ISD 728 Community Education

Effective decision-making in the workplace requires a solid understanding of financial information. This course examines the fundamental financial concepts and accounting processes utilized across various types of organizations. Participants will develop practical skills to enhance their professional effectiveness and career advancement. The course provides a comprehensive foundation in the seven steps of the accounting cycle and explores methods for applying financial data to managerial decisions. Upon completion, participants will be able to analyze resource allocation and assess financial performance with greater accuracy and insight. This course is included in the Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers course.

Gain an understanding of fund accounting and learn how to develop a chart of accounts tailored for nonprofit organizations. Explore the accounting equation, practice recording financial transactions, and learn effective methods for tracking and managing allocated funds. This class is included in the Bookkeeping for Nonprofits Certificate.

Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard software for creating vector-based illustrations and designs. In this course, students will learn the fundamental tools and techniques needed to produce professional-quality graphics for print and digital media. Topics include setting up print documents, drawing and modifying shapes, working with type and color, and effectively managing layers and artboards. Students will also learn how to create print-ready PDF files and apply best practices for designing logos, flyers, posters, banners, and business cards. Access to Adobe Illustrator software required. Software Requirements: Students are responsible for purchasing their own software for this course. Trial versions of Adobe software are sometimes available on the Adobe company website. There is no school discount through LERN. More information on Adobe Creative Cloud software can be found at adobe.com This course is included in the Graphic Design Software Essentials course.

Adobe InDesign is the industry-standard page layout application, integrating seamlessly with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to produce a wide range of multi-page documents, including brochures, flyers, books, and magazines. This course introduces the foundational tools, menus, and panels used to create and manage multi-page layouts. Students will learn to apply and manage color, insert images and illustrations, and format text effectively. The course concludes with advanced topics in typography, styles, and document settings, culminating in the creation of professional, print-ready PDF files. Access to Adobe InDesign software is required. Software Requirements: Students are responsible for purchasing their own software for this course. Trial versions of Adobe software are sometimes available on the Adobe company website. There is no school discount through LERN. More information on Adobe Creative Cloud software can be found at adobe.com This course is included with the Graphic Design Software Essentials Certificate course.

This foundational course introduces the most commonly used tools, menus, and panels in Adobe Photoshop CC. Students will learn essential techniques for working with selections, layers, and masks to edit, retouch, and enhance existing images or create original digital compositions. By the end of the course, participants will be able to produce professional-quality images suitable for business, personal projects, or creative portfolios. Access to Adobe Photoshop software required. Software Requirements: Students are responsible for purchasing their own software for this course. Trial versions of Adobe software are sometimes available on the Adobe company website. There is no school discount through LERN. More information on Adobe Creative Cloud software can be found at adobe.com This course is included in the Graphic Design Software Essentials Certificate course.

This class will teach you how to perform inquiries that will be useful to your business or organization and give the skill necessary to communicate these results through graphs and text that your fellow employees will understand. Take the guesswork out of important company decisions and make decisions based on the statistically significant information. Whether your business is home-based or a large company, this class will take you to the next level where important decision-making is concerned. This course is included in the Certificate in Data Analysis course.

Have you ever considered which workplace skills can help you make more informed business decisions? Every day, professionals face decisions that impact data and financial outcomes. This course equips participants with the tools to prepare worksheets accurately, validate data, and answer complex questions efficiently. Learn essential business functions and develop techniques to analyze data effectively in the workplace. Protect your valuable information, ensure accuracy, and save time, all while gaining the skills to transform data into meaningful, visually compelling insights with confidence. This class is included with the Certificate in Mastering Excel course.

Advance your marketing expertise by mastering RFM Analysis, the 80/20 Principle, and the relationship between pricing and sales performance. These concepts form the foundation of effective marketing strategies that drive measurable results and improved returns. By gaining a deeper understanding of advanced marketing techniques, you will be equipped to lead more impactful campaigns and achieve tangible outcomes. Move beyond trends and buzzwords! Acquire practical, proven knowledge that you can start using immediately. This course is included in the Integrated Marketing Certificate course.

Take your Power BI Desktop skills to an advanced level by mastering Power Query, Data Modeling, and report creation. This course teaches participants to identify and resolve data inconsistencies, design efficient queries, establish accurate relationships, and write DAX formulas to ensure reports are fast and reliable. Learn to enhance your reports with navigation and analytical features, enabling stakeholders to explore and interpret results with confidence. This course is included in the Power BI certificate course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Power BI and Intermediate Power BI

The Advanced Six Sigma Green Belt course is the final component of the Six Sigma Green Belt program, focusing on process improvement and control. Key topics include hypothesis testing, design of experiments, and statistical process control. Participants are expected to apply concepts learned in the Introduction and Intermediate Six Sigma Green Belt courses. The instructor will provide a range of resources, including handouts, spreadsheets, and web links, offering practical tools to support the successful completion of Six Sigma projects. This course is included in the Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Six Sigma Green Belt and Intermediate Six Sigma Green Belt

In the 21st century, online learning is becoming an essential component of education. This course guides participants through planning, developing, and teaching an effective online course. Learn a ten-step model for course development and explore one of the most advanced online classrooms designed for instructors. Participants will gain skills in creating online audio lectures with accompanying slide presentations and learn how self-quizzes can enhance student learning. Experience interactive elements such as animations, drag-and-drop exercises, and engaging welcome pages, and participate in online discussions with fellow educators. The course includes the instructor’s book, Advanced Teaching Online, to support continued learning and application. This class is included in the Certificate in Online Teaching and Certified Online Instructor COI course.

Responsive web design allows designers and developers to create and maintain a single website that adapts seamlessly to all device sizes, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktops. In this course, participants will learn to plan layouts, design effective navigation menus, adjust content for different screen sizes, and ensure that web content is optimized for printing. This course is included in the Certificate in Web Design course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Web Design and Intermediate Web Design

How do you effectively manage the finances of a business? Whether you are an entrepreneur, managing a family business, or seeking to advance your career, the Bookkeeping Certificate provides the knowledge needed to measure and maintain the financial health of your organization. This program focuses on cash-basis accounting and equips participants with the skills to complete the accounting cycle accurately and efficiently. Even if bookkeeping tasks are outsourced, understanding the process is essential—no one should be unaware of their business’s financial operations. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Understanding Debits and Credits, General Ledger and Month-End Procedures, and Closing Procedures and Financial Statements.

Nonprofits comprise the third-largest workforce in the United States, yet nonprofit bookkeeping differs significantly from business accounting. This course provides essential skills for managing financial processes unique to nonprofit organizations. Participants will explore fund accounting, learn to record transactions with attention to incoming and allocated funds, and gain proficiency in preparing financial statements, including cash flow statements, tailored for nonprofit operations. Registering for this course will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Introduction to Nonprofits, Accounting for Nonprofits, and Financial Statements.

Gain the foundational skills to increase your website traffic and improve online visibility. This course teaches participants how to analyze visitor behavior, apply search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to enhance search rankings, and refine website copy to attract and engage more users. No prior experience is required. Advanced learners will benefit from the instructor’s expertise in addressing complex SEO questions. This course is included in the Certificate in Digital Marketing course.

Learn the essential practices for developing clear, effective, and professional business writing. This course covers strategies for crafting well-structured documents, avoiding common grammatical errors, and applying business writing principles that will support effective communication for years to come. This course is included in the Certificate in Business Writing course.

Cash is arguably the most critical factor in business success. According to D&B, 90% of small business failures result from poor cash flow—when more money goes out than comes in. While financial managers play a key role, it’s often the non-financial manager who makes the biggest difference in day-to-day cash activities. Learn how to maximize cash flow, understand the true importance of cash, and discover your role in driving cash flow success. This course is included in the Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers course.

Every successful professional uses financial information to make effective decisions. The Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers introduces essential financial concepts and accounting processes used in most businesses, providing practical techniques to enhance your effectiveness and advance your career. Start by building a solid foundation: understand the seven steps of the accounting cycle and learn how to use financial information in decision-making. Gain the skills to analyze resource allocation and evaluate financial performance confidently. Next, focus on cash—the lifeblood of any business. Non-financial managers play a crucial role in day-to-day cash activities. Learn how to maximize cash flow, appreciate the importance of cash, and understand your role in cash flow success. Finally, deepen your knowledge of the financial information that drives your organization. Learn how to assess and analyze business reports, enabling smarter decisions in budgeting, goal setting, and performance evaluation within your area of influence. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Cash is King, and Financial Analysis and Planning for Non-Financial Managers.

Business writing is a vital skill for both personal and organizational success. Discover the keys to effective workplace communication. Whether you’re crafting a report, memo, letter, or publicity notice, strong business writing follows proven principles. In the workplace, successful communicators move forward—others get left behind. Enhance your career by mastering this essential skill. Start by learning the formats, structures, and techniques for writing clear, professional business reports and proposals. Then, sharpen your skills with editing and proofreading. Finally, explore what journalists do best: write news stories, press releases, and publicity notices that capture attention and resonate with readers. With the Certificate in Business Writing, you’ll gain practical skills to help your organization stand out and take your professional communication to the next level. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Business Writing, Effective Copywriting, and Successfully Communicating Your Message.

Customer service is essential for every business and organization. In today’s technology-driven world, meaningful human interaction with customers has never been more important. Whether it’s retaining existing customers, serving your audience, or converting inquiries into sales, exceptional customer service is a key driver of organizational success. This course will help you enhance your customer service skills, boost your career capabilities, and increase your organization’s effectiveness. You’ll also learn unique, practical, yet extraordinary techniques that will set you apart—skills you won’t find anywhere else. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the two required courses: Extraordinary Customer Service and Keys to Customer Service.

Data analysis is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand skills in today’s workplace. Companies collect vast amounts of data, but it’s rare to have someone who can analyze that data, uncover trends, and make accurate predictions. By acquiring data analysis skills, you’ll add a valuable capability to your portfolio and make a meaningful impact on your organization’s success. Start by building a solid foundation in analyzing data in a business context. Next, learn how to compare groups to identify differences and understand the statistics behind these relationships. Finally, gain the skills to conduct inquiries relevant to your business or organization and communicate your findings effectively through clear graphs and written summaries. Whether you work in a home-based business or a large company, this certificate will elevate your abilities to the next level. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Introduction to Data Analysis, Intermediate Data Analysis, and Advance Data Analysis.

Designed especially for future leaders in the Gen Y generation (born 1980–1999), this certificate provides practical, how-to guidance on advancing your leadership potential and making an impact in both the workplace and society. Discover what it takes to be an effective leader. Identify your leadership style, learn how to complete tasks efficiently, build strong relationships with colleagues, stay socially perceptive to changes in the workplace, harness your emotions positively, and tackle challenging goals with confidence. Next, uncover the unspoken strategies that experienced leaders use to influence and inspire others. Leadership skills are learned—knowing the do’s and don’ts, what to say and what not to say, and what actions to take (or avoid) makes all the difference. By the end of this certificate, you will gain a fresh understanding of leadership, a toolbox of practical skills, and the knowledge to accelerate your leadership development to the next level. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Leadership Principles, Developing Your Leadership Skills, and Developing Your Professional Career.

Get hands-on experience with the world’s most widely used computer programs and gain the confidence to create professional documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current career or start a new one, this certificate program provides the essential digital skills employers value most. Earn a certificate that demonstrates your mastery by completing all three classes in the series. Learn to create, organize and analyze data with Microsoft Excel, craft polished, professional documents in Microsoft Word, and design dynamic, visually engaging presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Mastering Microsoft Excel, Mastering Microsoft Word, and Mastering Microsoft PowerPoint.