Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts champion IT solutions to drive business goals.

Computer systems analysts are the “big picture” thinkers in IT. Armed with an understanding of both business and technology, these professionals analyze an organization's current computer systems & procedures, and recommend strategic changes to increase productivity, reduce costs and accomplish other organizational objectives. Most systems analysts are skilled developers who design and program computer systems updates personally or lead the development team in a hands-on capacity, while other analysts without a programming background will liaise with the software development department to implement changes.

The computer systems analyst's prime directive is to maximize the return on investment (ROI) of an organization’s IT budget. Mission-critical activities include monitoring computer system performance, finding and procuring new technologies based on comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, designing and developing new computer systems, and working closely with end-users to optimize performance and troubleshoot problems post-implementation.

With a Bureau of Labor Statistics projection of 22% field growth from 2010 to 2020 (over 120K new jobs) computer systems analyst earned it's spot among the nation's fastest growing IT occupations. Universities, colleges & private computer schools offer a range of computer systems analyst training and degree programs. Compare the top-rated computer systems analyst training programs in the U.S., Canada and online below.

a.k.a. IT Systems Analyst | Business Systems Analyst | Computer Information Systems Analyst (CISA) | SysAnalyst

Computer Systems Analyst Training

Computer Systems Analyst Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day duties and in-demand skill sets for computer systems analysts include:

• Systems analysts work closely with managers and end-users to define systems requirements and business goals.
• Systems analysts analyze the effectiveness of computer systems and develop strategies to improve IT productivity.
• Systems analysts assist in the design & development of new computer applications and enhancements to existing apps.
• Computer systems analysts make recommendations to increase the ROI of an organization's technology expenditures.
• Systems analysts perform cost-benefit analyses for potential computer system upgrades to support purchase decisions.
• Computer systems analysts create systems models, diagrams and charts to provide direction to system developers.
• Computer systems analysts provide orientation and training sessions to end-users for new and modified IT systems.
• Systems analysts assist in the deployment, customization and post-implementation troubleshooting of new applications.
• Rather than deep expertise about every piece of technology, systems analysts need a top-level understanding of how IT processes and computer system components - hardware, software & networks - interact to further business objectives.

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Computer Systems Analyst Salary

• Average computer systems analyst salary in USA: $79,000

Average starting salaries for computer systems analysts and related positions:

• Desktop Support Analyst salary: $53,000
• Financial System Analyst salary: $72,000
• Data/Information Analyst salary: $73,000
• Software Systems Analyst salary: $77,000
• E-Commerce Analyst salary: $78,000
• Business Process Analyst salary: $79,000
• Business Continuity Analyst salary: $79,000
• Computer Systems Analyst salary: $79,000
• Information Security Analyst salary: $80,000
• Business Systems Analyst salary: $83,000
• ERP Business Analyst salary: $87,000
• Business Intelligence Analyst salary: $87,000
• CRM Business Analyst salary: $90,000
• Healthcare Systems Analyst salary: $94,000
• Senior Business Systems Analyst salary: $95,000
• Senior Computer Systems Analyst salary: $97,000
• Systems Analyst Consultant salary: $102,000

Top 5 best paying U.S. cities for systems analysts:

1. Bridgeport, Connecticut | Salary: $101,000
2. Jacksonville, North Carolina | Salary: $98,000
3. Danbury, Connecticut | Salary: $98,000
4. Washington, D.C. | Salary: $97,000
5. San Jose, California | Salary: $96,000

The hourly wage for computer systems analysts ranges from $24 to $83 per hour, depending on the analyst's industry, location and experience. Computer system analysis consultants can charge upwards of $150/hour for contracted services.

Deep dive comparison of systems analyst salaries.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012 - 2013 • Indeed.com

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Computer Systems Analyst Education Requirements

Most employers require systems analyst applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in computer systems analysis, computer science, computer information systems (CIS), management information systems (MIS), business intelligence or a similar field of study. As this field deals with both business and IT, some systems analysis positions require a Master of Business Administration (MBA), preferably with a technical focus, such as information systems or technology management. Whichever your learning path, systems analysts should expect to take classes throughout their careers to stay competitive and keep up with emerging and innovative technologies.

Marketable skills to look for in a system analysis education program include business intelligence analysis, technology management, software development, business & information systems administration, data processing, project management, business systems integration, risk management and soft skills. Systems analysts should also learn the business-side of their chosen field. For example, a bank may prefer a systems analyst with a background or coursework in finance, while a hospital might fast-track candidates with health care knowledge. Keep this in mind when planning your degree program curriculum and electives. The subject matter in computer systems analyst training works well with online learning platforms.

Research and compare the top-rated computer systems analyst training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

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Computer Systems Analyst Training & Degree Programs

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates and self-paced online courses matching the Computer Systems Analyst education requirements and career track.

Computer School	Systems Analyst Training	Program Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	B.S. Computer Information Systems - Systems Analysis & Integration Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor's Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Design, Develop and Integrate New IT Systems to Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness Systems and Application Development Training Database & Information Systems Management Study Business Analysis Tools & Methodologies Enterprise Architecture & Risk Analysis Training Identify Opportunities for Process Improvement IT Process Analysis and Modeling Techniques Network Systems Threat Analysis & Prevention Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Attend Classes Online, On-Campus at one of 95+ Locations or Create a Blended Schedule
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Business Systems Analysis Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor's Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Analyze, Integrate and Improve IT Systems Develop Powerful Data-Driven Business Apps Database Design, Management and Analysis Learn Hot Programming Languages inc. Java Web Design and Search Engine Optimization Enterprise Information Security & Assurance Use Discrete Math for Information Technology In-Demand Soft Skills including Oral & Written Communication, Leadership and Management Attend Flexible 5-Week Systems Analyst Courses Online or at 200+ U.S. Locations
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor's Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: Oracle OCA & OCP: Java SE 7 Programmer CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ & Project+ Six (6) CIW Certificates including Perl, Web Foundations, Web Design, JavaScript, Database Design & Web Development Seven (7) Microsoft MTA Certificates in Windows, Server, Networks, Databases, Security, Web & Software Development Computer Systems & Application Development Java, Perl, Objective-C and C++ Programming JavaScript, HTML & CSS for Web Development Systems Administration & Security Training Software Dev Team Leadership/Management Option to Create Custom Online Semesters
Request More Info	Business Analyst Training Camp Method: Accelerated Boot Camp Degree Level: Career Training Duration: 4 Days (40 hours) Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn the Skills and Knowledge to Assess, Analyze and Grow the Modern Business Adapt Practical Business Analysis Methods you can Implement Upon Return to the Workplace Identify and Solve Business Problems using the Latest Data Analysis Tools & Techniques Create Pro Business Analysis Presentations Influence & Inform Stakeholders at All Levels Offered On-Campus in PA, DC, TX, CA and FL Provides Continuing Education Credits: 28 PMI PDUs, 24.5 NASBA CPEs and 28 IIBA CDUs Optional Hospitality Packages featuring Hotel Accommodations, Round-Trip Airfare & Meals
Request More Info	BIT Software Analysis & Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor's Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn In-Demand Systems, Application & Web Programming Languages including PHP, Perl, Java, VB. Net, C+, C++, C#, SQL & Objective-C Analyze, Design & Develop Innovative Software Systems to Solve Complex Business Problems Software Quality Control & Testing Techniques Android & iOS Mobile Application Development Develop Websites in HTML, CSS & JavaScript E-Commerce Web Development & Marketing Develop Integrated Data-Driven Apps with XML Human-Computer Interaction and UI Design Plan & Develop Multi-Tier Distributed Systems 5-Week Online Courses Beginning Year Round
Request More Info	B.S. Mobile Application Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	iPhone & Android Application Development User Interface Design and Usability Testing Mobile Application Design and Art Direction Mobile Media Business & Marketing Courses Successfully Launch & Deploy Mobile Apps Courses in Web and Mobile Game Development Professional Mobile App Developer Portfolio Java ME, Objective-C, MySQL & PHP Coding 2011 Award-Winning Online Learning Platform Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	Project Management Certificate Method: Online Training Degree Level: Grad. Certificate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's	Includes Certification Preparation for: PMI CAPM or PMP Certification PMI Globally Accredited Certificate Program Learn to Organize, Plan & Manage Projects Master the Project Management Life Cycle Business Systems Analysis and Improvement Network Systems & Database Management Effective Team Leadership and Motivation Learn the Essential PM Tools & Techniques Manage Costs, Quality, Procurement & Risk Award-Winning Online Education Platform 1500 Hrs of Experience Toward PMP/CAPM
Request More Info	M.B.A. Technology Management Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's	Prepare to Lead Organizations in the Planning, Development, Operation & Management of IT Applied Managerial Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing and Decision-Making Taught by Successful Business & IT Managers Use IT to Foster a Real Competitive Advantage Learn to Manage Relational Database Systems Networking & Telecommunication Management IT Innovation's Impact on Strategy & Operations IT Management and Team Leadership Training Colorado Tech Named "Best Online MBA" in Graduate Forum's 2012 Top Ten MBA Awards

Find Systems Analyst Schools

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Systems Analyst Information Technology Computers and Technology Basic Computer Skills and IT Fundamentals Mobile App Development Computer Science Degrees Computer Programming Software Engineering Software Development .NET Programming AJAX Programming ASP Active Server Page C and C++ and C Sharp Cascading Style Sheets CSS Certified Internet Webmaster CIW ColdFusion Training Computer Game Programming HTML Training Java Programming JavaScript Programming PHP Training Microsoft Visual Studio VB Visual Basic Web Design Training Web Development WebSphere Training XML eXtensible Markup Language CRM Customer Relationship Management Crystal Reports Intuit QuickBooks Lotus Applications SAP Systems Applications and Products Information Technology Database Administration and Development Network Administration and Management Mobile App Development Computer Programming Information Security IT Help Desk Support Computer Systems Analyst Health IT Training Project Management Technology Management Graphic Design Web Development Web Design Training Computer Applications Computer Science Degrees Computer and Systems Engineering Computers and Technology Basic Computer Skills Business Administration Accounting Programs Communications and Media Criminal Justice and Legal Culinary Arts Education and Teaching Entrepreneurship Finance Training Healthcare and Nursing High School and GED Programs Liberal Arts Programs Marketing and Advertising Math and Science Project Management Psychology Programs Vocational and Trade All Education Topics

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Computer Systems Analyst Certifications

While several business and IT certifications can help candidates succeed in computer systems analysis, there are no industry recognized certifications specifically for this career path. There are, however, school-sponsored certificate programs that teach and validate the business and technical skills to excel as computer systems analysts.

Compare matching school-based computer systems analyst certifications:

• Information Systems Certificates
• Project Management Certificates
• Software Engineering Certificates
• Business Administration & MBA Certificates

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Computer Systems Analyst Jobs

Your specialized training and experience in computer systems analysis qualifies you for a range of positions:

• Systems Analyst: Browse and apply to Systems Analyst Job Openings
• Computer Systems Analyst: Browse and apply to Computer Systems Analyst Jobs
• Information Security Analyst: Browse and apply to Information Security Analyst Jobs
• Business Systems Analyst: Browse and apply to Business Systems Analyst Jobs
• Business Intelligence Analyst: Browse and apply to Business Intelligence Analyst Jobs
• EHR Systems Analyst: Browse and apply to Health Records Systems Analyst Jobs
• Network Systems Analyst: Browse and apply to Network Systems Analyst Jobs
• Software Systems Analyst: Browse and apply to Software Systems Analyst Jobs
• Businesses and Hiring Managers: Post Jobs and Find Candidates at a Discount

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Computer Systems Analyst Job Outlook

The computer systems analyst job market is expected to grow by 22% from 2010 through 2020, faster than the average of all occupations. As organizations continue to increase their reliance on technology, systems analysts will be needed to design and configure new computer systems in all industries. The proliferation of mobile technologies will also create a need for new computer systems that work well with wireless devices and networks.

Healthcare is a key sector for system analyst job growth, as government mandates and funding programs continue to drive rapid increases in electronic medical records, e-prescription services and other forms of healthcare IT that require systems analysts to design custom computer systems.

Computer systems analyst applicants with a background in business will enjoy the best job prospects as this occupation often requires knowledge of an organization’s business needs. Analysts with specialized skills in the field that he or she is working in will also improve hiring prospects. For example, an educational institution may desire an analyst with a background or coursework in education.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS.GOV)

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Systems Analyst Related Careers

• Software Engineer
• Technology Manager
• Website Developer
• IT Project Manager
• IT Security Specialist
• Computer Programmer
• Database Administrator

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