Systems Analysis Associate Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

A background in systems analysis opens job opportunities in the tech, data, and business industries. An Associate Degree in Systems Analysis can help you jumpstart your information technology career. If you are interested in the combination of business systems and IT, then this field is for you.

Below is a list of the best systems analysis associate degrees, their program descriptions, and the best systems analysis jobs.

What Is Systems Analysis?

Systems analysis is the process of improving business process efficiency by upgrading its IT systems. Systems analysts troubleshoot the computer system, and conduct software and hardware tests to identify system weaknesses and strengths. They also upgrade the system design to accommodate business operations and goals.

What Is a Systems Analysis Associate Degree?

A systems analysis associate degree is a two-year undergraduate tech program offered by community and state colleges. You can get a systems analysis degree in the business, IT, or arts fields. This education pathway is best suited for beginners in tech looking for an affordable degree program to help them enter the job market.

Depending on your specialization you will learn computer programming, data analysis, business systems, and networking. You can also choose to transfer your credits after

completing an associate degree

to a bachelor’s program.

Systems Analysis Associate Degree Requirements

The program requirements for systems analysis associate degrees include completing 60+ hours of IT, business, and general education credits. You will need to get a C or higher in all your courses to earn this degree.

How Much Does a Systems Analysis Associate Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of an associate degree at a two-year institution for on-campus

students is $16,445.

The statistics further report that this value will increase or decrease depending on if the college is private or public and whether the student lives on or off-campus.

Systems Analysis Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Systems Analysis Degree

The financing options for systems analysis associate degrees include FAFSA grants, loan financing, upfront payment, and scholarships. However, each college has its own financing plan. You can meet with an academic advisor to find the plan that suits you best.

Best Systems Analysis Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Systems Analysis: Top Systems Analysis Associate Degree Programs

Below are the best on-campus systems analysis associate degree programs. We’ve listed them along with key aspects of the curriculum.

Associate of Applied Science in Business Programming and Systems Analysis | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers degrees and certificate programs in business administration, web design, culinary arts, and computer science. The school reports that its graduates go on to make an average salary of $42,000 per year.

This business programming and systems analysis degree prepares you for a career in database solutions, system analytics, and business processes. You will learn database design, .NET programming, Java, software development, and business communication.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking Systems | Dunwoody College of Technology

This computer networking systems degree helps you build a career in IT security, cloud computing, and systems automation. You will learn server systems, virtualization, cyber security, programming, cloud services, and network support services.

Associate of Technical Studies in Computer Information Technology | Lakeland Community College

Lakeland Community College offers around 135 degree and certification programs in network security, accounting, graphic design, health technology, and sociology. This computer information technology degree is a broad program that opens up tons of career possibilities.

You can work in network security, systems analysis, software design, data science, or programming fields. You will learn IT project management, Cisco systems, database management, media technology, and computer science basics.

This cyber security program will provide you with technical skills, programming skills, analytical skills, and networking skills. You will learn operating systems, internetworking, network defense, and server administration. This will help you pursue career opportunities in the business security system analytics fields.

Associate of Applied Science in Programming and Systems Analysis | Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College offers technical and non-technical degrees and certifications in behavioral science, education, health science, information technology, and STEM.

The school also offers a career program advisor to its students. The programming and systems analysis degree covers business system analysis, data management, app development, business processes, and programming.

Associate of Applied Science, IT Information Systems Security Specialist | Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College offers career services in several areas of studies to its students. The school reports that 95 percent of its associate degree students get a job within six months of graduating.

This specialist program will help you penetrate the IT security industry. You will

learn computer forensics

, information security risk management, the information technology infrastructure library, network servers, and server administration.

Associate of Arts in Information Systems, Computer Science and Technology | Montgomery College

Montgomery College is a great school for business, applied technology, health sciences, and engineering sciences. If you are a Maryland resident looking to learn computer science and information systems then this associate degree is for you.

The program curriculum includes systems analysis, programming, statistics, business, and system design. Some of its elective courses include arts distribution, natural science with lab, and humanities.

Associate of Applied Science in Programming and Systems Analysis | Paradise Community College

This associate degree can lead to several career paths in business communications, systems analysis, and software development. You will learn to design web-based applications, resolve network administration issues, server-side scripting, and business principles.

Associate of Applied Science in Programming and Systems Analysis | Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College offers similar career field training as its partner colleges. You can learn behavioral science, natural science, information technology, and business administration. This degree focuses on computer programming, computer systems, and network analysis. You will learn database solutions, software testing, app development, and business objectives.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology | Southern Arkansas University Technology

Southern Arkansas University Technology offers degree programs in aviation, nursing, engineering, business administration, film, and computer fields. This computer information technology program teaches you foundational tech industry skills.

You will learn science-focused, operating systems, cyber security, networking, cloud computing, and web development. Some career options with this degree include system administration, computer engineering, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Best Online Systems Analysis Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Systems Analysis: Top Online Systems Analysis Associate Degree Programs

Online learning

is convenient for many students who need more flexible schedules. Below is a list of online associate degrees in systems analysis. You can get in touch with the college’s faculty advisor to find out more about the program.

Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems | Ashworth College

Ashworth College is an online school that offers programs in business, creative services, computer science, and legal studies. This information systems degree covers foundational to intermediate computer systems programming. You will learn operating systems, cloud technologies, software applications, database processing, and IT protocols.

Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration | DeVry University

DeVry University offers an online program that covers wide area networks, network troubleshooting, systems analysis, voice administration, and hardware and software programming. With this program, you can

become a systems administrator

, network engineer, or systems analyst.

Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology  | Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers online, on-campus, and hybrid programs covering business management, IT security, data science, and health informatics. This computer information tech degree offers four specializations in software development, database, data science, and web design.

The program covers practical applications in business, network administration, web technology, hardware and software configuration, and information security. You can pursue systems analyst jobs in data, cyber security, IT, and business.

Associate of Arts in Information Systems | Liberty University

Liberty University is an arts and science focused college that offers graduate and undergraduate programs in psychology, public administration, accounting, and education. This information systems degree will prepare you for a career in the business, tech, or legal industry.

The current course catalog includes business analysis, business law, data communication, database management, and information technology. It will help you build a career in many analyst positions. You can also use their university transfer option to enroll in a bachelor’s program.

Associate of Applied Science in Business Systems Analysis | Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College offers in-person and online programs in automotive design, criminal justice, dental hygiene, graphic design, nursing, and IT. This business systems analysis degree covers fundamental computer and database skills.

It will prepare you for entry-level systems analyst jobs across the data, IT, and business sectors. You will learn economics, project management, database systems, networking, and systems analysis and design.

Associate of Science in Information Technology  | Purdue University Global

Purdue Global University is a reputable online institution that offers degree programs in several areas including finance, communication, legal studies, health sciences, and computer science.

The university also offers special military programs with up to 55 percent tuition discount for active-duty candidates and a 38 percent discount for veterans. This IT degree covers cyber security, data analytics, software development, networking, database management, and operating systems.

Associate of Science Computer Programming and Analysis   | Seminole State College

Seminole State College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees to over 29,000 students in fields including engineering, health sciences, human services, and IT. The programming and analysis degree covers databases, information systems, web development, and programming.

Sinclair Community College offers on-campus and online associate degree programs and professional certification in computer science, business, psychology, and health sciences. This information systems/secure systems administration degree is quite versatile and will allow you to pursue several professions.

They include network administration, web design, information security, systems analysis, and database administration. You will learn about business servers, operating systems, programming, server configuration, and networking.

Associate of Arts in Information Technology | Strayer University

Strayer University offers several associate degree programs and provides you with credits you can apply to the university’s bachelor’s degree programs. This IT arts degree covers business management, computer systems design, tech ethics, tech administration, and network security.

Associate of Arts in Information Technology | University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is an online university that offers advanced graduate and undergraduate degrees in technology, social sciences, criminal justice, education, and healthcare. The college credit from this IT concentration can be applied to a bachelor’s degree in business administration or computer science.

You will learn network analysis, software support, systems security, network design, data management, and cyber security fundamentals.

What’s the Average Systems Analysis Associate Degree Salary?

An associate degree in systems analysis will qualify you for an entry-level position in the field. According to ZipRecruiter, the average entry-level

systems analyst salary is $59,833

. However, the salary rate differs depending on the industry and your educational qualifications and experience.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual

salary for computer systems analysts is $93,730

. You will need to get a few years of experience along with your associate or bachelor’s degree to reach this compensation level.

Top Systems Analysis Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Systems Analysis Associate Degree Jobs Explained

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects are responsible for designing, maintaining, and upgrading network communication systems. These systems include local area networks, wide area networks, and data communication systems. After completing your associate degree, you can take an exam for industry certifications offered by Cisco or CompTIA.

Software Developer

Software developers program and build software applications for computers. You will need to

learn Python

, Java, and JavaScript to enter this profession. Having cyber security, mathematical, and critical thinking skills will help you succeed.

Information Security Analyst

The educational requirement for an information security analyst is typically a bachelor’s degree in IT, however, an associate degree paired with systems analyst work experience will qualify you for the position. This is a software and hardware security job that requires you to monitor networks, upgrade systems, and conduct penetration tests to defend and avoid cyber attacks.

Cyber Security Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $99,815
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey*

Similar to information security analysts, cyber security analysts work to protect the systems of an organization. Some responsibilities include penetration testing, ethical hacking, and threat analysis. The education requirements for this position are typically a bachelor’s degree but an associate degree in systems analysis can be the first step towards building this career.

Computer Systems Analyst

The job responsibilities of a computer systems analyst include combining business systems analysis and information technology to improve computer systems. Their job duties include designing business applications, improving current software, and testing system hardware components.

Business Systems Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $70,059
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  7%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  607,800**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, New York**

Getting an associate degree in systems analysis or information technology with a concentration in business systems is ideal for this position. As a business systems analyst, your primary roles include improving the productivity and efficiency of business operations and strategies. You will analyze data to design automation systems for business processes.

Quality Assurance Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $71,376
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York***

Quality assurance engineers in the tech field are responsible for ensuring the software applications and design meet the industry and organization’s standards. They do this by conducting quality management tests and application analysis. They also work with user experience designers and customer service specialists to meet user expectations.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

The job duties of network and computer systems administrators include maintaining and upgrading hardware and software systems according to business requirements. This job can lead to a career path in many fields including network engineering, systems analysis, and database administration.

Network Systems Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $67,820
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  7%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  607,800**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, New York**

A network systems analyst’s job is focused on overseeing a computer’s software and hardware networks. Their job includes network performance testing, network troubleshooting, and system maintenance.

Network Support Specialist

Network support specialists are often supervised by network administrators and network systems analysts. However, their job duties resemble the aforementioned professions. They maintain, test, upgrade, and troubleshoot the organization’s hardware and software networks. Depending on their position they can also provide tech support to non-tech users.

*Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Information Security Analysts

**Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Computer Systems Analysts

***Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Systems Analysis Bootcamp vs Systems Analysis Associate Degree: Which Is Better?

The best suited educational track in systems analysis depends on your career goals, financial capabilities, timeline, and curriculum preferences. A coding bootcamp is best suited for those looking to get extensive tech training and access to career services within a short time frame.

Benefits of a Systems Analysis Associate Degree

• 
  Traditional undergraduate degree.
  
  A crucial benefit of a systems analysis associate degree is that it’s a universally accepted undergraduate degree. Most associate systems analysts and IT jobs accept this degree.
• 
  Broader academic experience.
  
  Depending on your career goals you can specialize in an industry-specific or general IT program. An associate degree covers several fields including history, math, economics, programming, and network security.
• 
  Transferable college credit.
  
  If you want to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, business intelligence, or a related field you can transfer your associate degree credits.
• 
  Affordable undergraduate option.
  
  An associate degree is an affordable alternative to a four-year bachelor’s degree that provides you with all the essential IT and computer systems skills.
• 
  Open to high school graduates.
  
  Most associate systems analysis programs only require high school-level math and tech understanding.

Benefits of a Systems Analysis Bootcamp

• 
  Short commitment.
  
  Most coding bootcamps only last a few weeks to a few months and cover all the essential systems analysis skills needed for an entry-level job.
• 
  Cheap alternative.
  
  A bootcamp education is an affordable alternative to a traditional undergraduate degree. Bootcamps also offer several accommodating financing plans including income share agreement loans, installment payments, and other loan financing options.
• 
  Industry-standard skills training.
  
  You can attend software development, computer systems analyst, or quality assurance bootcamps to
  
  become a systems analyst
  
  . These bootcamps will cover essential skills needed for this profession including programming, network security, QA analysis, and database management.
• 
  Career services.
  
  Most bootcamps provide in-depth career services including portfolio development assistance, resume critiques, interview prep help, and networking opportunities.
• 
  Job prospects.
  
  Coding bootcamp graduates work in tech positions at high-profile companies including Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft.

Should You Get an Associate Degree in Systems Analysis?

You should get an associate degree in systems analysis if you want to enter the entry-level job market in quality assurance, business analysis, and computer systems analysis. This two-year program will help you penetrate the IT profession in several industries and grow your careers to several lucrative positions.

Systems Analysis Associate Degree FAQ