Combine business practices with databases, programming and applications for information systems solutions that help organizations operate efficiently.

Computing Systems Analysis and Design

Computing Systems Analysis and Design Major

A major in the Computer and Information Technology Program
in the Computer and Information Technology

Study how organizations use computer systems and procedures and then design information systems solutions to help them operate more efficiently and effectively. You will combine business practices with programming, applications and databases. In the workforce, information systems professionals work in a variety of roles including computer systems analyst, designer, and consultant or business analyst in a variety of industries and with people from a variety of professions. You will be encouraged to further specialize with a minor in a specific field, such as healthcare, finance, agriculture or manufacturing. Your coursework within your first year includes information technology architecture, systems development and software development concepts.

During your pursuit of a computer systems analysis degree, you’ll work with faculty in the Department of Computer and Information Technology who have years of experience in industry or government. They conduct research on topics such as cybersecurity, high-performance computing, homeland security, cyber forensics, robotics, and health and bioinformatics.

Special Features

  • Systems analyst and similar careers are among the highest in demand in the country (and around the world).
  • Gain real-world experience through labs and team projects. Labs are held in specially designed information technology facilities give valuable real-world experience.
  • Mold your curriculum to fit your talents and interests. Your plan of study is a hybrid of set courses and selective.  As you start to gain interest in one of the key components of computing systems analysis and design – programming, applications, or databases, you have the opportunity to dive deeper into those disciplines.
  • Systems analysis and design students have the opportunity to take courses abroad at partner institutions in Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Peru, Australia and Korea. Opportunities range in duration from 1 week to a full semester.
  • Focus on communications, business and teamwork skills in anticipation of an information technology career
  • Utilize the Polytechnic learning environment to become a career-ready graduate

What can I do?

Solutions Architect
Process Engineer
Business Analyst
IT Project Manager

Where can I go?

Cisco Systems
Bank of America
Microsoft
Discover Financial Services

ABET

The computer and information technology program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s general criteria and program criteria for Information Technology and similarly named computing programs.

After competing in a design competition here at Purdue in my sophomore year of high school, I knew this was my dream school. As a visual learner, I wanted more experience working with technology used in the industry than sitting in lectures and CIT offers me that. With wonderful faculty and advisors to help me with any questions I have, I couldn't have chosen a better college.
Sravya Antharam
Computer and Information Technology
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About the school/department

The Department of Computer and Information Technology provides educational opportunities that apply information technology to solve societal challenges. From cyber forensics and Big Data, to databases and analytics, impactful research is improving society and enriching the constantly updated academic programs.

Additional Information

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Prospective students

Prospective students can reach out to cit@purdue.edu to request an appointment to speak with a Department of Computer and Information Technology student services professional.

Current students

Current students can schedule an appointment to meet with academic advisors in person or virtually via BoilerConnect.

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Related Degrees

Continuing Education