A course in secretariat generally delves into the responsibilities of a collective group of individuals, the office or the department in general. Studies can include learning about those responsible for performing routine administrative and clerical tasks for an official governmental or international entity.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.