IT Help Desk/End User Support: CS

IT Help Desk/End User Support: CS

Certificate of Specialization | 24 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Program Website

Academic Advising

Program Description:

Florissant Valley, Forest Park, and Meramec

IT Help Desk/End User Support Certificate of Specialization is a skill-oriented program that prepares students for help desk and desktop support technician positions in the enterprise. The foundational principles of end-user support including client operating system and application software, hardware and software installation, system configuration, problem diagnosis and resolution, and computer security will be covered. The courses in the program provide a combination of online, distance learning, and classroom-based in-depth hands-on skills development. The demonstration of hands-on skills is critical to employers. Students completing the program are prepared for a variety of industry certification exams as well as entry-level employment in a help desk or desktop support position.

Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley and Forest Park by taking a mixture of face-to-face and online courses.

Related Programs. The Computer and Information Technology Department offers certificates in the following areas:

CompTIA A+ Certification, Certificate of Specialization

CompTIA A+ and Security+ Certifications, Certificate of Specialization

Network Security Engineering, Associate in Applied Science

Network Engineering, Certificate of Specialization

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

  1. demonstrate professional customer service skills.
  2. apply best practices in help desk operations.
  3. troubleshoot computer problems.
  4. configure end-user devices.
  5. train computer users.
  6. utilize the appropriate office applications.
  7. document problems and resolution.
  8. analyze knowledge based systems.
  9. apply secure enterprise settings.
  10. utilize active directory tools.
  11. explain technical inquiries through multiple channels.
  12. apply PowerShell scripting.
  13. apply group policies and procedures.
Program Requirements
IT 102Desktop Software Support - CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Software)3
IT 103Help Desk Principles3
IS 130Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware)3
IS 151Computer Applications in Business4
IS 237Fundamentals of Information Assurance/Security - CompTIA Security+3
IS 229Unix/Linux I3
or IS 291 Workplace Learning: Computer and Information Technology
IT 101Cisco Networking Academy I: Introduction to Networks5
Total Credit Hours24

Full-Time Academic Plan

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
IT 102 Desktop Software Support - CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Software)3Reading Proficiency
IT 103 Help Desk Principles3Reading Proficiency
IS 130 Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware)3Reading Proficiency
IS 151 Computer Applications in Business4Concurrent or prior enrollment in IS 122 or IS 123 or IT 102 or HIM 102 with a minimum grade of "C" or equivalent experience and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours13
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
IT 101 Cisco Networking Academy I: Introduction to Networks5Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
IS 237 Fundamentals of Information Assurance/Security - CompTIA Security+3IT 102 or IS 229 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
IS 229 Unix/Linux I
or Workplace Learning: Computer and Information Technology
3Reading ProficiencyIS 229 is highly recommended.
Credit Hours11
Total Credit Hours24

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Part-Time Academic Plan

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
IT 102 Desktop Software Support - CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Software)3Reading ProficiencyFirst 8-weeks
IS 130 Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware)3Reading ProficiencyFirst 8-weeks
IT 103 Help Desk Principles3Reading ProficiencySecond 8-weeks
Credit Hours9
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
IS 237 Fundamentals of Information Assurance/Security - CompTIA Security+3IT 102 or IS 229 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyFirst or Second 8-weeks
IS 151 Computer Applications in Business4Concurrent or prior enrollment in IS 122 or IS 123 or IT 102 or HIM 102 with a minimum grade of "C" or equivalent experience and Reading Proficiency
IS 229 Unix/Linux I
or Workplace Learning: Computer and Information Technology
3Reading ProficiencyIS 229 is highly recommended.
Credit Hours10
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
IT 101 Cisco Networking Academy I: Introduction to Networks5Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
Credit Hours5
Total Credit Hours24

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.