Online Systems Analysis Degree Programs

Online Systems Analysis Degree Programs

Systems analysis is an essential field that deals with the analysis of engineering, science, and data processing issues of many different systems. Online systems analysis degree programs provide students with a solid educational background and prepare them to provide assistance and advice to a variety of organizations that need computer assistance. Students gain and enhance their problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, and computer language skills and are prepared to lead a lucrative career in a variety of fields. Read more about online systems analysis degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 1,050 bachelor degrees, 261 master degrees, and 8 doctorate degrees conferred in computer systems analysis/analyst (1). In 2006, computer systems analysts held about 504,000 jobs, with most employed in the computer systems design and related services industry. Computer and information systems managers held 264,000 jobs with 1 in 4 being employed in the computer systems design and related services industry (2).

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook for systems analysis jobs varies on degree, field, and position. Employment of computer systems analysts is expected to grow much faster than average for all professions from 2006 to 2016, increasing 29% and adding 146,000 new jobs. Computer and information systems managers are projected to experience faster than average job growth, increasing 16% and adding 43,000 new jobs (2). Computer systems analysts with less than 1 year experience earned average annual salaries between $47,023 and $54,848 (3).

Specialties

Systems analysis is a large field and students can choose from a variety of specialties to focus their academic studies and pursue a meaningful career. The systems analysis specialties include information systems analysis, computer hardware technology, embedded systems technology, computer information systems, computer programming, project management, quality assurance software, software design, databases, operating systems, and information systems management. Students who are interested in a specific specialty should choose schools that offer strong programs in that particular area.

What to Expect

Systems analysis degree programs provide students with a solid educational foundation on computer software and computer systems. Undergraduate systems analysis programs require general education courses in English, composition, mathematics, science, history, and electives. The core coursework varies by program, but most systems analysis programs require courses in computer languages, fundamentals of systems analysis, computer hardware and software, computer administration, systems architecture, database programming, systems security, and problem analysis. Graduate degree programs focus on more in-depth study and prepare students to pursue advanced career options.

The End Result

Systems analysis degrees open the door to a wide variety of job opportunities. Large corporations and enterprises, hospitals, government agencies, financial institutions, insurance companies, data processing firms, consulting firms, and colleges and universities often employ systems analysis professionals. Careers for systems analysis degree graduates include:

A systems analysis career will be rewarding for individuals that have a logical mind and a strong interest in a variety of systems. Systems analysis professionals apply their programming, operations analysis, troubleshooting, and quality control analysis to a variety of career fields. They deal with many different tasks simultaneously and they must pay close attention to detail and have excellent concentration. Systems analysis professionals monitor and maintain computer programs and systems and coordinate and connect an organization’s computer systems.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition
(3) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report