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
Academic Plan Code
5030N
Total credits required
3
Catalog Year
2020 - 2021
What You'll Learn
  1. Install, configure, and manage a Microsoft operating system.
  2. Configure and manage resource security with permissions based access control including file system permissions.
Career Statistics

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 Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. 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.

Computer Network Support Specialists
$65,340
Computer Systems Analysts
$101,730
Computer User Support Specialists
$61,990
Information Security Analysts
$125,320
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$87,090

* Wage information sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Program. Updated May 2024.

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
MST150 Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows Critical course Gateway course 3

Courses Not Currently Offered

GateWay Community College does not currently offer these courses. These courses may be offered by other Maricopa Community Colleges as indicated below. Select the link to view current availability and whether courses are offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format. Tuition rates are the same across Maricopa Community Colleges, but course fees may vary.

Courses listed in this pathway map that are not currently offered at GateWay Community College
Course Number Course Name Offering Colleges
MST150 Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, South Mountain
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.

Official Curriculum Documentation
View catalog page
Catalog page: https://gatewaycc.catalog.maricopa.edu/programs/5030N-GWC03
Disclaimer

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Microsoft Desktop Associate