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What is Office Management and Supervision?
Office Management and Supervision is a field of study in business focused on the process associated with managing, leading, training, and organizing individuals and teams within an organization towards a common goal. An office manager or supervisor is a person possessing the capacity and willingness to manage, develop, and organize resources of a business and its associated risks in order to help the team work towards a collective set of objectives.
According to the BLS, Office Management and Supervision is a vital role in the growth of the United States economy. In a traditional sense, an Office Manager or Supervisor is a person charged with controlling a public or private entity or group in an efficient manner to take advantage of a business opportunity, satisfy customer demand, or set of market inefficiencies.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
122,310Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Office Management and Supervision Degree
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) is a non-sectarian private university. SMU has been nationally ranked as a comprehensive research university. The school is recognized for its academic excellence and research programs. The university has programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across eight schools. Cox School of Business offers an undergraduate program in Business Administration. Office Management degree is a course required to finish the BBA degree. The course is focused on the development of effective leadership, management and execution by individuals and teams.
Acceptance Rate
47.29
Student to Faculty Ratio
N.A
Loyola University-Chicago (Chicago, IL) is a private university that has a Roman Catholic affiliation. The university has a long list of undergraduate programs and graduate or professional programs. LUC has several campuses across Chicago and one in Rome. It also offers guest programs in Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City. The Office Management major can be found under the undergraduate Business Administration program. Students are provided with theoretical and practical coursework. It teaches effective and responsible leadership across different business settings. The course aims to contribute to personal and organizational success of the students.
Acceptance Rate
67.22
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion (Marion, IN) is a private university that maintains affiliation with the Wesleyan Church. The university has a long list of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Office Management degree is one of the majors offered in the university. Courses are focused on developing leadership skills in businesses or public organizations. Graduates are expected to apply Christian principles in the careers they pursue. B.S. Management is also offered through the university’s online platform.
Acceptance Rate
67
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, CA) is a private Christian liberal arts college offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university grants bachelor’s degrees and houses several graduate programs. PLNU’s Bachelor of Science in Office Management program prepares students to be leaders across different organizational and business settings. Students are provided with courses that focus on leadership, organizational behavior, operations management, finance, and strategy. It also fosters an environment and culture that contributes to their skills and knowledge.
Acceptance Rate
73.66
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Western Technical College is a two year private career college that provides a great education environment for its students. Over 980 students have completed their education in the last few years according to annual released graduation information with a graduation rate of about 88%. Western Technical College has several programs to pick from. Here are the programs with more popularity among students:
- Medical Assistant
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Massage Therapy
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
To support students and graduates, Western Technical College may offer support services including:
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
This school has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges since 1990. Please visit westerntech.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$33,312 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA) is a private Christian university providing comprehensive education that highlights a solid, reformed, Christian perspective. It has bachelor’s, associate’s, and a master’s degree offers for students. Office Management is an emphasis under the bachelor’s program for Business Administration. This course will enhance the leadership skills of the student. The curriculum allows the students to attend workshops and seminars to further their knowledge and exposure to the industry.
Acceptance Rate
75.46
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Widener University (Chester, PA) is a private university that manages two campuses in PA and one located in DE. It has a wide range of undergraduate majors and a long list of graduate programs in business, education, engineering, nursing, social work, physical therapy, and clinical psychology. The top rated Office Management degree is an undergraduate major that specializes in four areas - human resource, operations, sport, or general management. Students are required to study business courses before choosing a management focus course. Graduates are expected to gain leadership skills that are essential across different business environments.
Acceptance Rate
71.9
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Western Technical College, located in El Paso, Texas, is a privately owned 2 year institution dedicated to career education. For over forty years WTC has provided vocational education opportunities to students through practical and formal instruction. The staff is experienced and dedicated to providing students with the best education possible for a given program, imparting the skills learned through professional experience.
Academics
Western Technical College provides vocational programs a in a variety of fields and educates its students to be able to work in those fields after completion of the program. A professional faculty and state of the art facilities will assist in the education process, and practical applications along with traditional study will be utilized to learn a develop the skills necessary for success.
Programs offered include:
- Massage Therapy
- Medical/Clinical Assistant
- Diesel Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Advanced Welding
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Western Technical College must be seventeen years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may require additional testing as well as medical information. WTC offers a several forms of financial aid assistance. Students interested in financial aid should contact the financial aid office to begin the process. The financial aid office will assist interested students through every step of the application process.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$27,099 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
30:1
Ashland University (Ashland, OH) is a private Christian university that offers a large number of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate levels. Ashland offers an Office Management program. Students are expected to learn valuable skills and knowledge particularly in leadership. The curriculum also includes courses that provide a strong business foundation. The university maintains a small class size that allows a more personal learning approach.
Acceptance Rate
71.17
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Hampton University (Hampton, VA) is a private historically black research university. It has a long list of academic programs granting undergraduate and graduate degrees including professional degrees. The university’s School of Business is one of the top producers of African-American students on the undergraduate level. Hampton University offers an Office Management program that provides courses that focus on management in every business or office setting. Students can also design their curriculum by picking courses that could be beneficial in their chosen career.
Acceptance Rate
36
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Saint Ambrose University (Davenport, IA) is a private Roman Catholic university that houses top-notch undergraduate and graduate programs. Its undergraduate curriculum includes liberal arts courses exposing students to more topics and areas of study. SAU has a BA in Office Management degree program offering two concentrations - Entrepreneurship and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The program is focused on providing education that produces ethical and responsible leaders. The curriculum also includes internship programs to further enhance the capacity of the students.
Acceptance Rate
76.79
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Avila University (Kansas City, MO) is a private Roman Catholic university. It offers a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. Undergraduate business administration programs lead to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees. The B.A. program under the Institute of Professional Studies which is designed for adults and professionals who aim to further their studies. This program is offered online. Avila’s Business Administration graduates can assume roles as Office Managers, Loan Officers, or Human Resource Management, and alike.
Acceptance Rate
41.12
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
University of Mary (Bismarck, ND) is a private university that extends its academic excellence to Rome and Peru. It also has satellite campuses across the state and neighboring states allowing more access to education for interested students. The Business and Office Management degree is a program offered on the undergraduate level and delivered online or blended format. Students can be granted a Bachelor of Science in Business Management within 1.6 years depending on the transfer credits. Graduates are expected to learn new skills and managerial strategies that they can apply in actual business or office settings.
Acceptance Rate
73.55
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (Whitewater, WI) is a public university that offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs. Office Management is a course included in the Bachelor of Business Administration program. This course is designed to develop leaders with exceptional skills on managing and leading an organization. These programs also offer internships to further enhance the students skills and knowledge before assuming roles in the industry.
Acceptance Rate
78.93
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Jamestown Business College (Jamestown, NY) is a private higher learning institution that grants associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Most of the program offers are focused on business and management. Bachelor of Business Administration offers a Office Management major. Courses focus on the planning and implementation of business practices. Graduates of this program are expected to learn advanced skills and knowledge before assuming leadership roles adapting global business practices.
Acceptance Rate
90
Student to Faculty Ratio
29:1
Lawrence Technological University (Southfield, MI) is a private university also known as Lawrence Tech. The school has undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Most courses are aligned with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. LTU offers a baccalaureate and master’s degree in Business Administration. The degree in Office Management is one of major courses under this program. Students are expected to learn more about business and organizational leadership, and develop their critical thinking. The program also integrates liberal arts courses to develop the communication and critical thinking skills of the students.
Acceptance Rate
79.27
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Maranatha Baptist University (Watertown, WI) is a private university that is affiliated with the Baptist church. The university grants associate degrees, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Undergraduate programs are delivered online as well as several graduate programs. The Office Management program helps students to develop skills in a variety of disciplines related to business and management practices. Students can also opt to choose the Bachelor’s to Master’s path. This is for students who desire to pursue graduate studies.
Acceptance Rate
76.68
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA) is a public university offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university extends its academic excellence to several campuses across the state. Under business programs, the university offers Leadership and Office Management programs. This is designed to enhance skills in leadership, decision-making, and organizational planning. Business Administration leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.
Acceptance Rate
84.92
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) is a public university and one of the founding members of the Texas A&M University System. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across seven colleges. The Department of Management offers a wide range of programs focused on providing education that develops students’ leadership skills. Bachelor in Business Administration major in Office Management is a program that prepares students to be leaders in their chosen careers. The program is available in different campuses across the state.
Acceptance Rate
55.77
Student to Faculty Ratio
N.A
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana, PA) is a public research university that extends its academic programs across other campuses in the state. IUP has a long list of comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. The Supervision and Management degree pathway is one of the many high level majors in the university. It has several related undergraduate programs. These programs prepare students to be globally competent in the business and management arena. Students can choose which industry they want to focus on.
Acceptance Rate
93
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI) is a nonprofit private institution offering a wide range of programs. The school values its Roman Catholic affiliation and it plays an important role in the school’s vision. Some popular programs in SHU are liberal arts and sciences, business and marketing, and public administration and social services. The student population in the school is fairly low compared to nearby colleges. Office Management is a major under the Bachelor of Business Administration program. Aside from coursework, students are required to present case studies/analysis about best business practices. Graduates are expected to effectively communicate, develop critical thinking, and foster professionalism.
Acceptance Rate
73.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO) is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. The university also offers study abroad programs across several countries around the globe. Students can choose among several management and supervision related business programs. Core curriculum of these programs prepare students to assume leadership roles across a variety of industries. Students are provided with study abroad opportunities in partnership with the Harrison College of Business.
Acceptance Rate
86.19
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
University of Akron (Akron, OH) is a public university that offers a wide range of programs. The university also offers workforce and career training, continuing education, distance training, and experiential learning through international study programs. UA has a wide range of Office Management programs. Students are prepared to assume rules across different business settings. Graduates are expected to learn about a wide range of organizational functions.
Acceptance Rate
73.04
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI) is a public university organized into seven schools and colleges. Students can choose among a wide range undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Office Management is offered to students who aim to assume a variety of leadership roles in the business world. Some of the courses highlighted in this program are about management skills, management responsibility, and ethics, organizational change, and team building.
Acceptance Rate
74.06
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
University of Toledo (Toledo, OH) is a public research university that offers a large number of academic programs across a diverse area of study. The university fosters an ideal student-teacher ratio. The online Office Management degree is a major offered under the Bachelor of Business Administration program. This major is a great option for students who are interested to lead and assume general management roles. Students can also individualize their program by choosing courses that they think can help them improve and develop in their chosen careers.
Acceptance Rate
96.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Top Degree for an Office Manager
Pathways to starting a career in Office Management and Supervision will likely vary from individual to individual. In other words, by earning degree or certificate in office management plus a unique level of relevant work experience, professional contacts, and business acuity can all help propel a candidate to find a job managing in an office setting.
The degree programs offered via an accredited university and college will be either be accomplished through direct or indirect programs. Direct degree programs are created by schools to provide students with a full range of skills necessary to become an effective office manager in the workplace.
Indirect degrees and certificates in supervision teach various core skills that are transferable from job to job across industries. Adjacent pathways to management that may help lead you land the perfect job for you may include the following:
Both indirect and direct degree programs can serve as important tools to help you succeed in business management and supervision when coupled with life experiences, transferable skills, and relevant work experience.
Office Manager Educational Requirements
As an office supervisor, there is an expected level of mastery expected in management within a given industry. First-time supervisors of a small satellite office have a different set of expectations than an experienced manager of a large, established office. Thus, the range of expertise will come with a spectrum of mastery. As such, students and working professionals will need to continue to learn and upskill throughout their lives to remain competitive and relevant.
The certificate programs available for current and prospective office managers are often highly targeted programs that teach vital core skills to succeed in a supervisory position. Certificate can also be created in a more general sense, teaching an array of relevant skills through a diverse set of classes. As an example, a targeted certificate program in supervision can focus on staff scheduling to help prepare a manager navigate an office with multiple shifts or manufacturing facility requiring precise schedules.
Meanwhile, a general certificate program will provide students with core skills and knowledge via broad-based classes such as communications, bookkeeping, leadership, project management, personnel management, record keeping, customer service, accounting, psychology, and interviewing skills.
Employment Overview for Office Managers
Office managers and supervisors of all types will learn a variety of business skills in school. Formal degrees in management and certificate programs in supervision can help assist individuals with key skills and business knowledge. Supervisors are important job functions in both large corporations and small businesses. They ensure tasks are being completed on time and on budget while morale and productivity remain high.
College degrees can help supervisors upskill in a variety of business positions such as advertising, leaders, board members, directors, project managers, human resources, training managers, venture capitalists, and logistics managers. With the latent core skills to lead, teach and motivate others, the sky is the limit in terms of sector of employment and vocational growth opportunities.
Office Manager Job Responsibilities
An office supervisor will be given a set of responsibilities to support an organizations objectives and mission. They will support staff, customers, and executive management team while communicating with each group effectively. The exact job requirements of an office supervisor will vary from company to company given the needs of the organization.
Managers will need to possess a set of working skills that include effective communication, organization, diplomacy, documentation, industry knowledge, record keeping, critical thinking, legal knowledge, writing skills, reading skills, and time management. An overview of a typical office managers job responsibilities includes the following:
- Answering emails and telephone calls & communicating with appropriate staff
- Routing emails, documents, and files to appropriate staff
- Managing proper inventories in and around the office
- Conferring with peers and management team to discuss strategies to help promote the organization, increase sales, and expand new markets
- Helping to resolve customer complaints associated with products, services, and personnel
- Training employees to master complex duties or new processes
- Managing sales team to ensure goals are achieved
- Interviewing, hiring, training, retaining, and evaluating staff perpetually
- Attending divisional and company-wide meetings to share best practices and align objectives department to department
- Organizing and planning work schedules & managing monthly objectives
- Coordinating with legal team regarding human resource issues and concerns
Management Salary and Job Growth
Salaries for business managers tend to be well above the median average. In fact, a summary of management occupations compiled by the BLS reveals substantial data. Management occupations in the United States is the highest wage group of all job types across the board. The median annual income of managers and supervisors is $102,590. Topping the scale above $125,000 a year are marketing managers, engineering managers, information systems managers, and financial managers.
Employment growth for managers and supervisors looks bright. Factors that affect wage and job growth for managers include sector growth, company health, job function, work ethic, experience, and strategic focus. Specific examples include growth for administrative managers growing at 8% and sales managers growing at 7% during the coming ten years. These two job functions alone will account for over 60,000 new jobs during this coming reporting period.
Resources for Office Managers & Supervisors
The Office Managers Association (OMA), NMA, and the AMA are great places for students to start. Each organization is dedicated to help office managers learn about the industry, network with other supervisors, and educate members about trends. Additional insights into relevant news, industry updates, legislative activities, and conferences can help grow your career outside the academic realm.