Pace University

What you'll study

This programme focuses on the analysis, design and implementation of enterprise information systems. Core topics balance theoretical foundations with applied skills so you can translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.

• Systems analysis and design: requirements elicitation, modelling (UML), use‑case and process mapping, and systems lifecycle management.
• Database management and data modelling: relational and NoSQL databases, SQL, data warehousing and basic data integration techniques.
• Networking and distributed systems: fundamentals of network architectures, protocols, cloud concepts and designing distributed applications.
• Software engineering and development: software design patterns, testing, version control, and practical programming in mainstream languages used for systems work.
• Enterprise architectures and integration: middleware, APIs, service‑oriented architectures and strategies for integrating legacy and modern systems.
• Information security and risk management: security principles relevant to systems analysts, including access control, encryption basics and compliance considerations.
• Project management and professional practice: project planning, stakeholder management, agile methods and communication for technical and non‑technical audiences.

Students typically choose electives or a practicum that enable sector specialisation (for example, finance, healthcare or cloud infrastructure) and may complete a capstone project or internship that involves solving a real organisational systems problem.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: a recognised bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering or a closely related discipline is normally required. Applicants with degrees in other fields but with relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Preparation: prior coursework or demonstrable ability in programming, data structures, databases and basic networking is expected. Applicants lacking specific prerequisites may be asked to take bridging courses.
• Documentation: official academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé, and a personal statement outlining your goals and relevant experience are required. Competitive applicants typically provide one or two letters of recommendation.
• Standardised tests and language: standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary and may be optional; international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.
• Professional experience: while not always mandatory, relevant work experience in IT or systems roles strengthens an application, particularly for applicants from non‑technical undergraduate programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that bridge business and technology. Typical positions include:

• Systems analyst and business systems analyst
• IT project manager and technical project coordinator
• Solutions architect and enterprise systems integrator
• Database administrator and data architect
• Application support specialist and systems consultant
• Roles in cybersecurity and risk management focused on securing enterprise systems

Alumni work across sectors such as financial services, healthcare, consulting firms, government agencies and technology companies. The programme also provides a pathway into further study or research in computing and information systems.

Why study at Pace University

• Strategic location: Pace’s campuses in New York provide close proximity to a large and diverse technology and business ecosystem, making internships and employer engagement more accessible.
• Applied, career‑oriented approach: the curriculum emphasises practical projects, capstones and opportunities to work with real clients or on industry problems so you gain experience employers value.
• Industry connections and internships: Pace has established ties with companies across finance, media, healthcare and technology, supporting internship placements and recruitment pipelines.
• Support services: career services, mentoring and networking events help students refine job search strategies, prepare for interviews and connect with alumni in relevant fields.
• Faculty expertise and facilities: instruction from faculty with industry and research experience, supported by computing labs and access to contemporary tools for database, networking and systems development.

Together these elements make the Master’s in Computer Systems Analysis at Pace a practical option for students seeking to develop the technical and analytical skills required to design and manage complex information systems in today’s organisations.