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How to Become a Systems Analyst

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Studying to Become a Systems Analyst

Recently, we explained which jobs you can get with a degree in computer science, and today we’re going to focus on one of those jobs, exploring how to become a systems analyst.

As part of our discussion, we’ll describe what systems analysts actually do, and we’ll explain whether or not you need a degree to get a role in the industry. 

We’ll also discuss whether or not you can earn your degree online and we’ll explain you should consider getting your Computer Science Degree from CSU Global.

If you love working with computers and you’re interested in making computer technologies more efficient, then you might be interested in a career as a systems analyst.

After you’ve learned about launching a career as a systems analyst, fill out our information request form to get more insights about our 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to submit your application today.

Is Systems Analysis a Good Career?

Yes, becoming a systems analyst is a good career choice for anyone interested in working with computers and computer networks to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for systems analysts is expected to grow by 9% from 2021 to 2031, which indicates that it’s a great time to enter the field since there are likely to be more employment opportunities over the next decade.

The BLS also tells us that systems analysts tend to be well-paid, earning a median annual income of $99,270 as of May 2021.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a computer systems analyst, then one of the best ways to jumpstart your career is by earning a degree in computer science, because the path to completing your degree will prepare you for the challenges and problems you’ll face on the job in the real world.

What Do Systems Analysts Actually Do?

Systems Analysts are like the bridge between the computer systems and IT workers, and the business managers, clients, and final users who use computer technology. 

Accordingly, systems analysts are the people responsible for identifying issues, listening to clients, responding to feedback and developing technical solutions that address any concerns or problems that arise.

Systems analysts sometimes write code and work within the computer systems themselves, but that’s not always the case for this role. 

They can also work in quality assurance or directly with teams of programmers to make sure that business needs are being met. 

Regardless of their specific function, however, systems analysts need to be capable of speaking intelligently about computer systems, and they’ve got to have a deep understanding of how they work, what they’re designed to do, and how they can be improved to provide better user experiences.

Because this role combines skills like interpersonal communication and coordination with more technical skills like computer systems analysis, you’ll need to develop a firm grounding in all of these foundational skills if you want to be successful as a systems analyst.

And one of the best ways to get the knowledge and experience needed to achieve success in the industry is earning your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.

Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Systems Analyst?

Not necessarily. But while it is possible to find employment as a systems analyst without a degree, earning your degree can make you a much more attractive and competitive candidate to prospective employers, giving you a better chance of achieving your dream of becoming a systems analyst.

In this industry, employers tend to prefer candidates with impressive academic credentials, because they signify that those applicants have a solid understanding of the complex technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a systems analyst.

But completing a degree won’t only help convince a hiring manager to give you a chance in this competitive field, it’ll also ensure that you’ve developed the skills needed to actually succeed as a systems analyst once you’ve been hired.

While it may not be entirely necessary for landing a job in the industry, earning your degree will go a long way to making you a more competitive candidate for available jobs, and a more competent systems analyst as you take on the many responsibilities required in this complex line of work.

Which Degree Should I Get?

You should get the degree that will best help you achieve your professional goals.

For many, that means a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, as this is one of the most common degrees earned by people who’ve become successful systems analysts.

But you also need to consider the fact that computer science degrees come in two varieties: Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) degrees and Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degrees, and understanding the difference between these two types of degrees will help you decide which one of them will best suit your needs.

According to U.S. News and World Report, B.A. programs generally focus more on helping students develop soft skills such as interpersonal communications, emphasizing humanities courses like English and History. 

On the other hand, B.S. programs typically place a greater emphasis on developing technical skills like computing languages, making them a better fit for anyone looking to launch a career as a systems analyst.

While either degree program can help you on your career journey, if you’re interested in becoming a systems analyst, you’re almost certainly going to get more out of completing a B.S. in Computer Science Degree, like the one offered by CSU Global.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science?

Once you earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, you will have the opportunity to pursue a variety of different career paths, with the role of systems analyst being just one of many job titles that you’ll become qualified to hold.

Some of the most common job titles for graduates of Computer Science Degree programs include:

But there are all sorts of other roles that you may want to consider pursuing too, since the background knowledge and skills you’ll develop as part of your Bachelor’s Program will prepare you to assume a huge variety of positions, like:

  • Web developer
  • Software tester
  • Business analyst
  • Product manager
  • Network architect
  • Software engineer
  • Full-stack developer
  • Engineering manager
  • User interface designer
  • Database administrator
  • Cloud computing engineer
  • Information security analyst

No matter what you choose to do with your Degree in Computer Science, the important thing to take note of is that you could find success in a variety of fulfilling career paths. 

Is a Degree in Computer Science Really Worth It?

Yes, earning your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is a great way to invest in your future career, and it’s highly likely to help you achieve success, no matter what role you end up choosing to pursue. 

That’s because getting your Computer Science Degree will give you the technical and strategic expertise needed to enter a competitive job market with confidence and find success at your job from day one.

While it may feel like a big investment of both time and resources, earning your degree is a great investment in your long-term future, as according to the Social Security Administration, earning your bachelor’s degree can significantly increase your earning potential over the course of your career.

If your goal is to become a systems analyst or to achieve any other related position in the field of computer science, then you’ll certainly want to consider getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. 

Can I Get My Degree in Computer Science Online?

Yes, you can earn your B.S. in Computer Science entirely online from a regionally accredited and widely respected school like CSU Global.

Our 100% online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree program was designed to provide students with as much flexibility as possible and features excellent benefits like:

  • No set class times or locations
  • Monthly class starts
  • Accelerated 8 week courses

Accordingly, our online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science program is a great option if you want to develop the skills needed to pursue a career in systems analysis without interrupting your existing work and family responsibilities.

Why Should I Study Computer Science at CSU Global?

CSU Global’s online B.S. in Computer Science Degree is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and all of our courses are taught by faculty that have recent and real-world experience in the field.

We also developed and designed the program specifically to be completed online, offering you maximum flexibility so that you can continue delivering on existing family and career responsibilities while working on completing your degree.

Importantly, our program curriculum aligns with the certification criteria for the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, and the C++ Certified Associate Programmer from the C++ Institute. This curriculum alignment ensures that you’ll develop the skills you need to achieve success as a systems analyst, while also providing you with academic credentials that will earn the respect of potential hiring managers when it comes time to pursue a position in the field.

It’s worth mentioning that your degree will be widely respected by employers, as CSU Global itself holds several excellent rankings, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
  • A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.

Finally, we also offer competitive tuition rates, a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as long as you remain enrolled in good academic standing.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!