Mastering Microsoft PowerPoint
| Course code: | 26-SS-243 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | April 6 - May 1, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Location: | Online |
| Instructor: | Betsy Flanagan |
| Fee: | $195.00 |
Description
Whether you’re presenting data, pitching a product, or training a team, this hands-on course will teach you how to create impactful slides that connect with your audience. You’ll explore the fundamentals of effective slide design, practice adding multimedia elements such as images, videos, charts, and animations, and learn how to structure presentations for clarity and persuasion. You'll also discover advanced tools for formatting, collaboration, and delivery that will save time and elevate your presentations.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user, you’ll gain in-demand skills that allow you to design, deliver, and manage dynamic presentations that stand out in any professional setting.
Course Outcomes
- Create polished and professional PowerPoint presentations that captivate and inform.
- Effectively use PowerPoint’s critical features, including graphics, animations, charts, and multimedia elements.
- Design interactive presentations using templates, sections, and data-driven visuals.
- Structure presentations clearly and concisely, using formatting and layout strategies that support comprehension.
- Collaborate on presentations, including using comments, managing track changes, and co-authoring tools.
- Confidently deliver presentations with techniques that enhance engagement and message clarity.
- Save, organize, and share presentations, including exporting to PDF and setting print preferences.
- Professionals and team leads who deliver presentations in meetings, trainings, or public settings
- Job seekers and entrepreneurs who need to create resumes, portfolios, investor decks, or product demos
- Educators and trainers who use visual tools to support learning and communication
- Students and early-career professionals looking to develop digital presentation and communication skills
- Anyone who wants to present ideas more effectively, with confidence and professionalism using PowerPoint
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.
