Computer Systems Analysis
Overview
Programs in computer systems analysis prepare people to analyze procedures, methods, and use of computer systems.Programs in computer systems analysis teach people to troubleshoot computer problems and find solutions. Students learn to design software or make changes to hardware to improve routine tasks. They also design and implement network systems.
Computer systems analysis programs include topics such as:
- Computer hardware and software
- Compilation and composition of operating systems
- Low- and high-level programming languages
- Computer programming and debugging
- Process and dataflow analysis
- Installation and maintenance testing
- User needs analysis
Schools
Several community colleges offer associate degree programs in computer systems analysis. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in computer systems analysis. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Very few universities offer graduate degrees in computer systems analysis. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Networking and Administration
- Computer Systems Technology
- Cyber-computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
- Informatics
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
- Mathematics
- Operations Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Information Security Analysts
- Validation Engineers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Engineers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer Programmers
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Customer Service Representatives
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
In addition, many programs require you to apply for admission even after you've been admitted to the school. Typically you must complete introductory computer science, math, and engineering courses before you are admitted.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Calculus
- Computer Science and Programming
- Computing Systems
- Physics
- Probability and Statistics
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Analysis and Design of Computer Systems
- Communications
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Problem-Solving
- Computer Programming
- Data Management
- Data Structures
- Decision Support System
- Modeling and Analysis
- Operating Systems
- Operations Management
- Server Systems
- User Needs Analysis
Things to Know
Although a bachelor's degree in computer science will teach you a variety of skills, it is becoming more common for employers to require a master's degree for many jobs.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla University
- Information Systems
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Information Systems--Software Development Track
City University of Seattle
- Information Technology
Edmonds Community College
- Computer Information Systems--Business Systems Analyst Advanced
- Computer Information Systems--Cyber Defense Fundamentals
- Computer Information Systems--Cyber Defense Implementation
- Computer Information Systems--Requirements Analysis
TLG Learning
- CISSP Certification
- CompTIA Certified Professional Security+ Certificate
- ITIL Foundations Certification
- MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)
- MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Computer Information Systems--Information Systems
- Computer Information Systems--IT Security
Statewide and Distance Learning
WGU Washington
- Business Administration--Information Technology Management
- Business--Information Technology Management
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College
- CompTIA/MCP/CISCO Certification Training
Vancouver Area
Charter College--Vancouver
- Computer Information Systems
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Business Administration--Management Information Systems Concentration