Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Program: (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

The course prepares students to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification, validating their expertise in these essential tools for the modern workplace.

Topics include:

    • Microsoft Word: Document creation and formatting, styles and templates, tables and charts, collaboration tools, and advanced features such as mail merge and referencing tools.

    • Microsoft Excel: Data entry and formatting, formulas and functions, chart creation, pivot tables, data analysis tools, and managing large datasets.

    • Microsoft PowerPoint: Slide design and layout, transitions and animations, multimedia integration, collaboration, and review tools, and delivering effective presentations.

Students will participate in hands-on training and practical exercises to master the features and functions of each application. They will learn how to create professional documents, analyze and present data effectively, and deliver compelling presentations. The course also includes test preparation strategies to ensure students are well-equipped to pass the MOS certification exams and apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

8 weeks

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Fall Term I: Aug 18 to Oct 10

MOS Word:   

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 to 11:30AM – in person. 

MOS Excel: 

Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Aug 23, Sept 6, Sept 20, Oct 4) 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM 

MOS Excel: 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM – in person. 

MOS PowerPoint 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM – in person. 

MOS Word: 

Monday and Wednesday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Nov 1, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 13) 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

MOS Word: 

Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Jan 17, Jan 31, Feb 14, Feb 28) 12:30 to 4:30 – or opposite Saturday mornings 

MOS Excel: 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 12:00 to 2:30 – in person. 

MOS Word: 

Monday and Wednesday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Mar 28, Apr 11, Apr 25, May 9) 8:00 to 12:00 

MOS Excel: 

Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Mar 28, Apr 11, Apr 25, May 9) 12:30 to 4:30  

MOS Word: 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 12:00 to 2:30 – in person. 

MOS Excel: 

Monday and Wednesday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (June 6, June 20, July 4, July 20) 8:00 to 12:00 

MOS PowerPoint: 

Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (June 6, June 20, July 4, July 20) 12:30 to 4:30  

Computerized Accounting (QuickBooks):  

The course equips students to manage financial records, perform bookkeeping tasks, and generate financial reports, preparing them for QuickBooks certification and success in accounting roles.

Topics include:

    • QuickBooks Basics: Navigating the interface, setting up accounts, and managing company files.
    • Bookkeeping Fundamentals: Recording transactions, managing accounts payable and receivable, and maintaining a general ledger.
    • Financial Reporting: Creating and interpreting balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow reports.
    • Payroll and Taxes: Setting up and processing payroll, calculating taxes, and generating tax forms.
    • Banking and Reconciliation: Linking bank accounts, recording deposits and expenses, and reconciling accounts.
    • Inventory Management: Tracking inventory, adjusting quantities, and generating inventory reports.
    • Advanced Features: Customizing forms, creating budgets, and utilizing automation tools for efficiency.

Students will participate in hands-on training to build confidence in performing accounting tasks using QuickBooks. Students will learn how to maintain accurate financial records, generate detailed reports, and streamline accounting processes. The course also includes test preparation strategies to help students earn QuickBooks certification and succeed in accounting-related roles.

8 weeks

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Fall Term II: Oct 27 to Dec 19

Thursday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Nov 1, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 13) 12:30 to 4:30  

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 to 11:30 – in person. 

Social Media Marketing: 

Students will learn how to leverage social platforms to build brand awareness, engage audiences, and drive business growth. The course prepares students to earn a Social Media Marketing Certification, equipping them with the expertise needed to succeed in digital marketing roles.

Topics include:

  • Social Media Fundamentals: Overview of key platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.), their features, and user demographics.

  • Content Strategy: Creating engaging and platform-specific content, leveraging multimedia tools, and maintaining a consistent brand voice.

  • Audience Engagement: Building communities, interacting with followers, and fostering meaningful connections with audiences.

  • Advertising Campaigns: Planning and executing paid campaigns, targeting audiences, and managing budgets across platforms.

  • Analytics and Reporting: Tracking performance metrics, analyzing engagement, and refining strategies based on data insights.

  • SEO and Social Integration: Optimizing posts for visibility, integrating social media with other digital marketing efforts, and leveraging search engine optimization (SEO) techniques.

  • Trends and Best Practices: Staying current with emerging trends, tools, and ethical considerations in social media marketing.

Students will gain hands-on experience in creating and managing social media campaigns, using tools for scheduling and analytics, and adapting strategies to meet organizational goals. The course includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications and ensures students are ready to excel in roles as social media marketers, coordinators, or specialists.

8 weeks

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Spring Term I: Jan 12 to Mar 6

Social Media Marketing: 

Monday and Wednesday 5:00 to 8:00 (Synchronous online) 

4 Saturdays (Jan 17, Jan 31, Feb 14, Feb 28) 8:00 to 12:00 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 to 11:30 – in person. 

Entrepreneurship Essentials 

This course equips students with the foundational knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to launch and sustain a business in today’s competitive marketplace.

Topics include:

  • Identify and evaluate viable business opportunities.
  • Conduct a market analysis of varying industries and apply this knowledge to varying business startup ideas.
  • Understand and create financial projections and growth strategies for business startups.
  • Understand key aspects of business operations, such as financing, marketing, and legal considerations.
  • Apply principles of innovation and problem-solving to address real-world challenges.
  • Build confidence in pitching ideas and communicating effectively with stakeholders.

Students will participate in interactive workshops, case studies, guest lectures from industry professionals, and collaborative projects. Key topics include: Entrepreneurial mindset, Business model development, Market research and customer validation, financial management and funding strategies, Branding and digital marketing, and Leadership and team management.

8 weeks

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Spring Term I: Jan 12 to Mar 6

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 to 11:30 – in person. 

Business Plan Writing: 

Designed for individuals at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey, the course focuses on aligning your vision with actionable goals and strategies.

Topics Include:

  • Understanding the components of a business plan
  • Market research techniques and tools
  • Crafting marketing and sales strategies
  • Financial planning and sustainability
  • Writing and revising a professional business plan

Upon completion of the course, students will have drafted a comprehensive overview of the business concept, target market, operations, financial outlook and strategy for a successful business through writing the following components: Executive Summary, Company Description, Products and services, Market Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Management Team, and Financial Projections.

8 weeks

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Spring Term II: Mar 23 to May 15

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 12:00 to 2:30 – in person. 

Dr. Belinda Armstead, Business Instructor

Dr. Armstead is a dedicated Business Instructor with over a decade of professional experience in education, administration, and organizational leadership. A recent Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Dr. Armstead brings a research-informed, equity-focused approach to teaching core business concepts.

With a background in both public and private sectors—including roles in higher education, technology, local government, and nonprofit administration—Dr. Armstead integrates real-world applications into the classroom, fostering engagement, critical thinking, and professional growth among diverse learners. Her instructional style emphasizes inclusion, innovation, and practical skill-building, drawing from her expertise in areas such as leadership, ethics, DEI, and strategic management.

Passionate about empowering the next generation of professionals, Dr. Armstead aims to create a collaborative learning environment that supports students from all backgrounds in reaching their academic and career goals.

If you have questions or want more information, please give us a call at (651) 666-1564.

Tuition-free for eligible students, other options available:

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Important Enrollment Notice

Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. Acceptance into our programs is based on available funding and seat availability at the time of review.