Desktop Support

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Desktop Support program is designed to prepare students for entry-level computer maintenance, help desk, and network technician jobs. The classes focus on the development of knowledge and skills in computer, network, and security technologies, as well as the interpersonal skills in customer service/technical support needed to be successful within the industry. Depending on course selection, this program helps prepare students for the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and/or CompTIA Linux+ certification exams. Students who complete this program may seek employment in a variety of environments. Students can also pursue additional Certificates of Completion (CCLs) in a variety of specializations within the information technology field to deepen their knowledge and skills and help prepare them for multiple industry certification examinations. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration is also available.

Details

Field of Interest
Computer and Information Technology
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Desktop Support (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5043
Total credits required
19-22
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Courses within any of the following prefixes must be taken within five (5) years prior to completion of the program to be applied toward this award: AIM, BPC, CIS, CLD, CNT, CSC, ITS, and MST.

This program replaces CCL/5841 Microsoft Technical Specialist

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Assess computer hardware and software using critical thinking, industry standard tools, and best practices to demonstrate proper installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service.
  2. Demonstrate effective customer service, teamwork, and communication skills in accordance with the professional and ethical conventions within the field of information technology.
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications.
  4. Assess operating systems using critical thinking, industry standard tools, and best practices to demonstrate proper installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service.
  5. Explain networking concepts including topologies, IP addressing, protocols, and basic design.
  6. Demonstrate the skills required to install, configure, administer and troubleshoot a data network.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Computer User Support Specialists

$48,012

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

$38,853

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Option 1 Sequence

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CIS105 Survey of Computer Information Systems Critical course Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses CS 3
CIS102DA Customer User Support Critical course Gateway course Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3
CIS126DL or
CIS126RH		 Linux Operating System or Red Hat System Administration I Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
BPC170 A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
BPC270 A+ Exam Prep: Operating System Configuration and Support Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3
CIS190 or
CNT140AB		 Introduction to Networking or Introduction to Networks CNT140AB is recommended for students interested in pursuing their Cisco Network Administration Certification;
Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 		3–4
RE Restricted Elective 1–3

Restricted Electives

Students must select one to three (1-3) credits from the following

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
BPC171 Recycling Used Computer Technology 1
CIS290AA Computer Information Systems Internship 1
CIS290AB Computer Information Systems Internship 2
CIS290AC Computer Information Systems Internship 3
CIS296WB Cooperative Education 2
CIS296WC Cooperative Education 3
CIS298AA Special Projects 1
CIS298AB Special Projects 2
CIS298AC Special Projects 3

Option 2 Sequence

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CIS105 Survey of Computer Information Systems Critical course Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses CS 3
CIS102DA Customer User Support Critical course Gateway course Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CIS126DL or
CIS126RH		 Linux Operating System or Red Hat System Administration I Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3
BPC170 A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
BPC270 A+ Exam Prep: Operating System Configuration and Support Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 3
CIS190 or
CNT140AB		 Introduction to Networking or Introduction to Networks CNT140AB is recommended for students interested in pursuing their Cisco Network Administration Certification;
Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses 		3–4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
RE Restricted Elective 1–3

Restricted Electives

Students must select one to three (1-3) credits from the following

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
BPC171 Recycling Used Computer Technology 1
CIS290AA Computer Information Systems Internship 1
CIS290AB Computer Information Systems Internship 2
CIS290AC Computer Information Systems Internship 3
CIS296WB Cooperative Education 2
CIS296WC Cooperative Education 3
CIS298AA Special Projects 1
CIS298AB Special Projects 2
CIS298AC Special Projects 3
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=164765).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.