Systems Support Analysts: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of systems support analysts about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for systems support analysts to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of systems support analysts expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for systems support analysts.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Systems Support Analysts?
Do systems support analysts need a degree? What kind of experience do systems support analysts typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for systems support analysts to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Systems Support Analysts
Jobs Postings for Systems Support Analysts By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 81,239 (54%)
- No Education Listed: 33,875 (22%)
- Master's degree: 18,784 (12%)
- High School or GED: 13,108 (9%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 3,743 (2%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of systems support analysts. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 54% of positions. In 22% of job listings no education level was listed and in 12% of postings a master's degree was required.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Systems Support Analysts
Jobs Postings for Systems Support Analysts By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 9,049 (10%)
- 2-3 Years: 33,090 (36%)
- 4-6 Years: 32,100 (35%)
- 7-9 Years: 9,510 (10%)
- 10+ Years: 7,142 (8%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for systems support analysts. In 36% of job postings for Systems Support Analysts, employers were looking for candidates with 2-3 years of experience. In 35% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience, while 7-9 years of experience was sought in 10% of job postings for systems support analysts.
What Kind of Degree Do Systems Support Analysts Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for systems support analysts, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 30 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective systems support analysts, and in 2023 a total of 278,861 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective systems support analysts.
Top Degree Programs for Systems Support Analysts
Top 5 Degree Programs for Systems Support Analysts (2023)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 72,432 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 62,365 |
| Information Technology. | 35,591 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 29,839 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 12,850 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 72,432 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 62,365 |
| Information Technology. | 35,591 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 29,839 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 12,850 |
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | 10,461 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 10,110 |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | 9,615 |
| Systems Engineering. | 4,148 |
| Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. | 3,190 |
| Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator. | 2,947 |
| Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst. | 2,835 |
| Informatics. | 2,793 |
| Medical Informatics. | 2,611 |
| Information Technology Project Management. | 2,608 |
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications. | 2,399 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | 2,301 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | 2,000 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications, Other. | 1,762 |
| Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician. | 1,582 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | 1,271 |
| Systems Science and Theory. | 1,080 |
| Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy. | 702 |
| Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification. | 352 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | 347 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other. | 318 |
| Computer Programming, Other. | 161 |
| Air and Space Operations Technology. | 115 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other. | 72 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics, Other. | 4 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Systems Support Analysts
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prepare yourself for an in-demand career in cybersecurity where you’ll build defensive and offensive strategies for cybersecurity to mitigate risks and protect people, processes and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build in-demand skills in programming, data management and cloud computing with Franklin’s online data science bachelor’s degree.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Excel in the rapidly growing healthcare industry with comprehensive training in healthcare management, informatics and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prevent costly security breaches by implementing adequate security measures to protect data in any industry or government sector.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Leadership 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Systems Support Analysts
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Skills Do Systems Support Analysts Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by systems support analysts to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for systems support analysts, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Systems Support Analysts
Based on 130,236 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Systems Support Analysts
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Analysis | 28,296 | 22% |
| Project Management | 28,075 | 22% |
| Computer Science | 27,474 | 21% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 24,883 | 19% |
| Workflow Management | 21,669 | 17% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Systems Support Analysts
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 56,524 | 43% |
| Management | 45,645 | 35% |
| Problem Solving | 31,591 | 24% |
| Operations | 30,243 | 23% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 26,204 | 20% |
Based on 130,236 job postings related to systems support analysts, systems analysis was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 22% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for project management, computer science, sql (programming language), workflow management and business requirements were also highly sought.
As for common skills, communication was the most desired skill found in job postings for systems support analysts, followed by management, problem solving, operations, troubleshooting (problem solving) and leadership.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Analysis | 28,296 | 22% |
| Project Management | 28,075 | 22% |
| Computer Science | 27,474 | 21% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 24,883 | 19% |
| Workflow Management | 21,669 | 17% |
| Business Requirements | 21,513 | 17% |
| Business Process | 20,989 | 16% |
| Business Systems Analysis | 20,487 | 16% |
| Data Analysis | 18,907 | 15% |
| Agile Methodology | 17,671 | 14% |
| Auditing | 17,603 | 14% |
| Information Systems | 15,358 | 12% |
| Process Improvement | 12,768 | 10% |
| Technical Support | 11,659 | 9% |
| Automation | 11,073 | 9% |
| Finance | 10,551 | 8% |
| Change Management | 9,295 | 7% |
| Business Systems | 9,102 | 7% |
| Medical Records | 9,006 | 7% |
| Business Analysis | 8,693 | 7% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 56,524 | 43% |
| Management | 45,645 | 35% |
| Problem Solving | 31,591 | 24% |
| Operations | 30,243 | 23% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 26,204 | 20% |
| Leadership | 24,513 | 19% |
| Writing | 24,085 | 18% |
| Planning | 23,560 | 18% |
| Customer Service | 23,050 | 18% |
| Research | 22,280 | 17% |
| Microsoft Excel | 21,633 | 17% |
| Information Technology | 20,832 | 16% |
| Detail Oriented | 19,989 | 15% |
| Microsoft Office | 18,858 | 14% |
| Coordinating | 15,699 | 12% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 14,224 | 11% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 13,612 | 10% |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | 13,239 | 10% |
| Presentations | 13,068 | 10% |
| Self-Motivation | 11,433 | 9% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about systems support analysts? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for systems support analysts.
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