What is a word processing college class about?

I've seen some colleges offer classes in word processing, but what do they cover? Are these classes useful for someone who's already familiar with programs like Word? I'm wondering how common or necessary they might be for certain majors.

A word processing college class is typically focused on teaching students how to proficiently use common software applications like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and potentially other programs as well, like Microsoft Office Suite (this includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more). The curriculum of such a course goes beyond just the basics and covers more advanced features like preparing business letters, creating tables, formatting and designing documents, mail merging, protection and privacy of documents, and sometimes even an introduction to macros and simple programming within these applications.

Given that you're already accustomed to programs like Word, it might seem like this course would be covering stuff you already know. However, most people only use a fraction of what these applications have to offer. A thorough word processing class might really dig into more complex operations, like correctly formatting references and bibliographies, creating advanced tables and charts, utilizing headers and footers for pagination and sections, or using convoluted formulas in Excel spreadsheets. So, you might find that you learn something new and useful.

Major-wise, this class tends to be beneficial for students across the board as these skills are transferable and useful in many professional settings. However, these classes might be more directly relevant or even required for certain business, information technology, communication, or administrative-focused majors. It also highly depends on the specific requirements and recommendations of your chosen program or college, so it would be best to consult your advisor or program guide.