Associate systems engineer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an associate systems engineer. Associate systems engineers usually study electrical engineering, computer science, or computer engineering. 75% of associate systems engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 14% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 1,358 real associate systems engineer resumes to see exactly what associate systems engineer education sections show.

The most common colleges for associate systems engineers are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.

There are also many online associate systems engineer courses to help get the education required to be an associate systems engineer.

What education do you need to become an associate systems engineer?

What degree do you need to be an associate systems engineer?

The most common degree for associate systems engineers is bachelor's degree, with 75% of associate systems engineers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 14% and master's degree degree at 9%.

Bachelor's, 75%

Master's, 14%

Associate, 9%

Diploma, 1%

Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become an associate systems engineer?

You should major in electrical engineering to become an associate systems engineer. 22% of associate systems engineers major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for an associate systems engineer include computer science and computer engineering.

Electrical Engineering, 22%

Computer Science, 18%

Computer Engineering, 8%

Information Technology, 8%

Other Majors, 44%

Most common colleges for associate systems engineers

Associate systems engineers often get their degrees at DeVry University, University of Maryland - College Park, and University of Florida. Here are the most common colleges for associate systems engineers in the US based on their resumes.

Associate systems engineer common college	Percentages
DeVry University	10.74%
University of Maryland - College Park	8.05%
University of Florida	6.71%
University of California - Davis	6.71%
Georgia Institute of Technology	5.37%

Show more common associate systems engineer colleges

Best majors for associate systems engineers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Electrical Engineering	21.9%
2	Computer Science	18.1%
3	Computer Engineering	8.3%
4	Information Technology	8.2%
5	Business	7.0%

Show more common associate systems engineer majors

Best colleges for associate systems engineers

The best colleges for associate systems engineers are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University.

An associate systems engineer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for associate systems engineers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become associate systems engineers.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,832

Enrollment

4,550

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

4. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

6. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Enrollment

24,841

8. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

9. Minnesota State University - Mankato

Mankato, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$8,184

Enrollment

11,675

10. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$3,926

Enrollment

9,835

20 best online courses for associate systems engineers

Advertising disclosure

1. IBM Data Warehouse Engineer

Prepare for a career in the field of data warehousing. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills like SQL, Linux, and database architecture to get job-ready in less than 3 months.\n\nData warehouse engineers design and build large databases called data warehouses, used for data and business analytics. They work closely with data analysts, data scientists, and project management to power analysis that enable insights and inform decision-making.\n\nThis program will teach you the...

2. Mainframe: Code DB2 on COBOL Programs for Absolute Beginners

4.5

(2,698)

Master the DDL and DML operations on DB2. Code multiple COBOL DB2 Programs. Master the concept of Cursors on DB2...

3. Fundamentals of Unix and Linux System Administration

4.2

(1,085)

Master Linux/Unix System administration through a practical and hands on approach...

4. PL/SQL by Example - Beginner to Advanced PL/SQL

4.5

(13,982)

Using PL/SQL learn how to combine the efficiency of SQL & Procedural Language(PL) to build a powerful PL/SQL Application...

5. Data Engineering Essentials using SQL, Python, and PySpark

4.4

(3,028)

Learn key Data Engineering Skills such as SQL, Python, Apache Spark (Spark SQL and Pyspark) with Exercises and Projects...

6. Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Practice Exams

4.6

(1,201)

Practice Exams Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate both for V2 and V3 exams, 5 Exams with detailed explanations...

7. Practice Exams: Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate

4.6

(858)

Practice Tests with Detailed Explanations for Databricks Data Engineer Associate certification exam (Versions 2 and 3)...

8. The Complete PL/SQL Bootcamp: Beginner to Advanced PL/SQL

4.5

(13,873)

A Comprehensive Guide to Make You a Job-Ready PL/SQL Developer.Also Covers Oracle 1Z0-144 and 1Z0-149 PL SQL Exam Topics...

9. Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate - Preparation

4.6

(2,215)

Preparation course for Databricks Data Engineer Associate certification exam (Versions 2 and 3) with hands-on training...

10. Mastering PL/SQL

4.2

(269)

Simplified way to learn PL/SQL...

11. Implementing a Data Warehouse with SQL Server 2012

4.6

(2,088)

Implementing a Data Warehouse with SQL Server 2012 (Exam 70-463)...

12. Oracle PL/SQL Fundamentals vol. I & II

4.6

(5,398)

A complete introduction to PL/SQL database programming language...

13. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp

4.5

(1,653)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...

14. Data Warehouse Developer-SQL Server/ETL/SSIS/SSAS/SSRS/T-SQL

4.3

(1,477)

Develop and Implement a Data Warehouse Solution Step by step...

15. Mainframe DB2 Developer Training By Anil Polsani

4.6

(575)

DB2- Pre-compilation - Cursor - Restart logic - sqlcode - Load & Unload...

16. Active Directory Pentesting With Kali Linux - Red Team

4.4

(295)

Attacking and Hacking Active Directory With Kali Linux Full Course - Red Team Hacking Pentesting...

17. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell

4.5

(1,078)

[Power Shell] Simplified practical knowledge for automation & management of [Active Directory] using Windows Power Shell...

18. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

4.2

(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

19. Learn Oracle PL/SQL - A Comprehensive Training Course

4.5

(397)

A Comprehensive Oracle PL/SQL Course Taught By Infinite Skills...

20. GCP Associate Cloud Engineer Certification: Google Cloud

4.4

(1,560)

Learn Google Cloud - GCP with 90+ Hands-on demo Lab & make yourself fully prepared for GCP Associate Cloud Engineer Exam...

Top 10 most affordable universities for associate systems engineers

The most affordable schools for associate systems engineers are California State University - Long Beach, california state university - bakersfield, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for associate systems engineers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for associate systems engineers.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

6. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

8. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Cost of attendance

21,302

9. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

10. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for associate systems engineers

The hardest universities for associate systems engineers to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University.

Some great schools for associate systems engineers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for associate systems engineers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

4. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,520

5. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,516

6. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

7. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

8. California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,566

9. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,461

10. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for associate systems engineers

The easiest schools for associate systems engineers to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, capitol technology university, and pennsylvania state university - altoona.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an associate systems engineer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for associate systems engineers.

1. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona

Altoona, PA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,094

4. Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,072

5. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

6. Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

1,086

7. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

8. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,035

9. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,111

10. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

Average associate systems engineer salary by education level

Associate systems engineers with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $88,034 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, associate systems engineers earn a median annual income of $85,413 compared to $78,508 for associate systems engineers with an Associate degree.

Associate systems engineer education level	Associate systems engineer salary
Master's Degree	$88,034
High School Diploma or Less	$77,656
Bachelor's Degree	$85,413
Some College/ Associate Degree	$78,508

Associate systems engineer education FAQs

What is the best college for Associate Systems Engineers?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for associate systems engineer jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs