Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Systems Analysis?
Systems analysis is a holistic and logical approach to solving engineering and business problems. A system is defined as a set of components that work together toward a common goal. Systems analysts explore the behavior of current systems to model the relationships between the components to recommend modifications that will improve system performance. They also design new systems using the latest software tools and design techniques to satisfy customer requirements. Systems analysis is a multidisciplinary field that includes programming, probability and statistics, mathematics, software engineering and operations research. Systems analysts combine their knowledge from these fields with the framework of the Scientific Method to:
- Define the scope of a problem
- Determine objectives, constraints and performance measures
- Identify alternative courses of action
- Evaluate the alternatives according to the performance measures and
- Recommend a solution(s) that will meet the needs of a decision maker.
Interests
This is an excellent major for students interested in problem solving, computer science, mathematics, and working and communicating with others, or for students who are interested in applying computer systems to solve problems for businesses or other organizations.
Competencies
- Problem Solving
- Problem formulation
Structuring an unstructured problem
Placing problems in context
Analyzing need
Analyzing risks and benefits
Precise analytical reasoning
Algorithm development
Problem solving using math skills - Communication
- Informing and explaining clearly both orally and in writing
Explaining technical concepts in easy to understand language both orally and in writing
Communicating technical details precisely and unambiguously
Influencing and persuading
Using computerized tools for communication - Interpersonal Skills
- Working as part of a team
Developing common goals
Understanding client needs, business objectives, concerns, fears and constraints
Project management - Ability to Think Critically
- Thinking logically
Adapting ideas
Seeing connections
Weighing values
Adjusting to and promoting change
Learning of new technologies
Learning new areas to which systems are applied - Technical
- Ability to master concepts of computer science and mathematics
Opportunities - Careers
- Systems analyst
Software engineer
Operations research analyst
Consultant
Management scientist analyst
Database developer and administrator
Programmer/analyst
Interactive media development
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may continue their education by receiving advanced degrees in: computer science, operations research, computer information systems, management science, or business.
Opportunities - Experiential
Students have the opportunity to gain experience in their profession by choosing the co-op program in which students alternate semesters of study with semesters of work in industry, through summer internships, or through working and consulting in the computer labs in the university. Students also have the opportunity to become involved in the student organizations of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association of Women in Computing (AWC), Black Data Processing Association (BDPA), and Omega Rho (Operations Research Honorary), or the National Technical Association (NTA). In addition students who excel in the program have an opportunity as seniors to work on research projects with a faculty member in the departmental or university honors program.
Sources of Additional Information
- Computer Science and Systems Analysis Department (205 Benton Hall, 529-0340)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - School of Engineering & Applied Science (106 Benton Hall, 529-0700)
- * Miami Plan Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.