Program Description

As technology continues to expand, so does the necessity for well-qualified office personnel. All organizations need timely and effective office and administrative support to operate efficiently. Positions will continue to be available to qualified individuals and are available in virtually every sector of the economy: education, legal, medical, government, and small and large businesses.

Students enrolled in the associate of applied science office and business technology (AASOBT) degree program are encouraged to join the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) student organization and work toward becoming a Certified Administrative Professional.

The IAAP’s purpose is to provide its members and professionals with opportunities to 1) Develop leadership skills and abilities, 2) Use educational and professional development resources, 3) Examine and participate in research affecting the profession, 4) Stay informed on the future direction of business and office careers, 5) Set standards for the profession, and 6) Promote and enhance the image of the office professional.

Career and Educational Advancement Opportunities

The AASOBT degree, while occupational in nature, can be transferred to the UNM–Albuquerque Campus and applied toward a bachelor’s in organizational learning and instructional technology (OLIT) in the College of Education.

However, technical courses (those with a “T” after the course number) are not guaranteed to transfer as credit. Additionally, grades earned in technical courses are not included in the grade point average at the UNM–Albuquerque Campus and may not be included in the grade point average of other four-year institutions.

Program Requirements

Total credit hours required: 69 (18 hours of general education courses and 51 hours of program-specific courses). Please refer to the University of New Mexico Core Curriculum on pages 72-73 for a list of allowed courses for Physical & Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Social & Behavioral Sciences , Humanities, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts.

Contact and Advising Information

Information about the AASIT degree program is available from:

Advisement & Counseling (505) 925-8560 vcadvise@unm.edu ,

Lead faculty of the OBT programs, Diana Cole, (505) 925-8713 dianacol@unm.edu,

Chair of Business & Technology Division, Cindy Chávez, (505) 925-8706 c2chavez@unm.edu,

Dean of Instruction, Reinaldo A. Z. García, (505) 925-8601 rgarcia@unm.edu.