Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 58.9%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $23050) to the average debt ($13585) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 58.9%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($23050) against the typical student debt ($13585), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $23050, and with an average student debt of $13585, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.59—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 16604 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other (CIP 52.0499) is a practical, career-focused business degree category designed for programs that prepare students for administrative, operational, and support roles within organizations. This CIP code captures non-traditional, hybrid, and emerging programs that provide foundational business knowledge while emphasizing organizational support, office management, and administrative efficiency.
At its core, business operations support is about keeping organizations running smoothly. Programs under 52.0499 teach students how to manage communication, workflow, information, and day-to-day administrative functions. Graduates are prepared to support managers, teams, and executives by ensuring that organizational operations are efficient, accurate, and professional.
This degree category is especially relevant as organizations seek professionals who can combine administrative expertise with business knowledge, technology proficiency, and organizational problem-solving skills.
What Is a Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other Degree?
A degree classified under CIP 52.0499 represents non-traditional or interdisciplinary programs focused on office, administrative, and operational support in business settings. Schools use this classification for programs that teach students to coordinate operations, manage information, and provide executive or administrative assistance across industries.
Depending on the institution, programs in this category may include coursework in:
- Office management and administrative procedures
- Business communication and professional writing
- Document and record management
- Scheduling and calendar coordination
- Customer service and client relations
- Business software and information systems
- Data entry, reporting, and analytics basics
- Workflow and process coordination
- Professional ethics and workplace etiquette
The emphasis is on practical skills, attention to detail, and organizational efficiency, ensuring graduates can support business operations effectively.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other is ideal for students who:
- Want a career in administrative or operational support
- Enjoy organizing, coordinating, and managing tasks
- Are detail-oriented and proficient in communication
- Prefer practical, applied learning with clear workplace applications
- Seek flexible opportunities across industries
This degree often appeals to individuals who value reliability, efficiency, and supporting others in achieving organizational goals.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 52.0499 programs develop a broad understanding of administrative functions and business operations. Coursework emphasizes communication, organization, and practical application.
You will learn how to manage office workflows, support teams, maintain accurate records, and use technology to improve efficiency and productivity in business environments.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Managing schedules, meetings, and organizational communication
- Preparing professional documents and reports
- Maintaining accurate records and databases
- Coordinating projects and workflows
- Using office software and business technology
- Providing customer service and professional support
- Following workplace policies, ethics, and confidentiality standards
- Supporting teams and management effectively
These skills are essential for administrative and operational support roles in any organization.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework may include subjects such as:
- Office and administrative management
- Business communication and professional writing
- Records management and documentation
- Scheduling, coordination, and workflow optimization
- Customer service and client relations
- Business software proficiency (spreadsheets, word processing, email, scheduling tools)
- Business law, ethics, and workplace etiquette
- Project and team support techniques
- Data entry, reporting, and information analysis
Programs may include practical labs, internships, or project-based learning to reinforce workplace readiness.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other degree prepares graduates for a variety of administrative, operational, and support roles.
Common career paths include:
- Administrative Assistant or Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
- Operations Support Specialist
- Project Coordinator or Administrative Coordinator
- Customer Service Coordinator
- Data Entry or Records Management Specialist
- Business Support Associate
- Team or Department Administrative Support
Graduates often find opportunities in nearly every sector, providing the organizational backbone for businesses and nonprofits.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly work in:
- Corporations and private businesses
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government offices and public agencies
- Healthcare and educational institutions
- Professional services firms
- Retail, finance, and technology companies
Administrative and operations skills are universally needed, making career options diverse and flexible.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, experience, and industry, but administrative and operational support positions offer solid entry-level and mid-career pay.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level administrative or support roles: $35,000–$45,000 annually
- Mid-level office or operations coordinators: $45,000–$60,000
- Senior administrative managers or executive assistants: $60,000–$80,000+
Experience, professional certifications, and industry specialization can increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
The academic difficulty of this degree is moderate. Students must be comfortable with organization, attention to detail, communication, and technology. Programs are often applied and practical, preparing graduates for real-world tasks efficiently.
Who Should Choose CIP 52.0499 Specifically?
This CIP code may be a strong match if you:
- Want to work in administrative, operational, or support roles
- Enjoy organizing, coordinating, and facilitating workflows
- Are detail-oriented and reliable
- Seek practical skills applicable across multiple industries
- May advance into office management, project coordination, or executive support roles
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in business operations and secretarial services should:
- Take computer, business, and communication courses
- Develop strong writing and organizational skills
- Participate in clubs or activities that require teamwork and leadership
- Learn office software tools (spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software)
- Seek volunteer or part-time roles to practice administrative skills
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other represents a practical, versatile, and in-demand pathway for students who want to support organizational success—developing the skills to keep businesses running smoothly while building opportunities for advancement.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor