Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is an Executive Assistant?

An executive assistant is a professional focused on providing administrative support to individuals and groups in an organization.  Executive assistant's are commonly known as executive secretary's or executive administrator's.  An executive assistant may provide business essential administrative support across several business channels.  They may have highly specialized skills depending on the employment situation and business needs.

The core role of an executive secretary revolves around the organization, management, and dissemination of information both from and to business stakeholders.   Executive secretaries are required to have exceptional communication skills and organization skills.  These skills are requisite to anticipate needs, communicate changes, and help disseminate information to critical stakeholders in the organization.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Executive Assistant Courses

If you are finishing your secondary course, you will need to prepare for your college days. If you don’t exactly know what course to take, why not check out the degree in executive assistant at the University of Akron Main Campus. The university can provide everything you need to know about this program. The professors are also competent to share their knowledge to their students. The university can be a great training ground for this future career.

Acceptance Rate

73.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

If you have doubts about what career to take, why not venture into a career as an executive assistant. There are so many schools offering interested students about this job. If you live in Bowling Green and want proper education and training for this degree, you can join Western Kentucky University. It’s one of the country’s best schools that can help you in this field.  You can then easily find an executive assistant job as soon as you complete the course. 

Acceptance Rate

97.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Individuals interested in developing their skills to become effective executive assistants can sign up for the online program provided by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The program was developed by the human resources department and its mission is to provide comprehensive and innovative performance, which will enable students to strive to become a viable asset for future employment. The college also offers housing, dining, and other student services. 

Acceptance Rate

73.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The New York City College of Technology is also recognized as City Tech and has been a part of the CUNY system. Students of the college are encouraged to participate in online learning as well as experience support and help from the faculty. It offers a course that provides lessons for students who wish to become an assistant or executive assistant. Students will also experience excellent services such as advising, financial aid, and many more. 

Acceptance Rate

87.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Medgar Evers College is also a part of the CUNY system. It was established in 1970 and has been serving thousands of students each year. One of its programs is focused on developing your ability and skills to become entry-level employment as an executive assistant. The program has a flexible schedule wherein you can choose between the day, weekend, and evening classes, offering you convenience. 

Acceptance Rate

90.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The degree that an executive assistant will take up will prepare him or her for his or her future career. If you want to learn how to work as an executive assistant, you can study and learn from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis. The school can offer everything you need about this career path. You can even earn your degree one or two years later. They will also prepare you for certification to be recognized as a licensed executive assistant. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,011 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

An executive assistant’s job is carrying out the Management or the Administrative Department’s secretarial work. As the business is competitive, you need to be knowledgeable and experienced in the latest technology and software to carry out the job. To make it possible, you need proper education and training from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown. Who knows, you can be one of those hired for the position due to the skills and experience you have learned from the school. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

For more than 30 years, the Green Country Technology Center has been training students to become a world-class workforce. It serves high school and adult students and guides them to achieve their academic and professional goals. It offers a program wherein students can learn about the things and skills needed to become an executive assistant. Students will also learn to adapt well to the workplace as the program offers internships and real-life experiences. 

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With the Administrative Assistant program at the Great Lakes Institute of Technology, students are able to have the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed for an entry-level career. Students in this program will have the opportunity to become administrators, receptionists, clerical assistants, and supervisors in various industries and companies. It is also designed for students who have no previous office experience. It can be completed in 4 semesters. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$30,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology in Jackson is recognized for providing excellent executive office technology courses. It enables students to develop their skills in today’s computerized offices as well as let them become ready for employment. Students interested in enrolling must be willing to take up to 12 months of full-time courses. Upon completion of the program requirements, students will receive a certificate or diploma. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Paris will prepare students for their future, especially if they want to become an executive or administrative assistant. The school is equipped with the latest technology and approaches to become an executive assistant someday. They can also teach their students about the software they need to know to carry out the job. The course is short but comprehensive and just enough for students to learn about the subject matter.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Murfreesboro offers an administrative office technology program that can be completed after the 1,296 semester-hour requirements. Students enrolled in the program have a full-time class schedule that lasts up to twelve months. It also provides an office-like classroom to let students become familiar with their future workplace. A certificate or diploma will be given to the graduates of this course. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,105 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The best school to be attending in Tennessee is the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston. If you live in the area and want a career as an executive assistant, this is the course to take. The college is manned with competent and experienced faculties who are willing to train and provide technical skills about the subject matter. They will instill in their students what they need to know to work as an executive assistant. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski is the right school to enroll and study business. However, you need to be specific in your field of interest, so you know where the direction of your career is heading. As the school offers an executive or administrative assistant degree, you can learn knowledge, training, and practical skills about this job. You will also know what to do in this future career should you pursue and complete this course. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Students of the administrative assistant program offered by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Oneida will receive a diploma or certificate upon completion of the 12-month program requirements. Throughout the program, students will learn about office procedures, accounting, medical terminology, training in keyboarding, and even medical insurance. Students will also receive various training in secretarial, clerical, accounting, and other related fields. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Harriman is on the multiple campuses of the college. It offers an opportunity for individuals to become executive assistants by providing a program that concentrates on administrative office technology. It is a full-time study program that can be completed within 12 months. Before obtaining a certificate or diploma, students will first study various courses related to office technology, word processing applications, keyboard input, etc. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students are searching for the right business school to help them develop in their field of interest. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie is one of the best schools to study business, specifically to be an executive or administrative assistant. They will provide students all the knowledge they need to work in this field. They will also expose the student to extensive experience and skills to be efficient in this job in the future. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Individuals seeking knowledge in the administrative or assistant field can register for the administrative office program offered by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Jacksboro. The program provides students an opportunity to experience hands-on training using up-to-date office software and equipment. Students will also learn about English, math, office procedures, filing, and work simulations. Students can also select their own areas of concentration upon enrollment. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,218 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

You may decide to work as an executive assistant in an established company. This opportunity will surely give you many returns of investment, especially when you’ve studied this program at the Indian Capital Technology Center-Moskogee. If you’re in the area of Oklahoma and want the best education, this is the school to be at. You’ll only spend a minimum of two years for the education, and you’re good to go. The center will equip you with knowledge, practical skills, and training to be the best executive assistant in your company.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,098 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

An executive assistant degree at the Southwest Technology Center will complete your dream. The job will require knowledge and skills, and the center can provide you with that. You can work as a receptionist, office manager, administrative, or executive assistant. The school will provide all the training you need to know about the job. It will also prepare you for exams to be certified. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,725 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

There is a high demand for executive assistants in the country today. That’s why many interested students are enrolling at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Ripley to gain executive office knowledge about this job. One can possibly work and create a career in this course. So, the school offers the best education and training to make graduates land in jobs they’re interested in. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The job of an executive assistant concerns the management and administrative aspects of a business. At Autry Technology Center, students learn skills that make them competitive in business. They are exposed to the latest office technology and software, making them perform their job very well. The school will also prepare them should they take future exams to carry out their tasks. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The job of an executive or administrative assistant is high paying and in demand in the country these days. For this reason, many interested students want to learn how to function as one in a business. If you’re in the area of Knoxville and want to work as one, you need proper education and training, so you can be efficient in this job. Just trust that the school will prepare you for this challenge and that you can carry out the job as expected in the future.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,929 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Covington can provide the best education, training, and practical skills for students interested in becoming executive assistants. They will teach their students Math, English, filing, office procedures, and work simulations, so they know how to carry out the job in the future. Their faculties are also professional in their dealings with the students. You will finish and leave the campus prepared to face the challenge of an executive assistant.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Hartsville has developed a program designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of the students about administrative office and technology to help them become ready for today's challenging and competitive workplace. Students can choose between the part-time and full-time options depending on what suits their schedule. The program can be completed in 12 months wherein students can earn a certificate of completion or diploma. They will also have an opportunity to work as medical or administrative assistants. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Executive Assistant Degrees & Certificates

The path to become an executive assistant may vary from person to person. More specifically, a degree or certificate program will be coupled with work experience, aptitude, and professional contacts to help you land the perfect job for you.

Programs found at accredited colleges and universities include direct programs along with adjacent programs. More specifically, a direct program is one that focused on a full range of skills and knowledge required of an executive assistant. A direct degree program can be found below as a certificate program or degree program as an executive secretary or executive assistant.

On the other hand, an adjacent degree or certificate program teaches specific tools to students. These supplemental programs include such skills as business administration, bookkeeping, accounting, data entry, logistics, financial support, supply chain management, communications, and organizational behavior.

Both paths can be vital to your success depending on your work experience and job requirements. Degree and certificate programs are available from various accredited colleges and universities in these areas of study to help you reach your professional goals and aspirations.

Executive Assistant Educational Requirements

There is a span of jobs available for secretaries and assistants that range from entry-level to highly experienced. An executive assistant can also include a range of jobs and educational requirements. Some assistants can secure employment with a high school diploma or vocational classes. Other executive assistants will need a formal certificate or degree to work at an upper-level job with an executive management team.

Classroom-based or online associate degree programs for an executive assistant are designed to take around two-years to complete. The classes will vary from school to school but will generally include a set of coursework that includes communications, business, project management, record keeping, accounting, document preparation, scheduling, human relations, and research.

Skills & Abilities Required of Executive Assistants

  1. Reading Comprehension - The ability to keenly understand memos, emails, presentations, and ideas conveyed in writing.
  2. Critical Thinking - Utilizing logic and reasoning to assess situations and provide a recommended course of action.
  3. Active Listening - Providing others full attention, taking notes, and asking clarifying questions to understand points being made.
  4. Speaking - Effectively talking with team members and affiliated parties to communicate information and ideas.
  5. Idea Fluency - Assembling ideas about a topic or concept to help flesh out key business concepts.
  6. Writing - Communicating effectively through emails, memos, and written documentation given the audience and project scope.
  7. Speech Clarity - Clearly articulating an idea to others or asking questions to accurately gather information.
  8. Information Organization - Gathering information and ordering important data into pertinent orders, patterns, or rules.
  9. Coordination - Gathering and organizing resources to ensure milestones and activities are in place as needed.
  10. Problem Sensitivity - Understanding when a problem exists or is likely to become an issue given the complexities of an organization.

Employment & Administrative Specializations

Having earned an executive assistant certificate or degree, you may be interested in pursuing various career paths. Clear paths to an executive secretary job is evidence but alternative vocations may not be quite as obvious. Core skills may be utilized to step into careers such as: purchasing clerk, office assistant, legal secretary, bookkeeping, paralegal, information clerk, auditor, court reporter, receptionist, or human resource assistant. Additional certifications and training may be required given the job scope and requirements.

Executive Assistant Job Outlook

Executive secretary job outlook appears to be steady for the next decade.  The DOL estimates 54,600 job openings for executive assistants and executive secretaries in the same reporting period.  In an industry employing approximately 4 million people, job opportunities will continue to flow.  Overall compensation of executive assistants will depend on the job scope, career responsibilities, and organization.  Secretaries will service executive teams in all corners of the economy from small private organizations to large multi-national corporations.

Executive Assistant Job Responsibilities

By definition, an executive assistant supports an executive manager, CEO, president, management team, vice president, or similar upper-level managers in an organization.  The job duties of an executive secretary will vary by organization and job but will require exceptional communication skills, organizing meeting, taking copious notes, diplomacy, booking travel, critical thinking, writing skills, reading skills, and potential management skills.

Additional Resources for Executive Assistants

For students considering a future in the field of an executive secretary, domestic and regional associations may be beneficial. We have culled a list of highly regarded associations you can visit to learn more about the profession below:

  • National Executive Assistant Association (NEAA)
  • The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
  • International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
  • The Association of Executive & Administrative Professionals (AEAP)

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com