Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Executive Secretaries And Administrative Assistants
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Jefferson State Community College, Southern Union State Community College, Shelton State Community College, and Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Wallace Community College Dothan, James H Faulkner State Community College, NWSCC, and Bishop State Community College.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Chattahoochee Valley Community College, J F Drake State, Jefferson Davis Community College, and Trenholm Tech.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Chattahoochee Valley Community College, Southern Union State Community College, Enterprise-Ozark Community College, and Shelton State Community College.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of James H Faulkner State Community College, Jefferson Davis Community College, Southern Union State Community College, and Bevill State Community College.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Trenholm Tech, Alabama Southern, Reid State, and Bishop State Community College.
Spotlight Schools Search
Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career
- Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Doctorate
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Diploma
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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Auburn University • Auburn, AL
Studying Hotel & Restaurant Management (completion in 1995)
• 10/1/2011
"I loved the education, atmosphere, sports and the town of Auburn. I always felt at home there - I never felt like I was "away" at school."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Auburn has a nationally accredited program. My personal experiences with Auburn are all positive and I would recommend the school to anyone with the highest regard. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | We just received accreditation for our program, which is involuntary. Very few hospitality programs receive accreditation and I am very proud of our alumni, students, professors and administration for making our program and school proud. |
| Program Quality | 9 | I loved my school and the program. The professors were personable and passionate about the subjects they were teaching. |
| Instruction | 9 | My college education not only prepared me for the working world, but it gave me the skills needed to switch careers from hotel management to administrative support. I still keep in touch with the program to support it because I feel I received an education to be proud of and the skills I received are necessary for growing up professionally. |
| How Difficult | 7 | I rated the program a 7 because a lot of the classes were not difficult for me, they were actually fun. Beverage management and meat management are two classes that I would take every year if I could. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I would say the learning was a mix because we had a lot of guest speakers and field trips. The books we did have were not boring so I did not mind them and even kept most of them after I graduated. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | I had very flexible classes, even back in the 90s! I had the option of taking some classes late afternoon or at night. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The library was fantastic back in the 90s, so I can only imagine what it is like now. Auburn prides itself on being a leader in technology so I feel confident the school is using the latest technology for students. |
| Social Life | 7 | I put myself through school and had to work a full time job so my social experience was not as lively as I would have wanted it. However, the time I did have to be social I enjoyed every minute of it and it was one of the happiest times of my life. |
| Placement Services | 8 | When I was at school there was career assistance available but I did not use it. Now there is assistance available to current graduates as well as alumni who might be changing jobs or careers. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | Auburn not only has a great alumni association but the School of Human Sciences reaches out to alumni to keep them involved as well. Our alumni know the value of our education and I get goosebumps every time I am in an airport wearing an Auburn shirt and hear someone walk by and say, "War Eagle." |
Shelton State Community College • Tuscaloosa, AL
Studying Office Administration (completion in 2005)
• 9/26/2011
"I was highly satisfied with the school. The choice of programs was not right for me, but that was not the school's fault and should in no way reflect negatively on the school."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | I would recommend this class to anyone changing the type of work they are doing currently or to young students who need basic office skills. I would not recommend this program to anyone who already has solid office management skills. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | This is an excellent program for younger students who have no previous experience in the field. The staff is knowledgeable and really seems concerned about your success. |
| Program Quality | 3 | I returned to school to get a certification that would allow me to qualify for jobs which have higher level education requirements. I didn't learn anything from the program that I was not already doing in practice at work. |
| Instruction | 6 | The staff was outstanding and very helpful. The coursework was not well suited for someone who had been working in a professional environment. It was geared more toward high school graduates looking to learn basic office skills. |
| How Difficult | 1 | The coursework focused on developing general office skills. I already had most of the skills they were trying to develop. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Many of the classes were extremely hands on and others were more book oriented or “learn at your own pace.” | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | Shelton State offers a wide range of class schedules to fit any schedule. There are plenty of options as far as night school and online courses. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | The college is in a new building with expansive media for all of the degree programs offered. The libraries are well equipped with every possible means of information you might require for class. |
| Social Life | 7 | I was a much older student so I didn't engage actively in all of the social clubs available. The environment reminded me much of a high school. It was perfect for a young student who might not do as well in a larger university. |
| Placement Services | 8 | Outstanding for unemployed students. Helped them find employment quickly, often with companies for which they interned. |
| Alumni Network | 9 | The support staff is simply outstanding. All of the teachers, alumni and the counselors are always ready to help out with anything. |
Troy University • Troy, AL
Studying English (completion in 2013)
• 10/13/2011
"Troy is a great school and I have no regrets in choosing it. I would have liked to have had a broader selection of programs, however."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | There is no specific program for an administrative assistant career, and that makes it more difficult to recommend a particular school. The overall education at Troy is excellent, and they do work hard to prepare you for the workforce. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | Troy is certainly not known for its English program. However, the program is certainly more than adequate. |
| Program Quality | 7 | Troy University is an excellent school and their English program is more than adequate. The resources they have available, including distance education, make it excellent. |
| Instruction | 5 | Since I didn't go to college specifically to be an Administrative Assistant, the training had very little direct application to my career. However, the instruction in English is always a benefit. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The program is challenging, without being impossible. It's not something that you can just breeze through. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | English isn't exactly a hands-on program to begin with. The program did provide some interactive learning, but for the most part, it was restricted to books. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | Troy offers a number of their classes through their E-Campus program. This makes life much easier for those of us who worked through school! |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | Academic advisors, tutors (the language center in particular) and general availability of staff is excellent. The library, while not particularly large, is well stocked and the staff are always willing to help locate material from other university libraries. |
| Social Life | 5 | School spirit at Troy is well above average, but I had no interest in football, so it really didn't apply to me. There were relatively few social events and such that held any appeal. |
| Placement Services | I really had no interaction with these services. I found my employment through more traditional means. | |
| Alumni Network | 8 | Troy's alumni are a great group. Alumni behave more like an extended family, and they provide a great network for career advancement. |
University Of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, AL
Studying Public Relations (completion in 2003)
• 10/5/2011
"I was extremely satisfied. The University of Alabama was a perfect fit for me and I am happy overall with the experience I had there."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Absolutely. It is one of the top programs. There are a great deal of resources, and professors want to see you succeed. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | Currently has an excellent reputation. Ranked by PR Week as having one of the top PR programs in the country. |
| Program Quality | 8 | During the time I attended the school, it was recognized as one of the top public relations programs. The professors were helpful and there was an abundance of resources. |
| Instruction | 9 | The quality of instruction was great. The professors and TA's were helpful in guiding your career path. Although I did not seek a career in PR after college, the things I learned have been a huge help in my current career. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The program wasn't easy, but the coursework was enjoyable. There was also a good deal of help available if needed. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I would say there was a good mixture. Book learning was first and foremost, but as students, we were encouraged to do internships to get that hands-on experience. | |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The resources were great. Professors were accessible, study groups were mandatory and there were several computer labs. Classroom size was quite large so there was less individualized attention during class, but professors were readily available afterwards. |
| Social Life | 10 | I enjoyed my time at the university. There was a lot of school pride in regard to athletics, and getting involved was easy. |
| Placement Services | 10 | Excellent! They provided resume writing and interview coaching. They also helped me find several internships throughout college. |
| Alumni Network | 7 | There is a huge alumni network in the state that I currently live. It is great for networking. I landed my current position through Univ. of Alabama alumni. |
First Real Estate School • Hoover, AL
Studying Real Estate (completion in 1996)
• 10/9/2011
"I was happy with the school and instructor, until she left the company. I had to struggle to pass the test after losing a final course session."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | The school is no longer open. Even if it were open, I wouldn't recommend it, based on the changes that happened during my course. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | The school used to be great, but has since closed. The fall of the industry has closed many schools for realtors. |
| Program Quality | 6 | At the time I chose the school, it was highly recommended by others. By the time I was near my testing date, the lead instructor had moved and left us without a final course. I finished up, but I think it was awful to leave all of the students without their final course. |
| Instruction | 7 | The instructor was very good and explained the information in very good terms. Unfortunately, she left the school before we finished, and left us hanging before our testing. |
| How Difficult | 10 | The real estate exam is very difficult and is failed by many people on the first round. Thankfully, I was able to study enough to pass it. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The realtor course is strictly book learning. There are no hands-on portions of the course. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | Classes were available with many choices of weekday or night. They are now available online. |
| Academic Facilities | 4 | There was only one location for the school and no other options. The building wasn't the best location, but it was the only choice at that time. |
| Social Life | 2 | There were no social events. |
| Placement Services | 7 | The school offered placement, but only in the offices affiliated with the school. I was upset at the single company they referred to. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | There is no alumni support in real estate school. Those that pass become realtors, but that's it. |
University Of Westminster • London, AL
Studying Diplomatic Studies (completion in 2008)
• 10/22/2011
"I liked the education, but wish I had more ties to the program. It's difficult to keep in touch with people spread all over the world."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Excellent advice from diplomats for diplomats. Allowed me to study at my own pace. |
| Program Reputation | 9 | We had a lot of senior officials and diplomats come speak to us. We visited the American and Canadian embassies in London, which was interesting. |
| Program Quality | 9 | I was trained to be a diplomat, by diplomats, with diplomats as classmates. I had a well-rounded, unique international education. |
| Instruction | 9 | I learned a lot about my chosen career. Assistance to attain that career wasn't great, but they can't force the government to hire you. |
| How Difficult | 5 | There were a lot of international students who had a bit of difficulty with English and/or adapting to the Western educational system. I was used to it, so I found it fairly easy. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Very good hands on approach. I was taught by people with experience, who relayed their skills to me in a useful way. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Evening classes so you could work. Offered summer programs in Italy and Morocco. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | I was able to speak to my professors when I needed to and obtain journal articles at the library. It was on par with my undergrad. |
| Social Life | 1 | Only socialized with my classmates, many of whom were very "cliquey." Didn't care about the school socially at all. |
| Placement Services | 2 | Didn't help at all with my program. They care more about undergrads. |
| Alumni Network | 2 | I don't feel attached to the school or the alumni. The only professor I felt close to isn't there anymore and I have no way of reaching him. |
Livingston University • Livingston, AL
Studying Environmental Science (completion in 1992)
• 10/19/2011
"I enjoyed both the academics and the social aspect of my college. Moving away from home was also a learning experience."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | LU is a smaller, less expensive school. I would recommend this to anyone in the area because it is a great place to start your academic career. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | I'm not sure how well the program is doing. As an alumni I don't follow their progress. And I'm not in that field. |
| Program Quality | 8 | I completed school almost 20 years ago and I think colleges should explain gender bias a little better. |
| Instruction | 8 | I am not working in the field that I studied in school. I did learn a lot, just not usable now. |
| How Difficult | 8 | Most people that go into Environmental Science are already knowledgeable in the classes. They also have a general interest, so it is easier to focus and learn. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Being a science major, I participated in many labs and trips. The internship itself was a great learning experience. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Most colleges provide quite a few options for classes. LU offers mostly the same options as other colleges. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | I'm sure the facilities have improved. I haven't kept up with their status though. |
| Social Life | 5 | My social life was average. No sorority for me. |
| Placement Services | 10 | LU required an internship in my field. I was hired at that same company as soon as my internship was over. |
| Alumni Network | 2 | LU is a small school near The University of Alabama. UA has such better marketing and alumni support. LU doesn't even try to compete. |
University Of North Alabama • Florence, AL
Studying Business Management And Accounting (completion in 2013)
• 11/25/2011
"Overall, I am very satisfied with the University of North Alabama. I get the university life without having to leave my hometown."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The University of North Alabama has a great faculty and staff! Plus, the campus is so beautiful! |
| Program Reputation | 7 | The University of North Alabama has a great reputation in general. But UNA is known mostly for its Education and Nursing programs. |
| Program Quality | 10 | The University of North Alabama is great! I have learned so much about management and how to keep up with accounts. |
| Instruction | 9 | The quality of instruction is good! There are many things that I have learned in the classroom that have applied to my job on a day-to-day basis. |
| How Difficult | 10 | Although the University of North Alabama is very hard, it's worth it! Local employers know the academic challenges of UNA and would gladly accept UNA students over students who earned a degree online. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Whether or not things are hands-on or book learning depends on the major. My major was more "from the books" than a science major that is more "hands on." | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | The school's class flexibility options are kind of difficult. There are some classes that are only offered in the odd spring semesters. I believe this is because they want a student to have to stay and pay more money. But if one carefully plans, they won't run into this problem. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The University of North Alabama has a great amount of facilities available. The Collier Library is huge! UNA has decided to go Division 1 this year, so there will be many more things added! |
| Social Life | 10 | My social experience at UNA has been great! I am a part of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and love the Greek life at UNA. |
| Placement Services | 10 | The University of North Alabama has great job placement services for current students and alumni. One just gets on UNA's website, finds LionJobs under employment options, and there are hundreds of postings. All that is needed is a resume. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | The University of North Alabama has a great alumni network. The university allows alumni to use LionJobs (the school's employment hub) to find jobs. UNA also hosts alumni events as well! |
Southern Union • Opelika, AL
Studying Theatre (completion in 1998)
• 1/3/2012
"My general experiences there were good. I appreciate that I obtained enough education to be find a job outside my immediate major and have enough knowledge to do it well."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I enjoyed my time at Southern Union. Their instructors are wonderful and have updated facilities. |
| Program Reputation | 2 | My major was Theatre. I was in the program the first years it was offered and no hype was generated at that time. The additional business classes I took had a wonderful reputation. |
| Program Quality | 5 | The school has a small theatre department. While I am not working within that field I do utilize some of my training in my job role as an administrative assistant. I did take many general classes at Southern Union that helped in my field of work. |
| Instruction | 6 | The school is not known for its theatre department. The instructor was fresh from college. However, the business classes I took had very seasoned and knowledgeable instructors. |
| How Difficult | 2 | Both the Business and Theatre classes I took required a small amount of research. I found the class activities to require more common sense than study. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Most of my instructors tended to facilitate classroom activities and participation to teach. While all classes had textbooks, most of the time they were used as study guides. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 9 | They offered day and night classes for most subjects with multiple days and times for each class. They also had multiple instructors for many of the classes. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | Southern Union had three different campuses and had recently expanded those campuses. They are in a constant process of upgrading and updating. |
| Social Life | I was working full time and had other things going on in my life at that time. I assume they had and heard of different social "things" associated with the school. My goal was not socialization, it was obtaining my education so I could move on. | |
| Placement Services | 8 | The councilors did their best to network as best they could and connect you to contacts in your field. They also strived to connect you with contacts who might benefit from your skills outside your field of study. The college is in a small town so sometimes the market was a little over-saturated. |
| Alumni Network | I have no association with the school after I graduated. I moved across the country. |
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