by our College Data Analytics TeamOrganizations from grocery stores to doctors' offices to financial corporations rely on computer systems to run their business. If you are interested in learning how to modify systems for unique purposes, you might be a Computer Systems Analysis major.
Along with learning how to create computer systems, students will learn how to analyze what types of technology will improve business efficiency and how to configure hardware and software. To learn these skills, students will take classes in areas such as applied mathematics, computer engineering, computer science, systems analysis, and database management. After completing these courses, students will have the skills to improve computer systems and performance, identify and stop security risks, and customize programs for any type of organization.
Computer Systems Analysis was the 197th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 2,261 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Computer Systems Analysis Schools ranking analyzes 22 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer systems analysis students. Explore this or one of our many other custom computer systems rankings further below.
Strong computer skills and an interest in innovative technology are important in the Computer Systems Analysis field along with analytical, troubleshooting, and communications skills. Creativity and teamwork skills when developing new systems and working on projects are also important. Those with a background in mathematics and computer science often excel in Computer Systems Analysis.
Since many professionals work for businesses, they often work full time. However, professionals often work more than 40 hours a week.
Along with taking classes in Computer Systems Analysis, it is recommended students take classes in businesses. Since this field requires professionals to understand how technology improves efficiency in businesses, employers prefer employees to have this background. Internships and summer jobs in this field will also be beneficial since students will gain valuable experience within the field working with systems and developing software.
computer systems analysis degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific computer systems careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of computer systems degrees. You can get anything from a in computer systems analysis to the highest computer systems degree, a . Computer Systems Analysis programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to computer systems, with approximately 30.8% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for computer systems workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 32.3% |
| Master’s Degree | 21.3% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 15.9% |
| Doctoral Degree | 9.4% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 6.3% |
Most workers in computer systems have at least a bachelor's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in computer systems analysis careers have.
This of course varies depending on which computer systems career you choose.
Since computer systems are being incorporated into many businesses and organizations, computer systems analysts have numerous job options. Many graduates are employed by computer systems design firms, but others have gone into industries including finance, information services, government, and other areas of business. All types of business and organizations are relying heavily on computer systems to accomplish everyday tasks causing a high demand for computer system analysts.
Want a job when you graduate with your computer systems degree? Computer Systems Analysis careers are expected to grow 8.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer systems analysis.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysts | 654,900 | 9.1% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 215,200 | 8.2% |
| Computer Network Architects | 173,200 | 6.5% |
| Computer Science Professors | 42,900 | 8.1% |
BS in Information Technologies - Data Analytics
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AS in Information Technologies
Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Information Technologies
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Recently graduated computer systems analysis students earned an average of $52,533 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $43,868 to as high as $102,770. As you might expect, salaries for computer systems graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer systems analysis graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers computer systems grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $111,130 |
| Computer Science Professors | $96,200 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $93,610 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $68,050 |
With over 163 different computer systems degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased computer systems school rankings to help you with this.
Computer Systems Analysis is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Information Systems | 2,261 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems | 91,113 |
| Computer Science | 60,631 |
| Information Technology | 42,900 |
| Information Science | 17,504 |
| Computer Software & Applications | 14,312 |
