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Ministry-approved title: Office Administration – Executive
Executive assistants are highly skilled administrative professionals who play a key role in supporting organizational effectiveness. They manage complex schedules, coordinate travel and events, oversee projects and budgets, and prepare high-level communications. With strong time management, organization, and multitasking abilities, executive assistants help keep operations running smoothly and efficiently across fast-paced business environments.
This online program is delivered synchronously, allowing students to join scheduled classes remotely while learning in real-time with classmates and industry-connected professors. The program combines practical, career-focused learning with exposure to current business practices, preparing students to contribute effectively in executive office environments.
Throughout the program, students gain applied experience that supports the development of professional communication, organizational, and technical skills. Graduates leave prepared to step confidently into executive assistant roles and support leadership teams across a wide range of industries.
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The Office Administration – Executive program is designed to equip students with the advanced skills and knowledge required to excel as executive office assistants in today’s fast-paced business environments. This two-year diploma program combines practical training with a strong focus on business operations, technology, and professional communication, preparing graduates to meet the demands of executive-level administrative roles. The program supports the development of skills required to manage schedules, prepare high-level documents, and contribute to organizational decision-making in modern workplaces.
Executive Office Assistant classes are delivered in a compressed format on three consecutive days each week, providing focused learning while allowing time to apply skills outside the classroom.
Throughout the program, students build practical understanding of office concepts, business operations and procedures, current computer software, and collaborative management activities. Students develop skills through a blend of group and individual projects, discussions, lectures, case studies, and office simulations, supporting both technical proficiency and professional judgment.
Emphasis is placed on the practical demands of executive administrative work, including:
Students develop both technical capability and professional readiness, with attention to detail, time management, and communication skills positioned as key success factors in the workplace. Those who complete the first year may elect to graduate with a one-year Ontario College Certificate in Office Administration.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification opportunities are available throughout the program.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who 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.
Students can earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their document production courses:
Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Microsoft 365) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account.
CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport and through our partnership with them it 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.
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Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a workplace field placement component. This will take place in an office environment and provide you with practical, hands–on experience and the opportunity to apply theories and concepts learned in the Office Administration – Executive program.
PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
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.
To maintain confidentiality and security, the 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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