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If you’d like to learn more about the IT-Desktop Support Technician program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
Add tech know-how to customer service and you get Madison College’s Desktop Support Technician program, which will prepare you to provide first-level technical support to resolve software, hardware and system problems for computer users.
Computer users are everywhere, along with their technical issues, creating a demand for superheroes with people-friendly fix-it skills throughout all industries, locally, nationally and around the world.
Whether you’re looking to start, advance or change your career, this program will give you the training to help you reach your goals. No advanced skills needed—just basic computer navigation knowledge and a passion for learning.
Technical Diploma Goals
The Desktop Support Technician program will train you in hardware and software installation, configuration and troubleshooting; basic network concepts; supporting new technologies; repairing workstations; and performing upgrades. You will gain an understanding of how a help desk or service desk functions and how customer service plays an important role in today’s world of technology. You’ll also learn to ensure that all customer requests and problems are dealt with quickly and effectively.
It Takes More Than Tech
We’ll teach you the technical skills to manage and support technical demands, but a successful desktop support technician is also:
A Critical Thinker
You like puzzles and games in which figuring out one challenge gets you to the next challenge. Instead of an instruction manual, you prefer a toolkit. You know how to combine past experience, problem solving skills, research and a bit of intuition to find solutions.
A People Person
Much of this work is like customer service, so people in this field must not only be good with computers but also with people. You love to help people and are empathetic. A sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.
Even-Tempered
You are not easily rattled and you see something going wrong as a challenge rather than a problem. You can keep your head when others are losing theirs.
Flexible
Much of desktop support is fixing broken tech. So, sometimes you’ll need to settle for a quick fix and sometimes you will need to work to find long-term solutions. The ability to be responsive to the need of the moment in a way that makes sense is key to keeping everything and everyone working smoothly.
A Good Communicator
You’ll need to be able to communicate, verbally and in writing, in both technical and simple terms, what went wrong and how to stop it from happening again.
Curious
The world of technology changes quickly. To stay on top of the latest advancements, be prepared to continue your education beyond the degree through professional advancement, online user groups and industry publications.
The associate degree curriculum is designed to help you hone these skills.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
Desktop Support Technician classes are held in lab environments, so you get hands-on experience in every class. You’ll use Madison College’s state-of-the-art online lab environment to simulate the infrastructures various industries and tech companies actually use. That same lab is available to you 24/7 from any computer. All you need is an internet connection to do your work from anywhere.
Madison College IT program students start coding on Day One.
Core classes teach technical skills in:
You’ll learn how systems work and how they can break and be put back together, but better. The program includes training in:
- Operating systems
- Networking and security
- Cloud Computing Platforms
- Virtualization technologies
Flexible Course Offerings
Students in the Network Systems Administration program can attend full or part time.
The core classes unique to the Network Systems Administration program are offered only online or during the day.
Network Systems Administration classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
If you start this program in the spring semester it may take 3 semesters to complete and classes are only offered in the daytime.
Your Credits Allow You to Ladder Up!
This Desktop Support Technician technical diploma is included in our two-year Network Systems Administration associate degree program. As a Madison College Desktop Support Technician student, you'll earn the technical diploma upon completion of the first-year curriculum automatically!
The Desktop Support Technician program also includes first year coursework for Cloud DevOps Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist and Governance, Risk and Compliance associate degrees. If you choose to continue your education, your credits will seamlessly transfer into the associate degree program.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-107-111Exploration of Information Technology
Learn about the different careers available in the vast field of Information Technology and examines the IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist, IT-Cyber Compliance Specialist, IT-Cybersecurity Specialist, IT-Data & Analytics Specialist, IT-Desktop Support Technician, IT-GenAI Front-End Developer, IT-Network Systems Administration, and IT-Web Software Developer career paths. Students create an individualized career path plan as the capstone project for the course.1 credit10-150-121Cisco 1
Introductory course covering networking architecture, structure, and functions. Introduces the principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations to provide a foundation for subsequent networking topics across all IT programs. Students will learn technology concepts with the support of interactive media and apply and practice this knowledge through a series of hands-on and simulated activities. Includes use of binary and hexadecimal numbering, basic arithmetic competence is expected.3 credits10-151-102IT Security Awareness
Provides a basic survey of the importance of IT security awareness and data confidentiality. This course walks users through basic aspects of information security in a very broad, easy to understand way and explains the value of securing data. The course will also present best practices in access control and password policies. NOTE: Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management) required.1 credit10-154-184Enterprise Client
Learn how to install, configure, and administer a desktop operating system for an enterprise office environment. Topics include Windows installation, device configuration, establishing network connectivity, Windows user profiles, configuring appropriate NTFS and share permissions, remote connections, and an introduction to commands using Windows PowerShell and Command Prompt. NOTE prereq: Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management).3 credits10-156-105AI Fundamentals
Provides a basic survey of the importance of AI in the IT industry. This course will discuss broad aspects of AI including types, code generation, and how to validate the results from AI. The course will also present best practices for appropriate and responsible use of AI.1 credit10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 creditsSecond Semester10-154-171Windows Server
This hands-on course, based on Windows Server operating systems, allows students to gain administrative knowledge of deploying, configuring, and managing Windows Server. Additionally, students will learn how to implement Windows Server technologies, including but not limited to Active Directory, Account Management, Domain Controllers, Hyper-V, WDS, DNS, DHCP, IIS, Group Policy, File and Print Services, Storage Services, Remote Desktop and Management, PowerShell Management.3 credits10-154-190Linux 1
Introduces Linux with a focus on command line system administration skills. Topics include navigating the filesystem, file and directory management, command execution, input/output redirection and pipes, account management, configuring network services, file system security and troubleshooting.3 credits10-157-101Introduction to Cloud Computing
Introduces students to cloud based computing architectures through hands-on labs with leading public cloud providers. Students will learn the basics of deploying cloud solutions and what makes cloud-based infrastructure unique. The fundamentals of cloud storage, security, account management, networking and monitoring are covered.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!
This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your IT-Desktop Support Technician career.
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Career Outcomes
Desktop Support Technician Program Outcomes
After completing the Desktop Support Technician program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Manage information technology hardware
- Manage software
- Support computer networks
- Provide end user support
Desktop Support Technician Careers
Madison College Desktop Support Technician graduates are ready for a range of professional positions including:
- Computer Support Specialist
- Service Desk Specialist
- End User Support Specialist
- Help Desk Professional
- Computer Application Specialist
- PC Support Technician
- Software Technician
- Technical Help Desk Support
- Technical Specialist
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 19 21 15 Number of Surveys Sent 19 21 15 Number of Surveys Returned 16 14 12 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 6 9 6 Percent Available for Employment 37.5% 64.3% 50.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 62.5% 35.7% 41.7% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 5 5 5 Percent of Graduates Employed 83.3% 55.6% 83.3% Employed in Related Occupation 3 5 3 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 60.0% 100.0% 60.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 0 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 40.0% 0.0% 40.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 4 1 Percent Seeking Employment 16.7% 44.4% 16.7% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.4 3.5 Number of Satisfaction Responses 9 13 8 Very Satisfied (4) 5 6 4 Percent Very Satisfied 55.6% 46.2% 50.0% Satisfied (3) 4 6 4 Percent Satisfied 44.4% 46.2% 50.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 7.7% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 16 14 12 Preparation for Getting a Job 5 4 2 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 31.3% 28.6% 16.7% Career Change 2 4 4 Percent Career Change 12.5% 28.6% 33.3% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 2 2 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 6.3% 14.3% 16.7% Preparation for Further Education 8 3 4 Percent Preparation for Further Education 50.0% 21.4% 33.3% Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0 1 0 Percent Other 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 5 5 4 Before Enrollment 1 1 4 Percent Before Enrollment 20.0% 20.0% 100.0% While Attending the College 3 3 0 Percent While Attending the College 60.0% 60.0% 0.0% After Training at the College 1 1 0 Percent After Training at the College 20.0% 20.0% 0.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 5 6 In College District 4 4 5 Percent In College District 80.0% 80.0% 83.3% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 1 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 20.0% 20.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 1 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 16.7% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 2 4 3 Average Monthly Wage $4,080 $4,467 $4,714 Average Hourly Wage $23.72 $25.97 $27.41 Average Work Hours per Week 42.7 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 0 Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week 12.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Dept of Health Services Mobile Device Specialist Seats Inc Network Administrator Reedsburg UW - Madison User Services Technician * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
