Mastering Microsoft Excel
| Course code: | 26-SS-221 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | February 2-27, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Location: | Online |
| Instructor: | Betsy Flanagan |
| Fee: | $195.00 |
Description
In this course you’ll build a strong foundation in spreadsheet creation, data management, and analysis, while learning how to enhance your work with visual elements like charts, graphs, and formatting tools. You’ll explore how to create and manage worksheets and workbooks from the ground up, understand Excel’s layout and functions, and apply advanced tools such as formulas, filters, and live connections across documents. You’ll also learn how to share your work seamlessly and integrate Excel with other Microsoft Office tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with high-demand Excel skills to improve productivity, support business operations, and make data-driven decisions in any professional setting.
Course Outcomes
- Create, edit, and manage Excel spreadsheets for business and personal use.
- Understand the structure and components of Excel worksheets and workbooks.
- Apply formatting, labels, and multimedia elements (charts, graphs, and images) to improve clarity and presentation.
- Use formulas and functions to perform calculations, analyze data, and automate tasks.
- Sort, filter, and connect data across multiple worksheets for dynamic reporting.
- Collaborate and manage file versions, using comments, track changes, and co-authoring tools.
- Export Excel content to other Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and manage PDF creation and print settings.
- Professionals in any industry who need to manage and analyze data
- Administrative and operations staff who work with reports, budgets, or inventories
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners tracking finances, sales, or customer information
- Students and job seekers aiming to build marketable spreadsheet and data skills
- Anyone looking to improve efficiency by automating tasks and streamlining data workflows using Excel
Notes
Registration Deadline: Participants can register up to 5 days after the course begins.Course Access: Offered in partnership with LERN. Log in 24/7—no live meetings.
Course Format: Weekly units include readings, audio-slide lectures, self-quizzes, and discussion forums.
Tips for Success: Log in 2–3 times a week and contribute 2–3 thoughtful posts per unit for the best experience.
Recognized Credentials: Earn nationally recognized CEUs from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association—perfect for meeting professional development goals or licensure requirements.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers this class/certificate in partnership with LERN. Therefore, you may cancel your registration up until you receive your login and password from LERN and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Online courses offered with the Learning Resources Network (LERN) continue to run, as scheduled during inclement weather. If there are changes to meeting status, you will receive an email at the address you provided upon registration informing you of the cancelation.
*exempt-this offering is ineligible for waiver use
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
