Certified Business Systems Analyst Training Overview
Business systems analysts are professionals who merge information technology with business. They analyze the technology limitations of corporations and make suggestions to make them more efficient. Business systems analysts have a variety of job duties including:
- Consulting with business managers to determine the role of technology in the company
- Researching new technology options to increase efficiency
- Redesigning currently used technology to improve functionality
- Conducting technology testing
- Educating users on new technology and how to implement it
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Several schools offer certificate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in this growing field. These programs focus on project management and scheduling, as well as network security management, and they also might include special projects, internships or thesis requirements. Voluntary certification exists for qualified professionals who can pass competency exams. To gain admission into a bachelor's degree program, students should already have their high school diploma or GED. For a master's degree, students should already have a bachelor's degree.
| Program Length | At least four years for a bachelor's degree |
| Course Topics | Networking security, IT project management, database management and more |
| Supplementary Training | Master of Business Administration, doctoral degree in information systems |
| Certification | CAP and IIBA business systems analyst certifications |
| Median Salary (May 2019)* | $90,920 |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 7% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Business Systems Analyst Certificate Programs
Business systems analyst certificate programs comprise 4-6 courses that can typically be completed in a single semester. Some schools provide online learning for working professionals that allow for flexible scheduling. Programs are typically designed for those with current or previous experience in business, though this is not necessarily a requirement.
Certificate curricula focuses on fundamental practices and the role of systems analysts in a business environment. Some common course topics include:
- Business-to-IT communication
- Managing projects and resources
- Analyzing business needs
- Project scheduling and budget control
- Critical-thinking and problem-solving
Bachelor's Degree in Business Systems Analysis
Several schools offer a 4-year bachelor's degree in business systems analysis. Students might find online or hybrid programs that they can participate in around a busy work schedule. In addition to core training, schools may provide concentrations within the program that prepare graduates for different specializations within the field, such as network specialist or planning analyst. Depending on the program, students can either complete a comprehensive project or an internship.
Business Systems Analyst Courses
Business systems courses focus on theoretical as well as practical aspects of the analyst's role. Coursework specifies IT details and how it relates to business needs and practices. Class topics might feature:
- Network security management
- Business systems auditing
- IT project management
- Accounting and budgeting
- Data and database management
Master's Degree in Business and Information Systems
A master's degree showcases an analyst's talents and promotes career advancement. Students can also choose to earn a Master of Business Administration with a concentration on information systems. Master's degree programs usually take two years to complete and often culminate in a research thesis project. Several schools offer online learning, allowing working business or IT professionals to enhance their skills in the field of systems analysis.
Earning a master's degree often aids in career advancement, since several of the courses focus on management topics. Even with online learning, students might need to participate in on-campus or on-site internships or faculty-assisted research projects. Course topics in a master's program might include:
- Accounting and economics
- Project management
- Organizational behavior
- Information systems assessment
- Human resources management
- Technology integration practices
Business Systems Analyst Certification
Professional business systems analysts may also pursue certifications to advance their careers. These certifications help set a business systems analyst apart and may open up new employment opportunities. They are available to analysts who can pass an exam and, in some cases, meet professional development training and work experience requirements. Examples of business systems analyst certification include:
- The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a certification that demonstrates the ability to synthesize large sets of data and help businesses make decisions to become more profitable and more efficient. This credential is vendor-neutral.
- The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) is the first step in a series of three certifications from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). More advanced business systems analysts have more of these certifications.
- There is also the Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). This certification demonstrates the ability of a business systems analyst to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
There are additional certifications based on the interest and specifications needed, and each demonstrates different abilities of the business systems analyst.
Continuing Education
Graduates of a bachelor's degree program may continue studies in a graduate program. Earning a master's degree typically prepares professionals for roles in management. And while you can't earn business systems analyst certification online, the IIBA and other professional organizations do offer or endorse both online and in-person classes, seminars and workshops for professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and business IT solutions or prepare for an exam.
Several schools offer bachelor's and master's degree program graduates an opportunity to earn a doctoral degree in information systems. Admissions into doctorate programs are rigorous, and candidates must complete a dissertation to graduate. Doctoral studies center largely around research and prepare professionals for careers in academia at the collegiate level or advanced business positions.
Popular Careers
In the business environment, a bachelor's degree may provide more employment opportunities and a higher salary than a certificate. Common career options include:
- Systems analyst
- Business analyst
- Information systems specialist
- Database designer or administrator
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Graduates of a certificate program may qualify for entry-level positions or advance a current career into a business systems analyst, also known as a computer systems analyst, role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as businesses expand their dependence on IT solutions, employment for computer systems analysts continues to increase (www.bls.gov). The BLS projected demand for these professionals would grow 7% between 2019-2029. The May 2019 salary information provided by the BLS indicates the median wage for systems analysts at that time was $90,920 per year.
Analysts with a master's degree in business systems analysis often qualify for management positions over IT and non-IT employees as well as in project management or consulting. The BLS projected demand for computer and information systems managers would increase 10% between 2019 and 2029. The BLS further reported that the median annual salary of computer and information systems managers was $146,360 in May 2019.
With a strong projected job growth and competitive salaries, graduates can enter the field of business systems analysts by pursuing a number of certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree options. They can also pursue professional certifications to advance their careers.
