Learn the key concepts of Structured Query Language (SQL) and gain a solid working knowledge of this powerful and universal database programming language. You'll learn the basic structure of relational databases, how to read and write simple and complex SQL statements, and advanced data manipulation techniques.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader); any type of computer with a Windows Operating System, and any desktop (standalone, not required to run over a server) Database Management System (DBMS) that supports the execution of Structured Query Language (SQL). Examples include Microsoft Access, SQL Server Personal Edition, SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE), SQL Server Evaluation Edition and Developer Edition, Oracle Personal Edition, or any client/server (required to run over a server) database management system that is connected to a server and supports the execution of Structured Query Language. Examples include MySQL, Sybase, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Cecelia Allison.

Cecelia Allison is an experienced software tester and technical specialist with more than 15 years of hands-on experience using and teaching SQL. She is also a technical writer, a published author, and a university instructor. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.

“ Cecelia did a fine job in presenting the material and backing it up with examples. The assignments and questions on the quizzes were also appropriate. Enjoyed it! ”

“ I really wanted to thank Ms. Allison for conducting this course. I have tried to take an SQL course before but had to quit as the instructor taught so far above my head I could not understand the subject matter. This course was broken down into small bites and the quizzes and assignments helped to bring the concept home! I have enjoyed this course and would consider taking another course like this. I have already recommended this course to a friend who has also taken it. We both are very happy with the results. Thanks Again. ”

“ It made me feel good to know that Cecelia Allison is an expert on this subject. I bought both of her books and I have learned a lot. Her style of teaching makes learning easy and fun. I feel very fortunate to have learned from such an expert in the field. ”

“ It was a great class! It not only gave me the knowledge of SQL, but it also improved my abilities in other applications such as MS Access and MS Excel. The instructor presented the subject matter in a perfect balance of technical and practical. It was evident to me she has educational and in-the-field expert experience. She is also personable and helpful. ”

“ The course gave me a 'challenging' introduction to SQL. It introduced two types of databases that I had not previously used:Microsoft Access and SQL Query 7. The examples and assignments reinforced what had been taught in previous lessons. Thank you. I not only learned a great deal but had a good time. ”

“ Very nice introduction to SQL. This helped me gain a better basic understanding of things I'd been tampering with for several years. I could probably have saved myself many frustrating hours having taken a course like this a couple years back. ”

“ I really enjoyed Cecelia's writing style, and would like to comment on her excellent use of English and attention to detail/proofreading. Too many programmers, including instructors, don't seem to care how their messages are written as long as someone, somewhere can decipher the meaning. When an instructor cares enough to write well, I respect his/her knowledge and authority on the subject. I feel that this is very important when learning, as it is the instructor's job to make material more efficient to absorb. Thanks, Cecelia! ”

“ I was impressed with this class. After reading one of the discussion responses that I was actually doing intermediate to advanced work with SQL and understanding it, is a huge compliment to the instructor. I have never been on Access or done any work with any other databases before either. I have since gone onto my home computer and done a lot of work setting up databases with the help of this course. Thank you and I will definitely be taking more and taking the instructor’s advice on what to take in the future. Thank you again for a great class. After being unemployed for a year it is great to have something to make me feel good! ”

“ When I started this course I really didn't know anything about SQL. This course has helped me a lot in learning the basics about SQL. I feel more comfortable using it at work now. Cecelia's book was also a great help and I recommend it to those who are just starting to learn this course. I'm so glad I found this course, and I look forward for the next intermediate class that Cecelia is going to offer. ”