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What is Computer Systems Technology?

Computer systems technology is a field of study within management information systems (MIS) and information technology (IT) that is focused on the following components:

  1. Computer Programming
  2. Application Design
  3. Designing Networks & Network Systems
  4. Developing and Building Networks

A computer system technology professional will need to balance systems connectivity and network integration knowledge with software and hardware expertise.  Computer systems technology is an ever-expanding field given the rapid evolution of technology and shortening life cycle for personal electronic devices.  Churning devices and software applications will keep systems techs on their toes for decades to come.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$84,500

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

56.14%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

376,820

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Computer Systems Technology Degree

Established in 1824, bringing science to everyday life has been at the mission's core of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It operates as a private and coeducational institution in Troy, NY, with satellite campuses in Hartford and Groton, Connecticut. RPI ranks 53rd among the Best National Universities in the country by the U.S. News and World Reports.

RPI's School of Engineering offers two cohort programs, Computer Systems, the Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering (ECSE). ECSE offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees in the program. The curriculum establishes a wide underpinning in mathematics, science, humanity and social sciences, and multidisciplinary engineering courses. Moreover, students taking the ECSE track are prepared in engineering essentials and employing-certain domains stressing first-hand experience, education, design, and teamwork.  For additional details, you may take a look at the department's website.

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

PLNU offers an assortment of degree programs available for students to aid them in their career goals and personal development. It operates as a private institution in San Diego, CA. PLNU's Christian affiliation plays a significant part within its mission.

The Computer Systems degree at PLNU is an eighteen-week program providing students with the necessary skills needed to identify and provide solutions to individuals, organizations, and businesses. At PLNU, students will be able to advance, design, and assess appropriate processes for managing information technology projects and information systems. Additionally, the program comprises required courses, including an introduction to hardware and networking, operating systems and security, project management, database design, visual programming, and more; secondly, students must take elective courses. To be enrolled in PLNU's Computer Information Technology program, students must have completed at least 40 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.75 from a recognized institution.

Acceptance Rate

73.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Offering experiences that improve lives has been the mission of Bowling Green State University. BGSU functions as a public research institution in Bowling Green, OH. The U.S. News and World Report recognize BGSU as one of the Top Public Schools in the country.

BGSU offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, and for the record, BGSU was the first to provide the CS program in Ohio way back in 1969. The CS program at BGSU highlights computer science and mathematics courses. With 122 credit hours, the program comprises general education requirements, college-level requirements, and major requirements. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the Computer Science program at BGSU.

Interested students may check the program’s weblink to obtain more information.

Acceptance Rate

71.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Central Missouri offers an assortment of degree programs to aid the students in the success they want. UCMO is a publicly-funded institution in Warrensburg, MO. Over eleven thousand annual enrollees are recorded and reported by the institution from different states across the nation.

Computer Systems major is a 120-hour degree that prepares graduates for a rewarding career in the information systems and information technology fields, supporting organizations and businesses. Throughout the program, students taking the major learn how to identify business problems and obtain understanding and capacities in user experience design, systems design, database administration, and software development to generate technical solutions. At UCMO, CIS classes are held in its six state-of-the-art laboratories with cutting-edge technological facilities. Moreover, this CIS program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Acceptance Rate

65.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

FAU or Florida Atlantic University is a public research institution in Boca Raton, Florida. It offers an array of degree program choices to assist students in their career goals and personal development. The U.S. News and World Report rank FAU as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility and one of the country's Top Public Schools.

The Computer Science degree at FAU prepares graduates with a firm practical grasp, especially in computer science, understanding technical concentration areas, and appreciating collaborative labor towards problem-solving. Students taking the program experience rigorous training in information technology, software applications, software engineering, software programming, computer architecture, system performance, mathematics courses, and more. Throughout the students' stay in the program, they must maintain a grade of "C" or 2.5. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the Computer Science program of FAU.

For additional details, you may explore the program's website.

Acceptance Rate

63.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Brigham Young University Idaho is a satellite campus of the BYU educational system; it is a religious and private institution established and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. BYU-Idaho is guided by its mission to aid individuals in their pursuit of rightness and eternal life as it builds character leading to lifelong learning and service.

The BS in Computer Systems at BYUI prepares graduates for careers in software development by integrating technology and engineering courses. BYUI Computer Science offers a firm grounding in the field by providing exciting classwork in algorithm development, programming, software engineering, computer security, technical communication, web design, and theoretical computing foundation. Furthermore, graduates from this program are employed as an applications developer, forensic computer analyst, game developer, and other related professions after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

95.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Formerly the Capitol College, now the Capitol Technology University is a private research institution in South Laurel, MD. The Capitol Technology University prepares students for professions in our fast-changing society.

The Computer Systems degree at Capitol College prepares students for entry-level technology careers. At Capitol, the computer science program comprises computer science courses, technical courses, computer science electives, mathematics courses, sciences, and English/humanities and social sciences courses. Moreover, computer science majors work on their classwork in the Fusion Laboratory provided by the institution. Capitol believes that internships are essential steps to building a student’s career; true to its commitment to holistic education, Capitol provides students co-ops and internships to widen their network in the field.

Acceptance Rate

83.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Residing in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University is a public research institution providing an assortment of degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The U.S. News and World Report names Wayne State University as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility and one of the Top Public Schools across the nation.

The BS in Computer Systems at Wayne is an interdisciplinary sequence integrating computer science and engineering technology courses. Wayne’s Computer Technology consists of Mathematics courses, Engineering Technology courses, Computer Science Courses, Physical Sciences, and General Education and communication courses. Furthermore, students are given chances to work collaboratively with other students from the department to enrich their learning experience. At the end of the program, graduates launch their careers as computer technologists who design and implement software and hardware to assist industries and organizations.

Acceptance Rate

73.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Formerly the ECPI College of Technology, ECPI College is a four-year school offering career-centered education for its students. ECPI University consists of sixteen campuses, with its main campus located in Virginia Beach, VA.

ECPI offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Cyber and Information Technology. At ECPI, its computer science degree prepares graduates who can manage, troubleshoot, and administer software, hardware, or services for single, mixed, and multiple-user environments. Throughout the program, students enrolled in the CIS-CIT major will have comprehensive coursework in business, computer and information systems, elective courses, arts and sciences courses, self-integration units, and more. Furthermore, learners enjoy their first-hand learning experiences, utilizing the same kind of technology found in the workstation. The CIS-CIT major at ECPI is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security and the Department of Homeland Security.

Acceptance Rate

73.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Southeast Missouri State University is steadfast in its mission of providing student-oriented education and experiential learning. SEMO is a comprehensive and publicly-funded institution that offers various degree programs to assist students in their career goals and personal development.

The Computer Systems major at SEMO prepares graduates to enter the labor force or pursue graduate studies. Throughout the program, students will acquire in-depth knowledge about the underlying principles of computing and mathematics. CIS majors will have extensive classwork in computer information systems, web development, and security, information technology, systems analysis and design, and more. Furthermore, students are given opportunities for internship and career-building opportunities at renowned industries, including Microsoft, AT&T, Vintage Software, and more.

Acceptance Rate

86.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Founded in 1954, The University of Alaska Anchorage is a publicly-funded institution in Anchorage, Alaska. UAA is the largest among the three consisting of the University of Alaska System. Additionally, UAA comprises six divisions: Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Policy, Community and Technical College, Education, School of Engineering, and Health and Social Welfare.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering introduces students to mathematics and physics principles during the first two years in the program and introductory classes on the underlying courses in computer hardware and programming. Students will engage in upper-division studies related to the discipline and computer systems engineering electives during the junior to senior years. Students must have completed their project-centered capstone course to showcase their learnings during their entire stay in the program before graduation.

For other details about Computer Systems Engineering at UAA, kindly visit the program’s weblink.

Acceptance Rate

82.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Pittsburgh-Titusville is a state-sponsored institution in Titusville, Pennsylvania. It offers a variety of programs available for students to choose from. Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh-Titusville is a two-year regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh system.

The Computer Systems degree at UPB-Titusville is an Associate degree that trains students for an entry-level career as a computer technologist. Students following the Associate in Computer technology program engage in classwork on Microsoft Office products, networking, database design, computer hardware, and web design; it also contains an internship experience. Additionally, the program comprises general education and major course requirements. Around the students’ stay in the program, they must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 generally speaking. 

Acceptance Rate

72.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in 1946, the CUNY New York City College of Technology has been steadfast through the guidance of its mission of enhancing the quality of student learning outcomes through its implementing tools as its guiding framework. City Tech is a public college in Brooklyn, NY.

The Computer Systems Technology Department at City Tech offers two-degree tracks, the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems and the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems. The AAS in Computer Systems prepares students to jumpstart their careers as computer programmers, database programming administrators, web programmers, systems/network administrators, and support. On the other hand, the BTech in Computer Systems is an extensive curriculum that responds to the information technology industry's specific needs by combining theory and practice of the discipline. To shape the student's learning experience, they are provided with internship opportunities to connect education and real-world applications.

To know more about the offerings, students may take a look at the CST Department's weblink.

Acceptance Rate

87.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Metropolitan Career Center Computer Technology Institute operates as a private institution that provides a great education environment for its students. The main program offered at this school is computer systems technology at the associate's degree level, with more than 140 students graduating in the last several years. To help students and alumni succeed, Metropolitan Career Center Computer Technology Institute may provide support services like:

  • Classes offered on nights and weekends
  • Remedial instructional courses
  • Counseling assistance
  • Student employment
  • Assistance to find work
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Please visit careersinit.org for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Lex La-Ray Technical Center is a technical skills center that provides services to high school and adult students. The career center is located in Lexington, Missouri. Moreover, the technical center is committed to assisting students’ career goals and personal development.

The Computer Maintenance and Networking program at Lex La-Ray provides students with the necessary skills and understanding in computer networking, support, and applications employing the Net+ Curriculum. Students taking the program will learn about the design, installation, supervision, maintaining Wide and Local Area Networks. Additionally, the Computer Maintenance and Networking program majors must maintain a GPA of not less than 2.0 generally. 

Acceptance Rate

56.25

Tuition

$13,782 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Charlotte Technical Center or Charlotte Technical College has many programs to allow students to realize their career goals and assist them in their personal development. It operates as a public institution in Port Charlotte, Florida. CTC is a small community with an annual undergrad enrollment of more or less 200 plus.

The Computer Systems and Information Technology at CTC is a 900 hours program developing students for entry-level positions as computer technicians. Students majoring in the CSIT program are trained to create, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade computers. Additionally, the course also imparts networking skills, including installing and sustaining a computer network with a network degree or certification. The program produces computer systems technicians, computer network technicians, computer networking specialists, and computer security technicians.

For more information, interested students may explore the program’s internet site.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Manatee Technical College is a post-secondary, adult, career, and technical education center that opened in 1963. MTC’s primary purpose with its eight programs is career preparation, continuing education, adult education, or non-credit enrichment.

The Computer Systems and Information Technology at Manatee Tech are intended to prepare students for professions or advanced training in an assortment of occupations in the IT industry. At Manatee Tech, students learn through hands-on laboratories, instructor-led discussions, simulation software labs, and other learning resources. Additionally, they work collaboratively and individually to complete the lab activities, projects and create computer information systems. Students can accomplish this program for approximately seven months and take certification exams such as the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Situated in Willow Street, PA, Lancaster CTC is a career education center that offers many program selections to those who want to pursue a career and wish to advance their careers. Lancaster CTC functions as a public institution that opens its doors to high school students and adults.

Under the high school programs, CTC offers a degree in Computer Systems Technology. The program prepares graduates to provide custom jobs for clients in industries, organizations, and government. Students taking the degree are taught to create, repair, maintain, and upgrade desktop and laptop computers. Furthermore, they will also learn how to design, troubleshoot, and install computer network configurations. During the program, Computer Systems Technology majors are also prepared for National Skills Certificates.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,965 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Located in Cape Girardeau is a public school in Cape Girardeau, MO. Cape Girardeau CTC has earned its prominence for its exceptional programs, which is evident to its competent graduates. Additionally, students can choose from Cape Girardeau’s variety of offerings to advance their career goals and personal growth.

Cape Girardeau offers two degrees related to Computer Systems and Technology, Computer Coding and Programming, and Computer Networking and Security. The Computer Systems degree provides the necessary soft skills required to be a successful programmer. Students in the sequence learn to program using state-of-the-art languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. On the other hand, the Computer Networking and Security sequence at CTC imparts students with skills needed to solve common computer issues, repair computer equipment, upgrade software, and troubleshoot and secure network devices.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With the goal to serve the citizens of the Marion County, Community Technical and Adult Education offers high quality academic and social opportunities for students. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with a campus located at 1014 SW 7th road, Ocala, FL 34471. Since its inception in 1974, this school has been providing diverse educational opportunities and services to the students. It offers customized training under the Community Technical and Education programs designed in line with constantly changing technology and global market. These programs are the only provider of GED and high school diploma across the Marion County. This school’s Career and Technical Programs include Allied health, Business Management and Administration, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Education and Training, Grooming and Salon Services, Industrial, Public Service and Veterinary Assisting while the Business and Office Technology, Firefighting/EMT and Special Interest Courses are under the Continuing Workforce/ Recreational Classes. CTAE also offers Young Parent Program, English as a Second Language Classes, Employment Solutions and Custom Corporate Training. CTAE is proud to achieve 90% and above certification passing rates and high job placement rate in many of its programs. This school guides students to the right direction whether they are bound to start or upgrade a career or pursue higher education. It fosters an environment that encourages lifelong learning and creates a strong foundation for success. Registration and Fees http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs/pdfs/Registration_Fees.pdf Course Catalog http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs//pdfs/CourseCatalog.pdf

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,055 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Withlacoochee Technical Institute is a technical and career center in Inverness, Florida. The school’s goal is to provide skilled workers in the labor force for high-paying and demand jobs. WTI has acquired several recognitions, and it continues to be a technical school of choice.

Providing instruction, training, atmosphere, and facilities required to excel in IT professions has been the mission of WTI’s Technology Support Services. The program commences with discussions and activities on basic computer knowledge. Moreover, students engage in rigorous classwork on computer systems, operating systems, troubleshooting techniques, and configuring systems. The program also prepares students for various certification examinations where they can establish their credentials for employment purposes.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,233 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Grand River Technical School is an institution that offers technical-vocational education. GRTS is located in Chillicothe, Missouri; the campus location is closed to many industries and career opportunities for their graduates.

The Computer Systems degree at GRTS offers training for various certifications in several different fields that are nationally and globally recognized. At GRTS, the Computer Networking Technology curriculum is divided into three areas, including A+ Certification, Network Cabling, and Network + Certification. Students enrolled in the program will have a six-hour daily class for nine months to complete the program. Moreover, this program is open to all high school graduates and equivalent.

Acceptance Rate

74.65

Tuition

$6,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Bob Jones University offers a variety of training programs and academic opportunities for its students. It operates as a non-profit, private, and Christian liberal arts university in Greenville, SC. At BJU, for every 100 applicants, 86 are accepted.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Systems at BJU provides students with the necessary skills to excel in the dynamic technology field. Computer Science majors at BJU gain the underlying understanding of mathematics and computing and provides students first-hand chances to apply their acquired knowledge to real-life situations. If you take the Computer Science program at BJU, you will have an opportunity to expand your network for employment purposes through its internship program with huge industries from local and outside the state. BJU’s graduates are employed in various computing careers as a system administrator, web developer, independent consultant, programmer, cryptographer, statistician, network manager, and other related professions.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Collins Career Technical Center's goal is to prepare youth and adults to excel in the ever-changing labor market. It is a technical career center in Chesapeake, OH, that has been recognized as a great place to take industrial-based training.

The Networking program is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the Networking and Information Technology fields. At Collins CC, students will learn about introduction to networking, network operating systems, IT cybersecurity, and more. During your stay in the program, you are also molded for various certification exams, like the CompTIA A+ and Network + certifications. Furthermore, students must create a project during their last year in the program to showcase their acquired knowledge.

To know more about the program, interested students may check their website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$10,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Florida Career College Miami is steadfast in its mission of preparing students for relevant and modern career opportunities. The institution has a total of eleven campuses, ten in Florida and one in Houston, Texas.

The Information Technology at Florida Career College is an associate program that will teach students to discover, analyze, and define technology solutions for entry-level positions in technology's ever-changing fields. Students following the major specialize in Computer Science, Computer Security and Networking, Information Technology Management, and Healthcare Information Technology Management. Students will learn about the theory and application of the discipline necessary for future employment within the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$21,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Top Degrees in Computer Systems Technology

Students looking to earn a computer systems technology degree have a broad range of options. From certificate programs to undergraduate degrees, a number of accredited colleges and universities offer degree pathways. In addition to traditional classroom-based courses, several colleges now offer online degrees in computer systems technology.

To help you decipher which program is best for you, we have assembled an overview of degrees and resources on this portal. Simply find the programs that fit you best and request information from top colleges as you navigate your way towards a decision on schools.

Certificate Programs in Computer Systems Technology

Classroom-based and online certificates in computer systems technology are intended to provide students with the basics. From foundational technical knowledge to hands-on learning opportunities, students will have a firm footing to begin a robust career in CST.

Typical CST certificate programs will last about a year while others are more involved and stretch into a two-year program. For part time students, you can expect the plan to be elongated as a function of your course load. Certificate holders can expect to launch a career in a variety of industries in a variety of entry-level positions.

Associate Degree in Computer Systems Technology

Online associate degrees in CST are typically found in a course catalog listed as an Associate of Applied Science or AAS degree. Associate degrees are most frequently created to be completed in 2-years time. An associate computer systems technology degree extends the scope of study when compared to a certificate or diploma program. More specifically, an AAS degree will meld core classes with liberal arts courses to provide a well-rounded education.

General education classes will vary by school but typically include math, history, statistics, economics, psychology, sociology, and communications. Meanwhile, core classes will be designed to help students understand the technological basics required of CSTs along with key problem-solving skills. Classes may include: hardware systems, networking basics, software solutions, basics of computer programming, internet tools, database management tools, Linux basics, client server programming, systems analysis and design.

Bachelor Degree in Computer Systems Technology

Online bachelor degrees in CST will be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). A bachelors degree will take most full-time students 4-years to complete while part-time students will take longer. Both the BAS and BS degrees will meld general education courses with upper level technical concepts. Core courses you may find in a bachelors degree program in CST will include a combination of the following types of topics:

  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Managing Systems and Networks
  • Hardware Support
  • Computer Engineering Technology
  • Server Management
  • Software Essentials
  • Networking Basics
  • Router and Switching
  • Wireless Networking
  • WAN/LAN Technology
  • Mobile Computing
  • Cloud Computing
  • Security
  • System Design and Development

Systems Technology Educational Requirements

Academic requirements for CST students will be science-rich and math heavy in the first two years of the program.  The back-half of a CST bachelor's computer systems technology degree will have more electives and computer-based technologies classes.  Classes you can expect to see in a CST degree include the following examples:

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Student Careers

Jobs in CST or computer systems technologies can take graduates into disparate industries. Exceptional job opportunities exist for CST majors in field such as national franchising, application development firms, technology start-ups, higher education, retail outlets, and government agencies. In addition, a computer systems technology major can parlay the core skills into similar fields with overlapping professional requirements. A sample of similar jobs a CS technologies graduate may choose to consider are web developer, research scientist, software developer, information research scientist, systems architect, computer network architect, network administrator, computer support specialist, database administrator, computer technologies, and computer programmer.

Computer Systems Salary & Job Outlook

The CS technologies industry is poised for rapid growth in the coming decade.  National surveys published by the BLS and US Department of Labor indicate exceptional growth in this sector.  Specifically, the employment growth for a computer systems analyst is expected to rise 21% and an 11% increase for database administrators.  The national average for all jobs is expected to be 6% making both a exceptionally rapid growth sector.

Additional Resources in Computer Systems Technology

For additional info about the CST industry, check out the following international associations and organizations.  Non-profit organizations and associations such as these specialize in the advancement of professionals in this industry through targeted training opportunities, unique resources, and networking with other like-minded specialists in the industry.

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