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Ministry-approved title: Office Administration - Executive
Executive assistants are administrative professionals who contribute to the effectiveness of an office in an important way. They manage projects and budgets, make travel arrangements, manage events, prepare communication, and take on a collection of essential tasks. Excellent at time management, project management and multi-tasking, they are critical to any organization. In this online program, our industry-connected professors will prepare you to make an impact on any organization right away. Delivered synchronously, this program incorporates scheduled classes that you’ll join from the comfort of your home. Working virtually with your classmates, you will learn from professionals who are current in their field and will have the opportunity to enhance your resumé with real-life work experiences.
In addition to in class learning, students will participate in real-world placements. This invaluable experience allows you to apply your skills in live business settings, build a professional network, and enhance your career prospects. Whether working in corporate environments, non-profit organizations, or government offices, graduates leave the program ready to take on roles that require precision, professionalism, and proactive thinking.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
Graduates of the executive assistant program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in administrative and organizational support roles. With strong skills in time management, professional communication, and project management, they are highly valued for their ability to handle complex tasks, ensure efficiency, and contribute to the success of teams across industries.
Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Please contact the international office.
The Office Administration – Executive program is designed to equip students with the advanced skills and knowledge required to excel as an executive office assistant in today’s fast-paced business environments. This two-year diploma program combines practical training with a focus on business operations, technology, and professional communication, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the diverse challenges of executive-level administrative roles. Whether you’re managing schedules, preparing high-level documents, or supporting organizational decision-making, this program provides the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving workplace.
Administrative Assistant classes are offered in a compressed format on three consecutive days each week. This schedule allows for focused learning while giving students time to apply their skills outside the classroom.
This two-year diploma program in office administration is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required of an executive office assistant. You will gain extensive practical understanding and knowledge of office concepts, business operations and procedures, current computer software, and how to collaborate on various management activities.
You will develop your skills through various learning methods, such as group and individual projects, discussions, lectures, case studies and office simulations. These diverse approaches ensure you gain hands-on experience while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for executive-level roles.
Emphasis is placed on the practical demands of the job, including:
If you choose to pursue this option, you should enjoy working on computers and interacting with others. In addition, you must be willing to work to develop a professional level of ability in business skills. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication abilities are key qualities for success in this program and the workplace.
Upon successful completion of your first year, you may elect to finish your studies and graduate with a one-year Ontario college certificate in Office Administration.
Students will be provided various Microsoft Office user specialist (MOS) certification opportunities.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
You can increase your marketability by leveraging the learning built directly into the administrative program to help you obtain the following additional credentials:
CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport. Our partnership with them enables us to bring Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to our students.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC. Students are responsible to ensure they are not duplicating their GNED or FNMI selections as per their diploma requirements. For a successful program completion, students must have successfully completed three unique elective courses as per their program of study.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Online
Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.
| Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,361.03 |
| Program Fee: | $158.2 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $480.71 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $386.89 |
| Total: | $2,386.83 |
| Semester 2 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,361.02 |
| Program Fee: | $0 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $480.71 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $102.75 |
| Total: | $1,944.48 |
| Semester 3 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,361.03 |
| Program Fee: | $448.61 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $461.5 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $386.89 |
| Total: | $2,658.03 |
| Semester 4 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,361.02 |
| Program Fee: | $0 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $461.5 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $102.75 |
| Total: | $1,925.27 |
The administrative assistant program opens the door to diverse and rewarding career paths in administrative and executive support. Graduates with an office administration diploma are equipped with advanced skills in office operations, project management, professional communication, and technology applications, making them ideal candidates for roles such as executive assistant, office manager, project administrator, or administrative coordinator. For those interested in leadership roles, positions like office manager or administrative team leader offer opportunities to oversee operations and guide teams toward achieving organizational goals. Graduates can also explore specialized roles in finance, education, nonprofit organizations or corporate businesses.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a workplace field placement component. This will take place within an office environment and will provide you with practical, hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned in the Office Administration – Executive program.
To be eligible for field placement, some employers may require students to provide (at your expense):
Students enrolled in the Semester 3 field placement preparation course will be offered Mental Health First Aid as well as the Standard First Aid/CPR Level C certification as part of their program fees.
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the Office Administration - Executive program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway for field placement documentation collection and validation. This process is the Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC).
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
*Mac Computers
NOTE: Some required software applications are not available for MAC OS or Chromebook. Please ensure that you have access to a PC.
Jennifer is the program coordinator for the Office Administration programs at Durham College, where she is also a full-time faculty member. As an alumna of Trent University, Jennifer earned a joint Honours degree in Business Administration and Computer Studies, specializing in Human Resources Management. Her unwavering commitment to education led her to further her studies, culminating in a Master’s of Education from D’Youville College. She is also an Ontario certified teacher (OCT). Jennifer’s dedication to her work is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and growth. She takes pride in organizing and managing tasks effectively, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. Her ultimate goal is to impart these skills to her students, reflecting her passion and commitment to education. Beyond her academic and professional roles, Jennifer has made significant contributions to her field as a published author. Her textbook, “QuickBooks Online: A Guide for Small Business,” published by Northrose Publishing, is a testament to her expertise. It is currently an essential resource in the Intro to Bookkeeping course in the Office Administration—Executive program. Jennifer is currently working on another textbook, set to be published in 2025.
With a career spanning over two decades in the higher education and learning development sectors, Jana has dedicated her professional journey to empowering individuals through innovative and impactful coaching and education strategies. Her passion for adult learning and instructional design is rooted in a deep belief that education is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. As a part-time professor in the Faculty of Business, Jana is innovative in the academic classroom. She integrates diverse teaching methods, resources, and engaging adult learning methodologies to cater to students' varied learning styles and needs. Jana’s educational background, which includes a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Certificate in Adult Education, a Certificate in Instructional Design, and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management, is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. As she continues contributing to the learning and development field, she aims to inspire and facilitate transformative learning experiences that empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
Dina Galanis is a professor in the Office Administration - Health Services, Executive, and General programs at Durham College. Her credentials include an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education focusing on Special Education from the University of Toronto. With over 20 years of experience in various administrative roles within the health sector, primarily at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Dina brings extensive practical knowledge to her teaching. Dina has served as the Office Administration Program Coordinator and Academic Council Representative at Durham College. She is dedicated to delivering organized and engaging courses, both in-class and online. She is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, with a promise to listen to and address student concerns promptly.
Sherry earned her Master’s in Adult Education at Yorkville University and has worked for almost 28 years in the health field. She has owned and partnered in ten offices, including dental, medical, and optical businesses. She then launched a consulting career, exposing her to an extensive network of health professionals. These connections led to teaching various courses in the College environment. Sherry believes that teaching encompasses the life of students. To appreciate how her students learn, she works at being fully engaged and in tune with how they feel and cope in the classroom and in their lives. Sherry strives to form connections with each of her students to facilitate trust and pave the way for their success, because when her students succeed, there is a sense of pride and satisfaction that is extremely rewarding.
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