SITE SEARCH
Breaking News
Online Degree Rankings
Best Buy Online Degrees
Best Buy Online Degrees
An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
Best Student Satisfaction
Best Student Satisfaction
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
 
Best Public Perception
Best Public Perception
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
 
Newsletter
Most Popular Articles
Career Center
CAREER CENTER HOME
 
Computers & Information Technology
Computer Systems Analyst
Outlook & Growth
This career is expected to grow 29 percent—much faster than average—through 2016. As businesses expand their use of technologies, including Internet/web, wireless networks and mobile computers, demand for workers who can integrate the new technologies into existing ones will remain strong.
As with other information technology jobs, there is some risk that systems analyst jobs will be outsourced to foreign countries with lower wages and highly educated workers with strong technical skills. Despite this, job prospects should remain very good for candidates with advanced degrees in computer science or computer engineering or those who hold an MBA with a concentration in information systems or technology management.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, computer systems analysts enjoyed an average salary greater than $69,000. The middle 50 percent earned $54,000 to $88,000. The highest 10 percent earned more than $107,000. Wholesalers of computer equipment and suppliers paid the most; state government employers of computer systems analysts paid the least.
What is a Computer Systems Analyst?
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and use computer technology to meet the needs of an organization. Sometimes that means designing and developing new computer systems and sometimes it means making existing systems work better on certain tasks. Most systems analysts specialize in a type of computer system—for example, business, accounting or financial systems or scientific and engineering systems.
To begin an assignment, systems analysts consult managers and users to define the goals of the system. Analysts then design a system to meet those goals. Sometimes they prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether to implement the planned system.
Systems analysts choose the computer hardware and software needed to set up the planned system, test the system to make sure it performs properly, and work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate errors, from the system.
Education & Degree Path
Employers usually prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in managing information systems or network administration and design. For more technically complex jobs, people with graduate degrees are preferred.
If you are working in a business environment, it is helpful to have a business background; likewise, in a scientific setting, a science background comes in handy. Increasingly, employers are seeking individuals who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in the management of information systems.
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to remain competitive. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions offer continuing education to help workers attain the latest skills. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies.
Licensing: There is no national licensing but many private product vendors offer certification on their systems that might help differentiate your resume or experience niche.
Entering the Field: As technologies change, the “hot” technology of last year fades into the background. Employers often scramble to find workers who can work with the newest technologies. Workers with formal education or experience in information security, for example, are currently in demand because of the growing use of computer networks, which must be protected from threats. If you understand which technologies are up-and-coming it can give you an advantage in educating yourself to enter the field.
Continuing education is essential to keep up to date in the career niche.
If you’re new to this career area a basic certificate or associate degree in computer information systems or office computer management can help you lay a strong foundation for an advanced degree.
Career Changers: People who have bachelor's degrees in other majors may find employment as systems analysts if they also have related technical skills. Courses in computer science or related subjects combined with practical experience can qualify people for jobs in the occupation.

Find online degrees for Computers and IT now. >>

Career Links



Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers as a computer systems analyst, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Systems Analysts, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos287.htm.
  
Ask GetEducated!
Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
Read More
Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
Read More
 
Featured Programs
Champlain College
Champlain College’s 42-credit, unique MSL program educates non-lawyer working professionals about the law. This regionally accredited program delivered by our experienced faculty of attorneys was designed to help you build a greater understanding of the law. This distinct degree will help you become an objective thinker and equip you with the tools you need to appraise and evaluate real-life legal situations. Navigate the law with confidence! Contact us at 1.866.441.0427 Ext. 3517.
Learn more
Baker College Online
Baker College Online is one of the largest and most affordable accredited online colleges in the nation. Our tuition is often less than half that of other online colleges while the quality of your education and training remains high. Baker Graduates increased their earning potential by 35% upon completion of their degrees. As a career college our goal is to prepare you for a great career and help you find a good job or advance your current career in the shortest possible time.
Learn more
Military Resource Center
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

Jobs and Careers in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

Sponsors
 
GETV

Secure your career with an online MBA.

Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.

Visit our Online MBA Career Center today

Learn more about in-demand and high-paying healthcare jobs - and online degrees that help you land them.

Visit our Healthcare & Nursing Career Center

From CSI to paralegal to forensic accountant, justice jobs are waiting for you.

Visit our Justice, Law & Legal Studies Career Center

What are the hottest careers in business and management, plus online degrees to help you succeed?

Visit our Business & Management Career Center

Move into a high-paying, fast-growing computer career by studying online.

Visit our Computers & IT Career Center today

Which are the best engineering or electronics jobs for you and how can online education help you prepare?

Visit our Engineering & Electronics Career Center

Teachers and librarians are needed for the future - prepare online for these careers.

Visit our Education & Library Science Career Center

You can learn online to be a social worker, counselor, or other human services professional.

Visit our Psychology & Human Services Career Center

Home | Articles | Media Coverage | About Us | News Releases | Privacy | Team Bios | History and Mission | Newsletter | Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities