Help Desk

Academic Certificate

Overview

The Help Desk certificate provides the foundation for students to work in an organization’s help desk environment. Graduates learn computer technologies, networking, technical communications, and are comprehensively trained to thrive as a help desk technician. Completing this certificate will enable students to perform help desk responsibilities in any industry, such as corporate, academic, healthcare, government, etc.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

Class Delivery Methods

View current courses offered via our online course directory.

On-Campus	Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual	100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid	Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online	100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.

Full-Time Schedule
Part-Time Schedule

Full-Time Schedule

Semester	Course ID	Course Title	Classroom	Online	Hybrid	Virtual	Credits
Semester 1 (12 Credit Hours)	CPT-113	Information Systems Information Systems ID: CPT-113 Credit Hours: 3 This course is an introduction to the principles and technologies used in modern management information systems.					3
	CPT-285	PC Hardware Concepts PC Hardware Concepts ID: CPT-285 Credit Hours: 3 This course focuses on installing and upgrading microcomputer hardware and identifying malfunctions.		•	•		3
	IST-200	Cisco LAN Concepts Cisco LAN Concepts ID: IST-200 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of small local area networks - home and small office/home offices (SOHO) networks. Topics include an introduction to networking, basic cabling for SOHO, LAN addressing and network services, basic security and wireless, planning and building a home network.	•	•		•	3
	IST-164	Implementing Network Infrastructure Serv Implementing Network Infrastructure Serv ID: IST-164 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of the fundamentals of installing, configuring and utilizing windows networking services while exploring techniques used to design, create and implement secure communications across the networks, which may consist of multiple vendors. Emphasis is also provided on support of remote users and central management concepts.		•			3
Semester 2 (12 Credit Hours)	ENG-160	Technical Communications Technical Communications ID: ENG-160 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of various technical communications such as definitions, processes, instructions, descriptions, and technical reports.	•	•		•	3
	IST-165	Implementing & Admini Directory Services Implementing & Admini Directory Services ID: IST-165 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of directory services covering the planning, design, installation, configuration and administration of a network directory structure.		•			3
	IST-291	Fundamentals of Network Security I Fundamentals of Network Security I ID: IST-291 Credit Hours: 3 This course is the study of intro levels of security processes based on a security policy, emphasizing hands-on skills in the areas of secure perimeter, security connectivity, security management, identity services, and intrusion detection. The course prepares students to manage network security.	•	•			3
	IST-193	Linux Security Administration Linux Security Administration ID: IST-193 Credit Hours: 3 This course will provide students with the skills necessary to implement and administer basic LINUX security policies, including authentication, securing network applications, system monitoring, encryption, and others.	•	•			3
				Total Credit Hours		24
				Estimated Cost Financial Aid		$4,896.00 Not including fees and equipment

Part-Time Schedule

Semester	Course ID	Course Title	Classroom	Online	Hybrid	Virtual	Credits
Semester 1 (6 Credit Hours)	CPT-113	Information Systems Information Systems ID: CPT-113 Credit Hours: 3 This course is an introduction to the principles and technologies used in modern management information systems.					3
Semester 1 (6 Credit Hours)	CPT-285	PC Hardware Concepts PC Hardware Concepts ID: CPT-285 Credit Hours: 3 This course focuses on installing and upgrading microcomputer hardware and identifying malfunctions.		•	•		3
Semester 2 (6 Credit Hours)	IST-200	Cisco LAN Concepts Cisco LAN Concepts ID: IST-200 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of small local area networks - home and small office/home offices (SOHO) networks. Topics include an introduction to networking, basic cabling for SOHO, LAN addressing and network services, basic security and wireless, planning and building a home network.	•	•		•	3
Semester 2 (6 Credit Hours)	ENG-160	Technical Communications Technical Communications ID: ENG-160 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of various technical communications such as definitions, processes, instructions, descriptions, and technical reports.	•	•		•	3
Semester 3 (6 Credit Hours)	IST-164	Implementing Network Infrastructure Serv Implementing Network Infrastructure Serv ID: IST-164 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of the fundamentals of installing, configuring and utilizing windows networking services while exploring techniques used to design, create and implement secure communications across the networks, which may consist of multiple vendors. Emphasis is also provided on support of remote users and central management concepts.		•			3
Semester 3 (6 Credit Hours)	IST-291	Fundamentals of Network Security I Fundamentals of Network Security I ID: IST-291 Credit Hours: 3 This course is the study of intro levels of security processes based on a security policy, emphasizing hands-on skills in the areas of secure perimeter, security connectivity, security management, identity services, and intrusion detection. The course prepares students to manage network security.	•	•			3
Semester 4 (6 Credit Hours)	IST-165	Implementing & Admini Directory Services Implementing & Admini Directory Services ID: IST-165 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of directory services covering the planning, design, installation, configuration and administration of a network directory structure.		•			3
Semester 4 (6 Credit Hours)	IST-193	Linux Security Administration Linux Security Administration ID: IST-193 Credit Hours: 3 This course will provide students with the skills necessary to implement and administer basic LINUX security policies, including authentication, securing network applications, system monitoring, encryption, and others.	•	•			3
				Total Credit Hours		24
				Estimated Cost Financial Aid		$4,896.00 Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Help Desk Technician

Help desk technicians or support specialists work in field of technologies that are integral to the computing systems of an organization. This exciting career path involves working and learning with system and network administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and cloud engineers.

According to EMSI data as of 2025

Where Can I Work?

Corporate
Health Care
Manufacturing
Government
Academia

What’s next after I complete this program?

Get Credentialed

Students graduating with this certificate will be able to pursue CompTIA certifications, as well as an associate’s degree in Networking Systems Management.

Want more information?

Whether you’re set on your program, trying to figure out if MTC is right for you, or just looking for the occasional email update on careers and programs, we’re here to help.

First Name

Middle Initial

Last Name

When are you planning to enroll?

Are you a current student or a new student?

School of Interest

Type of Program that interests you

What's the Difference?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

Get occasional updates on the programs we offer and the interesting careers that they lead to!

Do you want MTC to walk you through your options?

Yes, Call Me

Yes, Email Me

Yes, Text Me

No thanks

Phone

Mobile Phone

What's the best time of day for us to call?

If you requested a phone call, an admissions counselor will contact you within one business day.

CAPTCHA

Success Stories

“I truly had a wonderful time attending MTC. My degree from there is the only reason I'm where I am today, at my dream company.”

Read Craig's Story

Craig Mouser Jr

Success Stories

“You can do it. You can arrange your schedule the way you need to. There is tons of flexibility and I definitely think that people should just go for it for sure.”

Read Kennedy's Story

Kennedy Rose