by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 81 U.S. colleges awarded 3,052 degrees and certificates in Computer Systems Analysis. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 61% of graduates. College Factual ranks 38 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Systems Analysis Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $53,145 one year after completing, rising to $73,219 after four years.
Organizations from grocery stores to doctors' offices to financial corporations rely on computer systems to run their business. If you are interested in learning how to modify systems for unique purposes, you might be a Computer Systems Analysis major.
Along with learning how to create computer systems, students will learn how to analyze what types of technology will improve business efficiency and how to configure hardware and software. To learn these skills, students will take classes in areas such as applied mathematics, computer engineering, computer science, systems analysis, and database management. After completing these courses, students will have the skills to improve computer systems and performance, identify and stop security risks, and customize programs for any type of organization.
A degree in Computer Systems Analysis involves the study of Computer Systems Analysis.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, computer systems analysis is a widely-pursued major, with 3,052 degrees awarded annually. 81 colleges award computer systems analysis degrees, an average of 38 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 320.
By level, the 3,052 awards include 19 certificates, 145 associate degrees, 1,019 bachelor’s degrees, 1,851 master’s degrees and 3 doctorates.
Women earned 31% of computer systems analysis degrees and certificates in the latest year (944 of 3,052). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (755) and Hispanic or Latino (493), and international students earned 1,124.
College Factual ranks 38 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Systems Analysis Schools ranking, including 5 for associate degrees, 14 for bachelor’s degrees and 9 for master’s degrees. It also ranks computer systems analysis schools within 11 states. In all, 81 colleges offer computer systems analysis programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Systems Analysis Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer systems analysis credential is the master’s degree: 1,851 of the 3,052 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer systems analysis call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Speaking, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Oral Expression and Written Comprehension.
Strong computer skills and an interest in innovative technology are important in the Computer Systems Analysis field along with analytical, troubleshooting, and communications skills. Creativity and teamwork skills when developing new systems and working on projects are also important. Those with a background in mathematics and computer science often excel in Computer Systems Analysis.
Since many professionals work for businesses, they often work full time. However, professionals often work more than 40 hours a week.
Along with taking classes in Computer Systems Analysis, it is recommended students take classes in businesses. Since this field requires professionals to understand how technology improves efficiency in businesses, employers prefer employees to have this background. Internships and summer jobs in this field will also be beneficial since students will gain valuable experience within the field working with systems and developing software.
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How long a computer systems analysis degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 19 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 145 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,019 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,851 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 3 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer systems analysis, at 30.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 30.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 30.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.1% |
| Some college courses | 2.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.7% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
9 occupations are related to Computer Systems Analysis, with an average median salary of $99,809; the strongest outlook belongs to Computer Systems Analysts, at 8.2% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Professor, Computer Applications Instructor, Information Security Systems Instructor and Computer Information Systems Instructor (CIS Instructor).
Since computer systems are being incorporated into many businesses and organizations, computer systems analysts have numerous job options. Many graduates are employed by computer systems design firms, but others have gone into industries including finance, information services, government, and other areas of business. All types of business and organizations are relying heavily on computer systems to accomplish everyday tasks causing a high demand for computer system analysts.
The occupation related to computer systems analysis with the most projected jobs is Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,328,652.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | 415,445 | 3.5% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 142,406 | 8.2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
Computer Systems Analysis graduates earn a median $53,145 one year after completing their program, $73,219 after four years and $75,188 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $53,145 |
| 4 years | $73,219 |
| 5 years | $75,188 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer systems analysis is Health Informatics Specialists, with a median salary of $156,714.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $71,253 |
| Computer Network Architects | $63,411 |
Computer Systems Analysis includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst (3,052). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 375,163 degrees a year; the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (133,698), Computer Science (90,046) and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (72,883). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst | 3,052 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 133,698 |
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 72,883 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 16,765 |
| Computer Programming | 16,655 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 16,354 |
| Data Processing | 2,593 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
