What is Computer Systems Analysis?

<p>As computer systems become more complex, businesses and organizations call on computer systems analysts to design systems that will meet their individual needs and yield a good return on their investment. This career requires a combination of technical and business expertise. Most analysts have specialized knowledge in the field for which they design systems, whether it's accounting, finance, healthcare, science or engineering. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantInformationAboutThisOccupation">Important Information About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Licensure </td><td> Not required</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Government, information technology firms, consulting, various industries</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Computer programmer, actuary, computer network architect</td></tr> <tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Some programs available online</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---Duties">Duties</h3> <p>Computer systems analysts need to understand the uses and end objectives of a system, so the first step in the design process is gathering this information from managers and system users in the organization. Once you understand an organization's goals, you'll devise a system according to specifications, confirm its financial feasibility and oversee its execution. Although some of this execution falls into the hands of programmers, systems analysts work with them in every step of the project, including debugging the final product. You might even be responsible for training users on the finished system or writing the instruction manual for its use. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredSkills">Required Skills</h3> <p>If you understand computer technologies, including both hardware and software, you may be on your way toward becoming a systems analyst; however, you also need to be committed to keeping up with ever-changing technology. In addition to understanding computers, systems analysts usually have the ability to think logically, multitask and solve problems effectively. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that it is not unusual for systems analysts to work in teams, so potential systems analysts need strong interpersonal and communication skills (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---EducationOptions">Education Options</h3> <p>As the BLS notes, most employers look for systems analysts who hold at least a bachelor's degree; however, for more complex, technical jobs a graduate degree may be required. You may choose to study a computer-related field, or you might choose to study the field for which you wish to design systems. In either case, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of computer programming and technology in general, and you can expect to continue learning throughout your career. </p> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateStudy">Undergraduate Study</h3> <p>Many computer-related degree programs, such as computer information systems, computer science and information technology, may lead to careers in systems analysis. Course topics often include: </p> <ul><li>Data structures </li><li>Computer programming </li><li>Operating systems </li><li>Statistics </li><li>Project management </li><li>Networking </li><li>Information systems management </li><li>Systems analysis and design </li><li>Database management </li></ul><p>Systems analysts sometimes hold degrees in fields unrelated to computers, though they must still exhibit computer proficiency, often gained through taking computer courses as electives. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateStudy">Graduate Study</h3> <p>At the graduate level, potential systems analysts study the field for which they will design systems, such as business or science. They usually take courses or fulfill a concentration in a discipline that is related to systems analysis. For example, if you choose to study business by pursuing a Master of Business Administration, you could take a concentration in information systems that will prepare you for work as a systems analyst in a business context. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlookAndSalary">Job Outlook and Salary</h3> <p>Computer systems analysis is a field that is expected to have above average employment growth between 2021 and 2031, according to the BLS. Employment is expected to increase by 9% over this decade, largely due to companies needing to make technology installations or upgrades. The most employment growth is likely to be found in the information technology consulting industry and healthcare. Having a business background might improve your employment prospects, and field-specific knowledge is valuable. </p> <p>According to the BLS, the median annual income of a computer systems analyst was $99,270 in May 2021, with most of them earning between $60,680 and $158,010 a year. Computer systems design and related services was the top industry employing analysts and offered an average wage of $105,770. Management of companies and enterprises had the second highest level of employment and paid these professionals $103,860 a year on average. Oil and gas extraction had the highest average income of $152,410.</p>