image of female professional at desk looking at computer screens with computer code
College of Applied and Technical Studies

Office Software Applications

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
21
Completion Time
Complete in as little as 2 semesters

The Office Software Applications Undergraduate Certificate provides hands-on training in Microsoft Office and essential business software used in today’s workplaces. Students develop skills in creating professional documents, managing and analyzing data, and selecting the right tools for business tasks. This program prepares graduates with the practical software proficiency employers expect in modern office environments.

Office Software Applications Undergraduate Certificate Program Overview

The Office Software Application undergraduate certificate provides a solid background in Microsoft Office software applications to assist individuals in becoming productive office workers. The program enables students to establish or update skills using the latest version of software that is commonly used in offices today.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Create state of-the-art documents, using guidelines, terminology and basic publication concepts of business standards.
  2. Select the most appropriate software to use in creating specific business documents that meet industry standards.
  3. Assemble critical business data using spreadsheet and database software.
  4. Combine data from their original software to another for upgraded usage.
  5. Design projects with the use of current office software applications.

Program Structure 

  • 21 minimum credits 
  • 1 IT course, 6 OTEC courses

Office Software Applications Undergraduate Certificate Admissions Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Important Dates

Jan
12
Classes Begin
Spring 2026 Semester
May
11
Classes Begin
Summer 2026 Semester
Aug
24
Classes Begin
Fall 2026 Semester

Office Software Applications Undergraduate Certificate Program Courses

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Certificate Requirements
IT 21010 WORKGROUP PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE 3
OTEC 16620 WORD PROCESSING I 3
OTEC 16621 WORD PROCESSING II 3
OTEC 16625 BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS 3
OTEC 16639 DATABASE APPLICATIONS 3
OTEC 26611 SPREADSHEET APPLICATIONS 3
OTEC 26640 CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 21

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary - Certificates
Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of the certificate curriculum at Kent State University.
  • Maximum 6 credit hours of transfer credits may be used as long as letter grades appear on original transcripts.

Office Software Applications Undergraduate Certificate Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour

Per 3-Credit Course

Approximate Tuition Cost

$345.63
Lower Division Courses
$1,036.89$7,200 part-time1

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$355.63
Lower Division Courses
$1,066.89$7,400 part-time2

1 The $345.63 per-credit-hour tuition rate for LOWER division courses applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. This certificate consists of all lower division courses.
2 The $355.63 per-credit-hour tuition rate for LOWER division courses applies to part-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester, PLUS a $10 per-credit-hour surcharge. This certificate consists of all lower division courses.

  • An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
  • Actual tuition costs will vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. The full cost of attendance consists of tuition and fees, and when applicable, food, housing, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation and personal expenses for the enrolled terms. Other expenses not included in tuition and fees totals can be found on the Kent State University cost of attendance web page.
  • For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.

Office Software Applications Undergraduate Certificate Careers

Receptionists and information clerks
  • 3.6% about as fast as the average
  • 1,105,300 number of jobs
  • $31,110 potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Other Programs You Might Like

The online Computer Forensics and Information Security undergraduate certificate provides an introduction to information security and incident response, forensic preparation, and data recovery and analysis.
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Media at Kent State University offers a fully online program for those passionate about media production, digital storytelling, and content creation. This program provides hands-on experience in multimedia design, video production, and digital editing, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in media and communications. With a flexible format and expert faculty, you can earn your degree while building a portfolio that will help you stand out in the industry.
The online Accounting Fundamentals graduate certificate provides students with basic knowledge in the areas of financial accounting, tax, and audit. The certificate prepares students for entry-level accounting positions or further graduate study in accounting.

Learn More about Kent State Online Programs

Check out one of our featured blog posts below.
In today’s technology-driven world, preparing students for success means more than just teaching them how to use a device. It means helping them think critically, solve problems creatively, and engage meaningfully with digital tools—and that starts with teachers who are equipped to lead in the digital age.
In today’s digital age, technology is reshaping how educators teach and students learn. As classrooms continue to evolve with emerging technologies, it’s more important than ever for teachers to stay ahead of the curve. The 100% online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Technology at Kent State University offers a Computer Technology Endorsement Preparation concentration, empowering educators with the skills to seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching practices.
As classrooms and workplaces across Ohio evolve with the rise of technology, educators must be equipped with technical tools and the skills to use them meaningfully. Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education in Educational Technology empowers today’s educators to lead digital transformation in schools, communities, and beyond.

Advance Your Career With Kent State

Explore Our Online Programs
Online Minors
Online Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Programs
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Center for Adult Veteran Services
Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are enrolled at Kent State University. We’re excited to have you join us, and our international admission team is here to help you every step of the way.
About Kent State Online
Online Support Center
At Kent State Online, you’re never on your own. Whether you’re learning from across Ohio or across the country, our team is here with personalized support and a strong commitment to helping you succeed.