This certificate provides advanced computer skills and business concepts needed in industry today. Students will use Microsoft Office products, including Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, as well as other computer software applications that can be applied in business situations. All courses can be taken online.

Quick Facts

Overview

Learn essential skills to be an effective communicator in business through hands-on application of Microsoft Office software. Create and edit business documents in Microsoft Word, leverage Microsoft Excel as a problem-solving tool, prepare engaging and effective presentations with PowerPoint, and develop forms and reports in Access.

Delivery Method: In-person, Hybrid

Important Links
Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate Curriculum PDF
Time to Complete
The Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate can be completed in one semester.
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Costs
Tuition & Fees:
$210.86 per credit (12 credits)
$220.48 per fully online credit
Tuition Details
What You Will Learn
• Demonstrate advanced software application skills.
• Analyze and solve business problems using software applications.
• Use the software applications in an ethical and secure manner.
• Use the software applications in an ethical and secure manner.
After NHCC

Upon completing the Microsoft Office Principles Certificate, students can apply their new skillset at their current job or pursue work in a related field, or continue their education at NHCC with the Business Computer Systems and Management AAS or Business Computer Systems and Management AS.

Paying For College

NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota. 

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Financial Aid

  • Scholarships are money you don't have to repay
  • Grants are money you don't have to repay 
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Free College Tuition

The North Star Promise scholarship program provides free college tuition to eligible students. Find out if you might be eligible. 

Program Roadmaps

Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.

Microsoft Office Specialist Curriculum

Print Curriculum
Program Courses
Course Code Title Course Outlines Goal Areas Credits
CIS 1200 Word Processing View-CIS 1200 n/a 3
CIS 1220 Decision Making Excel View-CIS 1220 n/a 3
CIS 1230 Business Presentations: PowerPoint View-CIS 1230 n/a 3
CIS 1240 Information Management: Access View-CIS 1240 n/a 3
NHCC Residency and GPA
4 Credits must be earned at NHCC
Total Credits Required 12

2024-2025

This certificate provides advanced computer skills and business concepts needed in industry today. Students will use Microsoft Office products as well as other computer software applications that can be applied in business situations. All courses can be taken online. A course completed while earning a certificate can be applied to the A.A.S. or A.S. in Business Computer Systems and Management degrees and other certificates.  This certificate qualifies for the Work Investment Act.

Intellectual and Practical Skills:

  • Demonstrate advanced software application skills.
  • Analyze and solve business problems using software applications
  • Use the software applications in an ethical and secure manner.
  • Prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate (MOS) Exams.

​Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.

Information on careers, including career descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and O*Net Online website.

​If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

Certificates may be earned for successful completion of courses in a specialized program of study with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C). A certificate shall include 9 to 30 semester credits. At least one third of the total credits required for each certificate must be completed at North Hennepin Community College.

Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.

Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.

North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440


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If you're ready to get started, apply to NHCC. If you'd like to learn more, you can visit campus or request information.

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Cert Microsoft Office Principles Certificate
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