(Columbia, Tenn. - December 13, 2010) - - - Columbia State's Center for Economic and Workforce Development is offering several non-credit courses during the month of January, covering a variety of topics.

Introduction to Excel 2007 teaches the student how to get started with Excel 2007 and work with formulas and functions. The class will be held on the Columbia campus on Friday, January 28 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The fee of $129 includes text.

Setting Performance Expectations course will teach you to help others identify performance expectations that align with the organization's goals, ensure mutual understanding of performance expectations, gain individual or team commitment to fulfilling the expectations in the performance plan, and handle challenging situations that can arise during setting expectations discussions. The class is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The fee of $149 includes the text and all class materials.

Fundamentals of Real Estate covers a large portion of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission's pre-license course requirements. Topics include the real estate business, agency relationship, contracts, valuation and finance. The class is scheduled for 15 Mondays beginning January 11 thru April 18, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:40 p.m. The fee of $330 includes text and 6.0 continuing education units.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems covers basic skills involved in using Geographic Information System software. Upon completion of the 30-hour course, students will be able to display data, search data, edit data, and produce simple maps. In addition, students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned to projects similar to what they would do back at their jobs. The class is scheduled for 10 Mondays beginning January 17 through March 21 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The fee of $399 includes text and 3.0 continuing education units.

Online Paralegal Career Advancement Certificate trains the students to interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. Topics include legal terminology, introduction to the evidentiary predicate, identifying relevant authority, legal research, and legal writing and appellate procedure. This class is scheduled to begin on January 10 through April 22, 2011. The fee of $1189 does not include text. Students are also required to purchase texts, approximately $340.

The Online: Gatlin Education series features in-depth, career training courses in association with Gatlin Education Services, the world's largest provider of online, instructor-supported training to colleges and universities. The self-paced courses are available anytime, anywhere. All you need is a web-enabled computer and a desire to learn skills that will prepare you for a new career or update current skill sets. Even though you don't have to attend class, you won't be on your own. A team of available online professionals, anytime scheduling, and educational textbooks combine to give you a relevant, interactive learning experience. Programs typically take 3 - 6 months to complete. To register, go to the Gatlin career training website at www.gatlineducation.com/cscc.

The following are Gatlin online sustainable classes offered in January:

Building Analyst Quick Start Program was developed and written in partnership with nationally recognized building science experts. You'll learn about the principles of green buildings-from insulation to indoor air quality-as well as how to perform comprehensive building assessments. The 60 hour program begins on January 20 and goes through April 20. The fee of $1,195 includes your text and 6.0 continuing education units.

The Principles of Green Buildings Online Training Program is designed to teach you the principles you must know in order to make buildings perform more efficiently. The program was developed and written in partnership with nationally recognized building science experts from Advanced Energy of North Carolina. The Principles of Green Buildings Online Training Program will also help prepare you for industry credentials for green building. Materials are included. The program is scheduled to begin on January 20 and will go through March 20. The fee for the 30 hour program is $595 and includes text.

Solar Power Professional will teach you to get the renewable energy training you need as you learn the basics of solar systems, their benefits, and their many applications. Examine the history of photovoltaic solar power, and gain a sense for where the PV industry is headed. We'll start with basic safety, including how to avoid potential accidents and how to create a safe work environment as well as the use of protective equipment. The student will master the fundamentals of electricity and solar energy. The 120 hour course will begin on January 20 and will go through July 20. The fee for the program is $1,695 includes text.

To register or for more information on continuing education classes call (931) 540-2660. To register for the "Online: Gatlin Education" courses visit www.gatlineducation.com/cscc.