Microsoft Excel for Beginners Certificate Program
Microsoft Excel for Beginners offers a basic introduction of spreadsheet functionality beyond simple data entry. It is targeted for those who are new to Excel or seeking to expand their foundational skills. Beginning with the basics of spreadsheet navigation, the course then introduces basic data management, reporting and creating managerial data visualizations. This course is designed to empower attendees with the tools necessary to enhance their productivity and data-driven decision-making. Through hands-on exercises and practical examples, participants will leave with confidence in managing data, creating visual reports, and utilizing Excel's robust features to support their day-to-day office tasks.
course prerequisites
- Participants are expected to bring a laptop with Excel (Office 365) installed
- Alternate: Laptop with access to Excel online (either free-trial or employer/personal Microsoft account)
Date: August 19 through August 22, 2025 - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: The University of Toledo
How to Enroll: Register Here
Program Dates and Curriculum:
All sessions are 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and held on The University of Toledo Main Campus.
August 19: Excel Fundamentals and Basic Data Entry
- Excel Fundamentals: Interface & Navigation
- Data Entry and Basic Formatting
- Introduction to Basic Formulas
- Hands-On Practice Session
August 20: Intermediate Data Entry and Formatting
- Sorting and Filtering Data
- Introduction to Data Validation
- Basic Text Functions
- Applying Conditional Formatting
- Introduction to Excel Graphs
- Creating and Customizing Simple Charts
- Formatting Charts for Clarity
August 21: Managerial Visualizations and Data Management
- Introduction to Excel Graphs
- Creating and Customizing Simple Charts
- Formatting Charts for Clarity
- Review of Basic Formulas and Functions
- Working with Advanced Functions
- Using Named Ranges
- Hands-On Practice: Creating Charts
August 22: Pivot Tables and Advanced Visualization
- Introduction to Pivot Tables
- Pivot Tables and Advanced Visualization
- Grouping and Filtering Data within Pivot Tables
- Pivot Charts and Slicers for Data Visualization
- Utilizing Timelines for Interactive Analysis
- Introduction to Data Tables for Sensitivity Analysis
- Advanced Excel Graphs and Customization
About the Instructor
Fred Ahrens is a faculty member and former industry professional with experience in analytics, Six Sigma, SAP (ERP), and Excel Spreadsheet modelling. His background includes both academic and industry roles, allowing him to provide practical insights alongside theoretical concepts.
Fred holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. And from the University of Cincinnati; a master’s degree in Applied Quantitative Analysis, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Operations, Business Analytics, and Information Systems. His doctoral research focused on Knowledge Exchange Behavior in Supply Channel Relationships: A Social Exchange and Game-theoretic Approach. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer (Ohio) and a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
His industry experience spans multiple roles on direct staff, beginning in mechanical engineering and later transitioning to roles in operations and supply chain management, where he worked as an SAP business analyst focusing on ERP systems and data analytics and migration. In this capacity, he applied statistical methods and data-driven approaches to legacy business processes to the new system “to-be” business model.
Fred has taught at the technical and community college level, as well as at the university level, and has been involved in workforce training programs. At the University of Toledo’s Family Business Center, he has taught courses in both basic and advanced Excel analytics, helping professionals develop their data analysis skills.
His research profile can be found on Google Scholar.
Program Cost
- $1,000 per participant for UToledo Family Business Center member companies and sponsors
- If you are not a UToledo Family Business Center member or sponsor, please email us at utfamilybusiness@utoledo.edu for non-member pricing rates
- This program qualifies for Ohio TechCred.
For questions please contact Angie Jones at angie.jones@utoledo.edu
