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.
A degree in Computer Systems Analysis involves the study of Computer Systems Analysis. Continue reading for the essential details every computer systems analysis student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer systems analysis programs.
Nationwide, computer systems analysis is a widely-pursued major, with 3,034 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Systems Analysis Schools ranking analyzes these 81 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer systems analysis students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer systems analysis programs later in this article.
Studies in Computer Systems Analysis build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer systems analysis graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set developed in a computer systems analysis program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a computer systems analysis major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer systems analysis degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 14 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 133 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 947 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,933 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
People currently working in careers related to computer systems analysis tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 30.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 30.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.1% |
| Some college courses | 2.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.7% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer systems analysis careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Studying computer systems analysis prepares you for numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer systems analysis.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer systems analysis.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | 415,445 | 3.5% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 142,406 | 8.2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of computer systems analysis graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $53,073 |
| 4 years | $65,915 |
| 5 years | $75,229 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer systems analysis graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer systems analysis grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $71,253 |
| Computer Network Architects | $63,411 |
With 81 different computer systems analysis programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer systems analysis school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in computer systems analysis, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst | 3,034 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 118,381 |
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 57,935 |
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Programming | 15,336 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
