• Nearly all organizations rely on computer and information technology (IT) to conduct business and operate efficiently. Computer systems analysts use IT tools to help enterprises of all sizes achieve their goals.
• They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software, or they may devise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional tasks.
• Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, and financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization.
• Analysts who specialize in helping an organization select the proper system hardware and software are often called system architects or system designers.
• Analysts who specialize in developing and fine-tuning systems often have the more general title of systems analysts.
• To begin an assignment, systems analysts consult with an organization’s managers and users to define the goals of the system and then design a system to meet those goals.
• They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users' needs.
• Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modelling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and a variety of accounting principles to ensure their plans are efficient and complete.
• They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible.
• When a system is approved, systems analysts oversee the implementation of the required hardware and software components.
• They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned.
• They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow; then they work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate errors, from the system.
• Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing may be called software quality assurance analysts.
• In addition to running tests, these workers diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met.
• After the system has been implemented, tested, and debugged, computer systems analysts may train its users and write instruction manuals.
• In some organizations, programmer-analysts design and update the software that runs a computer. They also create custom applications tailored to their organization's tasks.
• Because they are responsible for both programming and systems analysis, these workers must be proficient in both areas.
• As this dual proficiency becomes more common, analysts are increasingly working with databases, object-oriented programming languages, client–server applications, and multimedia and Internet technology.
• One challenge created by expanding computer use is the need for different computer systems to communicate with each other. Many systems analysts are involved with “networking,” connecting all the computers within an organization or across organizations, as when setting up e-commerce networks to facilitate business between companies.

• Demand for computer systems analysts will increase as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies and as the need for information security grows.
• As information technology becomes an increasingly important aspect of the business environment, the demand for computer networking, Internet, and intranet functions will drive demand for computer systems analysts.
• The increasing adoption of the wireless Internet, known as WiFi, and of personal mobile computers has created a need for new systems that can integrate these technologies into existing networks. Explosive growth in these areas is expected to fuel demand for analysts who are knowledgeable about systems development and integration.
• In addition, as sensitive data continues to be transmitted and stored electronically, the need for information security specialists is expected to grow rapidly.
• Furthermore, the healthcare industry is expected to increase its use of information technology and will demand the services of this occupation. The adoption of e-prescribing, electronic health records and other IT platforms will drive this trend, creating a large number of new jobs.
• As with other information technology jobs, employment growth may be tempered somewhat by offshoring. Firms may look to cut costs by shifting operations to foreign countries with lower prevailing wages and highly skilled workers.
• However, due to the high level of expertise that is required, as well as the frequent need to be near the job site, systems analysts are less likely to be offshored than other IT occupations.
• Job prospects should be excellent. Job openings will occur as a result of strong job growth and from the need to replace workers who move into other occupations or who leave the labor force.

Other workers who use computers extensively and who use logic and creativity to solve business and technical problems include Actuaries, Computer and information systems managers, Computer networks, systems and database administrators, Computer software engineers and computer programmers, Engineers, Management Analysts, Mathematicians, Operation research analysts and Statisticians.

• BS in Computer Science,
• BS in Information Science,
• BS in Applied Mathematics,
• BS in Engineering,
• BS in physical sciences.
• BS in Management information systems (MIS).
• Master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems is a plus