Microsoft Desktop Associate

This award is not eligible for Financial Aid

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Microsoft Desktop Associate program is designed to provide students with background knowledge and skills required for learning the specific tasks and industry recognized standards associated with how to effectively install and configure Windows operating systems. The course includes basic features of the Windows operating system, virtualization improvements, network connectivity, access to resources, monitor and maintain Windows clients and backup and recovery. It is designed to prepare students for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification exam. Students who complete this program may seek employment in a variety of environments. Students can also pursue additional Certificates of Completion (CCL) in a variety of specializations within the information technology field to deepen their knowledge and skills and to help prepare them for multiple industry certification exams. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration is also available at select colleges. Please check with your local college for program availability.

This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

Details

Field of Interest
Computer and Information Technology
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Microsoft Desktop Associate (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5030N
Total credits required
3
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete CIS105, or CIS190, or CNT140AB prior to beginning this CCL. Students who pursue this Certificate of Completion (CCL) should have a basic level of computer literacy including navigating the internet and computer systems or take CIS105.

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.

What You'll Learn

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

  1. Install, configure, and manage a Microsoft operating system.
  2. Configure and manage resource security with permissions based access control including file system permissions.

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 Network Support Specialists

$54,856

Computer Systems Analysts

$90,065

Computer User Support Specialists

$48,112

Information Security Analysts

$100,337

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

$82,011

* 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.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
MST150WT Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows 10 Critical course Gateway course 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.

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.

This certificate is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

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/freeForm?id=981351).

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.