Enrollment in this major is limited to qualified students at time of application. Majors must have a 2.20 cumulative grade point average by the time they reach sophomore status, a 2.30 by the time they become juniors, and a 2.40 when they obtain senior standing. Majors are required to pass a comprehensive examination during their senior year. Majors are also required to develop a portfolio of outstanding projects over their years in residence. A systems analyst attempts to help an organization solve a problem, take advantage of an opportunity, or follow a directive coming from upper management, ownership, or the government in an effective and efficient manner.
Analysts play a significant role in organizational development and operation of systems.
In order to do so, they assist and frequently lead the effort to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support the systems and improvements to them. Systems analysts are required to know about information technology and its uses, how and why the organization functions, and the environment in which the organization carries out its mission. Analysts must also possess skills that allow them to speak and write effectively, work with others in projects, and be able to solve problems both in an individual and group setting. Systems may be combined with any baccalaureate major. Graduates have used what they have learned in systems in a variety of arenas, including those work-related and those of further formal education.