Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Systems Analysis
Prepares you to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Covers computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under a more specific program name. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Prepares you to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Covers computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Computer Systems Analysts
- Median pay
- $105,850
- Hiring change through 2035
- 7.9%
- Job openings a year
- 32,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Median pay
- $104,300
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.7%
- Job openings a year
- 10,700
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingComputer Network Architects
- Median pay
- $134,050
- Hiring change through 2035
- 7.7%
- Job openings a year
- 9,600
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing slowlyComputer Network Support Specialists
- Median pay
- $76,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 1.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,000
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career Growing fastDatabase Architects
- Median pay
- $139,500
- Hiring change through 2035
- 9.4%
- Job openings a year
- 3,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyComputer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $96,980
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 3,200
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $61,260 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
How admission works
See which colleges admit first-year students to this field and which ask for a later application. Colleges are ordered by degrees awarded; sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Earnings, first year out | Admit rate | Program admission | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston TX | 224 | $55,675 | 70% | Direct to collegeThe College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has higher admission standards than UH generally. Freshmen receive assured admission through top 10% class rank, a 3.8 or higher GPA, or a 1400 SAT or 32 ACT, and must also present two or more units of biology, chemistry or physics, two units of algebra, one geometry, one precalculus and four English. | $13,000 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN | 161 | $70,084 | 77% | Apply after enrollmentStudents interested in the Computer Science B.S. first enter the College of Science and Engineering and complete lower-division prerequisites. Admission to the major is competitive; students who complete the required technical courses with a 3.2 or higher technical GPA at the end of fall semester are guaranteed admission, while other eligible students with at least a 2.0 technical GPA are considered on a space-available basis. | $10,000 |
| Texas Christian University TX | 59 | $78,343 | 43% | Open majorTCU lists no special admission requirements for the Computer Science major. Students admitted to TCU may pursue the major subject to its ordinary academic requirements. | $18,000 |
| Quinnipiac University CT | 37 | — | 77% | Open majorComputer Science lists the same core application materials and high-school preparation expected of all applicants; no additional CS-specific admission threshold is stated. | $37,000 |
| Kent State University at Kent OH | 37 | $52,914 | 87% | Open major | $17,000 |
| Austin Peay State University TN | 26 | — | 96% | Open major | $10,000 |
| Saginaw Valley State University MI | 15 | $61,415 | 73% | Open major | — |
| Missouri State University-Springfield MO | 11 | — | 91% | Open majorComputer Science states there are no formal program admission requirements. Students must be admitted to Missouri State and declare the major before completing 60 credits. | $15,000 |
| University of North Dakota ND | 9 | — | 77% | Open major | $15,000 |
| University of Denver CO | 8 | — | 71% | Open major | $23,000 |
| University of Vermont VT | 8 | — | 60% | First-year program admissionCEMS applicants need four years of math through trigonometry or precalculus; non-engineering majors also need two years of laboratory science as part of entrance preparation. | $14,000 |
| Arkansas Tech University AR | 5 | — | 96% | Open major | $13,000 |
| University of Central Missouri MO | 5 | — | 69% | Open major | $13,000 |
| Purdue University Northwest IN | 4 | — | 71% | Open majorPNW's undergraduate application lets freshmen list Computer Science and states no separate computing admission step or threshold beyond university admission. | $7,000 |
| Calvin University MI | 2 | — | 71% | Open major | $19,000 |
| Lindenwood University MO | 1 | $61,260 | 66% | Open majorNo separate competitive admission process is stated for computer science. Students apply to Lindenwood and may pursue the BS. | $18,000 |
| Miami University-Oxford OH | 1 | — | 82% | Open majorThere are no additional admission steps for Computer Science and Software Engineering programs beyond Miami admission. | $24,000 |