Fundamentals of
Excel Certificate

Monday, March 9th and Wednesday, March 11th - 6-9 pm - Room: Higgins 041

SCHOOL OF Graduate, International and Career Studies

Enhance your Data Management Skills for Today's Digital Landscape

Program Overview

The Excel Fundamentals Certificate is a six-hour in-person program, benefitting from real-time interaction with the trainer. The program will be held over two evenings. This non-credit program introduces learners to foundational Excel skills using Microsoft Office 365. Leveraging SIMnet’s interactive learning tool, learners will complete guided projects and simulations. The course emphasizes hands-on practice, real-world applications, and skill transferability. 

Cost of program

  • $199 (in-person instruction)
  • $109.09 (course materials: SIMnet)
  • Total: $308.09 
  • Click here to register.

Certificate Objectives

Upon completing this program, learners will be able to: 
  • Create and edit Excel workbooks
  • Use formulas and functions effectively
  • Design and modify charts
  • Import, organize, and manage data 

Prerequisites

To ensure a successful learning experience, participants should have:

  • Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with using a mouse, keyboard, and navigating Windows or Mac operating systems.
  • Experience with web browsers, including logging into online platforms and accessing course materials.
  • No prior Excel experience is required, but comfort with basic digital tasks will help learners navigate SIMnet and complete assignments.
 

Modules

To ensure a successful learning experience, participants should have:

  • Module 1 – Creating and Editing Workbooks
  • Module 2 – Working with Formulas and Functions
  • Module 3 – Creating and Editing Charts
  • Module 4 – Getting and Managing Data
 

Assessment and Completion

Successful completion is based on participation and project submission. 

Digital Credentials “White Belt Badge” and WestConn Micro credential

Upon completion of the course learners will earn a “White Belt” in Excel. This is a certification awarded to individuals who have demonstrated basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This certification is part of the McGraw-Hill SIMnet platform and is designed to validate the skills of learners in using Excel effectively. The White Belt credential is a stepping stone for those looking to advance their knowledge and skills in Excel, potentially leading to higher-level certifications like Yellow, Purple, and Black Belts. You can learn more or view examples of badges on SIMnet’s official badge page.

In addition, learners will receive a WCSU micro badge to highlight the completion of the course through Western Connecticut State University. 

Materials/Technology

  • SIMnet Access: A link to purchase SIMnet access will be provided after registration and before the class meets. SIMnet includes access to the Microsoft Excel 365: In Practice, 2021 Edition e-textbook, which is required for this course. The cost to purchase SIMNet Access is $109.09, and learners will have access to use the program after the course is complete. 
  • Microsoft Excel 365: Learners will have access to use the computers on-site at WCSU or they are able to bring their own laptop. If learners will be using their own laptops, they must have the most recent version of Microsoft 356 available to use. 
 

Academic Honesty

All participants are expected to uphold the principles of academic integrity. While this is a non-credit course, learners must complete their own work and avoid plagiarism or unauthorized assistance on assignments and projects. Use of AI tools or external resources is permitted only when explicitly allowed by the instructor. Violations may result in removal from the course and forfeiture of any certificate of completion.

 

Certificate will lead to a Micro-Credential

Register

Modality: In-person evening sessions.
Days and Time: Monday, March 9th & Wednesday, March 11th. Time: 6-9 pm.
Location: Higgins 041, Midtown campus.

Instructor

Dr. Jennifer Flynn

flynnj@wcsu.edu

Dr. Jennifer Flynn is an Associate Professor of Management Information Systems at Western Connecticut State University. She holds a DPS in Applied Computing and an MBA in Management Information Systems from Pace University, and a BBA in MIS from WCSU. Her background includes work as a Systems Analyst at Kraft General Foods and PepsiCo, and as a consultant implementing OLAP databases. She has taught at WCSU full time since 2011, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in information systems, databases, and systems analysis and design, and has over 30 years of experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.