to your career path goes beyond the classroom with continued expansion of hands-on internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with over 50 regional business and organization exclusive partners, a career network of over 200 regional companies and organizations; plus Annual Job Fairs every Spring semester.

31 Credits

for Business Applications Specialist Certificate

1 YEAR OR LESS

to complete your Business Applications Specialist Certificate

10,000+

expected administrative assistant jobs in the region.

Program Insight

Designed with job-readiness in mind, this certificate program focuses on technology and customer service training for employment in the business support area including word processing, computer, and software applications as well as communications and customer service.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide administrative assistance in an office.
Acquire and demonstrate the oral and written communication skills necessary to provide administrative assistance in an office.
Acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide specialized administrative assistance in one of the following areas: administrative management, medical, transcription, reception, or desktop publishing/multimedia.
Acquire and demonstrate the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to provide administrative assistance in an office
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of personal characteristics and behavior on the job when providing administrative assistance

Program Features

FAM Technology Center

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FM Biz Hub (Business Club)
Get involved in social and service-oriented activities and take trips to such places as Boston, New York, Lake Placid, Burlington, Montreal, Quebec City, and Washington D.C.

Wall Street Club
Trips to NYC Financial District and Philadelphia Mint and NYC Federal Reserve Bank gold vault.

Money Smart Financial Coaching Program
This intrusive coaching approach is proven to improve students’ financial wellness and improve academic success.

International Business: Study Abroad
Take the opportunity to travel the world during spring break to learn about the global economy and business world.

Microcredentials

This program may allow students to earn a digital badge which verifies the achievement of in-demand skills and competencies. SUNY FMCC continues to expand opportunities for students to become more marketable to employers.

More Info at Credly

Course Highlights

Course Catalog

SUNY FMCC offers its catalog online in a downloadable PDF document that makes information on programs, courses and policies most current and accessible, while reducing impact on the environment. Additional information is available on the College’s website and portal. To read and search the FMCC Catalog, you’ll need Adobe Reader version 7.0 or later.

2023-2024 FMCC CATALOG

Program Course Layout

This certificate program offers hands-on courses to prepare you for direct to work careers in various business support positions. Here are just some examples.

BUS 148 Office Software Applications for Business Professionals

This course provides experience using an integrated software suite. Microsoft® Office applications are used to complete advanced word processing functions to prepare documents that integrate applications and the Internet. Topics include MS Office and Google Applications.

BUS 137 Business Communication

Emphasis is on composing various types of business communications in a clear and concise manner, while maintaining the readers’ goodwill. The course also includes a review of grammar and the mechanics of writing, spelling, and some public speaking.

BUS 144 Word Processing Applications

Advanced office output applications are taught on personal computers using Word Processing software. Students are required to apply these concepts and skills in the production of office documents and communications, such as long reports, merged letters, and flyers.