Student Success & The Northern Experience
Our Office Administration – Executive program expands on the skills acquired in our one-year certificate program of Office Administration – General to advance your skillset and earn a diploma.
You’ll gain greater knowledge in specialized areas – including document processing, transcription, and legal and medical terminology – and gain hands-on experience through a work placement to set you up for success in a future career in a variety of fields and workplaces.
Does this program sound like a good fit for you?
Connect with us to learn more.
Course Information
Semester 1
In this course, students will be introduced to the accounting cycle and the preparation of financial statements. Topics include recording entries, preparing financial statements and accounting for merchandising activities. This course will be essential for further study in financial accounting.
56 Hours
In this course, students will learn how proper recruitment/selection strategies, and training and development methods, maintain an organization’s competitive advantage. The integral role of job design and analysis in affecting compensation management and performance appraisal decisions will be examined. Students will investigate a variety of employment and health and safety laws as they relate to managing a diverse workforce. In addition, the fundamental principles of the union-management framework will be explored.
42 Hours
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain practical experience with Microsoft Excel for Windows. Excel will be used to prepare various reports, presentations, and applications that directly align with the critical-thinking requirements of the workplace. Students will gain practical experience working with formulas and functions, developing and enhancing financial reports, organizing data with charts, data lists, and tables, managing multiple worksheets, workbooks, and external data sources, developing macros, using conditional functions, working with financial tools and functions, and performing what-if analysis.
42 Hours
In this course, students will begin with a review of basic arithmetic and algebraic manipulations, continuing topics that include ratios, proportions and percentages, math of merchandising that include mark-ups and mark-downs, various payroll scenarios, and the evaluation and calculations using simple interest.
56 Hours
This course provides applications that reinforce word processing skills. It focuses on techniques to enable students to produce a wide variety of documents using the features of Microsoft Word 2016. Keyboarding speed and accuracy will be taught, practiced, and assessed using a keyboarding software program.
42 Hours
Administrative Professionals have increasingly more responsibilities in today’s work environment. This course will provide a broad overview of the key elements required for the student to find meaningful employment in the office administrative field. Some of the topics covered in this course include: professionalism, effective communication skills, organizational skills, characteristics of ethical organizations, records management, technology and essential soft skills. In-class simulations and discussions provide students with the opportunity to problem solve and participate in group activities.
42 Hours
In this course, students will be introduced to the accounting cycle and the preparation of financial statements. Topics include recording entries, preparing financial statements and accounting for merchandising activities. This course will be essential for further study in financial accounting.
56 Hours
In this course, students will learn how proper recruitment/selection strategies, and training and development methods, maintain an organization’s competitive advantage. The integral role of job design and analysis in affecting compensation management and performance appraisal decisions will be examined. Students will investigate a variety of employment and health and safety laws as they relate to managing a diverse workforce. In addition, the fundamental principles of the union-management framework will be explored.
42 Hours
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain practical experience with Microsoft Excel for Windows. Excel will be used to prepare various reports, presentations, and applications that directly align with the critical-thinking requirements of the workplace. Students will gain practical experience working with formulas and functions, developing and enhancing financial reports, organizing data with charts, data lists, and tables, managing multiple worksheets, workbooks, and external data sources, developing macros, using conditional functions, working with financial tools and functions, and performing what-if analysis.
42 Hours
In this course, students will begin with a review of basic arithmetic and algebraic manipulations, continuing topics that include ratios, proportions and percentages, math of merchandising that include mark-ups and mark-downs, various payroll scenarios, and the evaluation and calculations using simple interest.
56 Hours
This course provides applications that reinforce word processing skills. It focuses on techniques to enable students to produce a wide variety of documents using the features of Microsoft Word 2016. Keyboarding speed and accuracy will be taught, practiced, and assessed using a keyboarding software program.
42 Hours
Administrative Professionals have increasingly more responsibilities in today’s work environment. This course will provide a broad overview of the key elements required for the student to find meaningful employment in the office administrative field. Some of the topics covered in this course include: professionalism, effective communication skills, organizational skills, characteristics of ethical organizations, records management, technology and essential soft skills. In-class simulations and discussions provide students with the opportunity to problem solve and participate in group activities.
42 Hours
Semester 2
In this course, students will be introduced to managing and navigating organizational behaviour in a professional Canadian business environment, at the same time keeping in mind the increasingly interdependent nature of globalization. This course examines management and group dynamics from the manager as well as employee point of view, both in an professional setting. There is significant emphasis on how OB research into the area of workplace experience of managers and employees contributes to the productivity of the organization. The course brings in numerous examples of practical applications with the involvement of the learners from real-life situations and personal experiences to analyze the concepts discussed. There is also key emphasis on developing awareness towards corporate social responsibility and the relation between ethical practices and organizational behaviour.
42 Hours
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
In this course, students are introduced to the advanced applications of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Students gain practical experience by applying a series of learning activities, projects and exercises that focus on real-world examples. Advanced applications range from creating a web page from a Word document, to amortization schedules, and data tables, to advanced animation, transitions and sound files for slide show presentations. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain an understanding of computerized accounting concepts using Sage 50 Premium Accounting. Students will gain hands-on experience with computerized applications using real-world examples within the general module, inventory module, accounts payable module, accounts receivable module, and payroll module. A culminating Capstone Project will provide hands-on experience in the creation of an accounting system for a non-profit/small business.
44 Hours
This experiential learning opportunity supports graduates of the Office Administration General Program to gain career-related experience on the job. Students are responsible for finding a suitable placement within their respective communities, where they can apply the principles and skills learned throughout the program. Students are required to complete weekly placement journals and a final project highlighting their experience.
120 Hours
This course is a continuation of Office Procedures where students will continue to analyze and practice the tasks and responsibilities of an administrative assistant in an ever-changing office environment. As an Administrative Professional, you will be “information central”, a valued member of a team in a business or organization where everyone will depend on you to keep the office organized and running efficiently. This course reviews essential responsibilities required to succeed in this field: effective communication tools, managing appointments, planning meetings, arranging business travel. A strong emphasis on the importance of soft skills will be interwoven throughout the course.
44 Hours
In this course, students will be introduced to managing and navigating organizational behaviour in a professional Canadian business environment, at the same time keeping in mind the increasingly interdependent nature of globalization. This course examines management and group dynamics from the manager as well as employee point of view, both in an professional setting. There is significant emphasis on how OB research into the area of workplace experience of managers and employees contributes to the productivity of the organization. The course brings in numerous examples of practical applications with the involvement of the learners from real-life situations and personal experiences to analyze the concepts discussed. There is also key emphasis on developing awareness towards corporate social responsibility and the relation between ethical practices and organizational behaviour.
42 Hours
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
In this course, students are introduced to the advanced applications of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Students gain practical experience by applying a series of learning activities, projects and exercises that focus on real-world examples. Advanced applications range from creating a web page from a Word document, to amortization schedules, and data tables, to advanced animation, transitions and sound files for slide show presentations. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain an understanding of computerized accounting concepts using Sage 50 Premium Accounting. Students will gain hands-on experience with computerized applications using real-world examples within the general module, inventory module, accounts payable module, accounts receivable module, and payroll module. A culminating Capstone Project will provide hands-on experience in the creation of an accounting system for a non-profit/small business.
44 Hours
This experiential learning opportunity supports graduates of the Office Administration General Program to gain career-related experience on the job. Students are responsible for finding a suitable placement within their respective communities, where they can apply the principles and skills learned throughout the program. Students are required to complete weekly placement journals and a final project highlighting their experience.
120 Hours
This course is a continuation of Office Procedures where students will continue to analyze and practice the tasks and responsibilities of an administrative assistant in an ever-changing office environment. As an Administrative Professional, you will be “information central”, a valued member of a team in a business or organization where everyone will depend on you to keep the office organized and running efficiently. This course reviews essential responsibilities required to succeed in this field: effective communication tools, managing appointments, planning meetings, arranging business travel. A strong emphasis on the importance of soft skills will be interwoven throughout the course.
44 Hours
Semester 3
In this course, students will be introduced to business in Canada, focusing on introductory topics for those interested in employment in a business management role. Topics of study will include the relationships between the areas of finance, human resources, marketing, and operations within an organization, business ethics and social responsibility, management concepts and practices, and an exploration of the entrepreneurial spirit.
42 Hours
In this course, students will study the impact which corporations have on the environment, employees, communities, and stakeholders and will examine related ethical issues and concerns in these areas. Students will define “good corporate citizenship” and will look at government and private legislation/regulations which aim to make corporations socially accountable. Various approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and CSR policies will be reviewed and assessed.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
This course introduces students to the key concepts in effective desktop publishing, including color theory, page layout, graphic design, and font usage. Students will use the, MS Picture Manager, MS Publisher software, Adobe Illustrator, as well as online tools to create a variety of documents for business and marketing. The focus of the course will be on techniques for creating effective and aesthetically pleasing documents for both print and electronic media.
42 Hours
This course will introduce the student to many features and applications of MS Access 2016. Access terminology, the Access 2016 Interface, and the basic characteristics of a database will be followed by topics including creating, querying, maintaining, and presenting a database. Procedures for converting an Excel worksheet to an Access database will also be studied.
42 Hours
This course will focus on the management of law office/department and office etiquette and enable students to identify and work with time management, file management, and client accounts. It will also introduce the student to legal terminology and citation, legal correspondence, and legal documents. The student will learn techniques to organize job searches, draft cover letters, and tailor resumes specifically for law firms.
42 Hours
In this course, students will be introduced to business in Canada, focusing on introductory topics for those interested in employment in a business management role. Topics of study will include the relationships between the areas of finance, human resources, marketing, and operations within an organization, business ethics and social responsibility, management concepts and practices, and an exploration of the entrepreneurial spirit.
42 Hours
In this course, students will study the impact which corporations have on the environment, employees, communities, and stakeholders and will examine related ethical issues and concerns in these areas. Students will define “good corporate citizenship” and will look at government and private legislation/regulations which aim to make corporations socially accountable. Various approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and CSR policies will be reviewed and assessed.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
This course introduces students to the key concepts in effective desktop publishing, including color theory, page layout, graphic design, and font usage. Students will use the, MS Picture Manager, MS Publisher software, Adobe Illustrator, as well as online tools to create a variety of documents for business and marketing. The focus of the course will be on techniques for creating effective and aesthetically pleasing documents for both print and electronic media.
42 Hours
This course will introduce the student to many features and applications of MS Access 2016. Access terminology, the Access 2016 Interface, and the basic characteristics of a database will be followed by topics including creating, querying, maintaining, and presenting a database. Procedures for converting an Excel worksheet to an Access database will also be studied.
42 Hours
This course will focus on the management of law office/department and office etiquette and enable students to identify and work with time management, file management, and client accounts. It will also introduce the student to legal terminology and citation, legal correspondence, and legal documents. The student will learn techniques to organize job searches, draft cover letters, and tailor resumes specifically for law firms.
42 Hours
Semester 4
In this course, students will develop managerial skills to propose, plan, secure resources, budget, and lead project teams to successful completions of projects. Students will also learn why organizations have developed a formal project management process supported by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to gain a competitive advantage. The case study approach will be used along with an investigation of software and collaboration tools that aid in carrying out activities of project planning and project execution.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
The most successful science communicator of the 20th century, Dr. Carl Sagan explained it best when he said “We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology”. This course is designed to address this issue by educating students on the basic operation and function of the information systems that we use on a daily basis. Today everyone makes use of information systems. To be successful in a modern business career you must be able to view information systems from the perspective of business and explain what information systems can and cannot do and be able to use them to help you accomplish your work. You will be expected to discover opportunities to use information systems & to participate in the design solutions to business problems employing information systems.
56 Hours
In this course, students will study the conceptual foundation and practical techniques necessary for creating a comprehensive and effective social media marketing plan. Focus will be on identifying target audiences, setting attainable social media objectives, devising realistic platform-specific strategies and tactics, and monitoring and measuring progress and feedback of the plan. Students will be encouraged to engage in social media with a business focus and wherever possible, work with real clients in the development of their social media marketing plan.
42 Hours
This experiential learning opportunity supports graduates of the Office Administration Executive Program to gain career-related experience on the job. Students are responsible for finding a suitable placement within their respective communities, where they can apply the principles and skills learned throughout the program. Students are required to complete weekly placement journals and a final project highlighting their experience.
In this course, students will develop managerial skills to propose, plan, secure resources, budget, and lead project teams to successful completions of projects. Students will also learn why organizations have developed a formal project management process supported by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to gain a competitive advantage. The case study approach will be used along with an investigation of software and collaboration tools that aid in carrying out activities of project planning and project execution.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
The most successful science communicator of the 20th century, Dr. Carl Sagan explained it best when he said “We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology”. This course is designed to address this issue by educating students on the basic operation and function of the information systems that we use on a daily basis. Today everyone makes use of information systems. To be successful in a modern business career you must be able to view information systems from the perspective of business and explain what information systems can and cannot do and be able to use them to help you accomplish your work. You will be expected to discover opportunities to use information systems & to participate in the design solutions to business problems employing information systems.
56 Hours
In this course, students will study the conceptual foundation and practical techniques necessary for creating a comprehensive and effective social media marketing plan. Focus will be on identifying target audiences, setting attainable social media objectives, devising realistic platform-specific strategies and tactics, and monitoring and measuring progress and feedback of the plan. Students will be encouraged to engage in social media with a business focus and wherever possible, work with real clients in the development of their social media marketing plan.
42 Hours
This experiential learning opportunity supports graduates of the Office Administration Executive Program to gain career-related experience on the job. Students are responsible for finding a suitable placement within their respective communities, where they can apply the principles and skills learned throughout the program. Students are required to complete weekly placement journals and a final project highlighting their experience.
Career Ready Graduates
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List
CIP Code: 52.0402
International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
- Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
- Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
- Operate and provide support related to the use, maintenance and procurement of office equipment and technologies.
- Evaluate, establish and administer a variety of records management systems to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
- Produce financial documents and reports by identifying and compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
- Prepare and produce a variety of business documents using available technologies and applying industry standards.
- Use interpersonal, leadership and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the vision and mission of the organization.
- Research, analyze and summarize information on resources and services and prepare summary reports with recommendations.
- Select and use information technologies to support communication with internal and external stakeholders and to promote the organization.
- Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, special events and make travel arrangements including the preparation of related documentation.
- Support the implementation of projects by applying basic principles of project management.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Office Administration Program – Executive who enter the workforce will find opportunities in the following: healthcare, legal, government, industrial, commercial and financial sectors as:
- Administrative assistant
- Accounts payable clerk
- Executive assistant
- Customer service representative
- Office administrator
- Office manager
- Employed in various workplaces in the private and public sectors
Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, U)
- Grade 11 Math (C, M, U)
Or equivalent
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the general admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic– International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 5.5
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+
- Duolingo: 105+
3. CO-OP Work Permit is mandatory for this program to participate in unpaid program placements.
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Domestic: $2,720.56
International: $15,257.86
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees vary by campus and support aspects of your experience as a Northern College student, such as Student Associations, Athletic Facilities, and Health Benefits.Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus (2025-26) | Domestic | International |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.