Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Computer systems operator education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a computer systems operator. Computer systems operators usually study computer information systems, computer science, or business. 44% of computer systems operators hold a bachelor's degree, and 37% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 954 real computer systems operator resumes to see exactly what computer systems operator education sections show.
The most common colleges for computer systems operators are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online computer systems operator courses to help get the education required to be a computer systems operator.
There are certain computer systems operator certifications that you should consider. These computer systems operator certifications include Security 5 Certification and IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).
What education do you need to become a computer systems operator?
What degree do you need to be a computer systems operator?
- Bachelor's, 44%
- Associate, 37%
- High School Diploma, 10%
- Master's, 4%
- Other Degrees, 5%
What should I major in to become a computer systems operator?
- Computer Science, 17%
- Business, 15%
- Other Majors, 40%
Most common colleges for computer systems operators
| Computer systems operator common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 16.67% |
| Park University | 10.61% |
| Strayer University | 6.06% |
| Colorado Technical University | 6.06% |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | 6.06% |
Best majors for computer systems operators
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Information Systems | 19.5% |
| 2 | Computer Science | 16.7% |
| 3 | Business | 15.3% |
| 4 | Information Technology | 8.8% |
| 5 | Computer Programming | 4.4% |
Best colleges for computer systems operators
The best colleges for computer systems operators are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A computer systems operator with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer systems operators. 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 computer systems operators.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
5. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
6. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
7. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
8. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
9. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,530
Enrollment
4,571
20 best online courses for computer systems operators
Advertising disclosure
1. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
Get ready to enter the thriving field of Information Technology (IT), with job ready skills! This beginner friendly course provides the core hardware and operating system knowledge needed by anyone new to IT and computer hardware who wants to start a new career in technology, including IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. You will first be introduced to computing fundamentals, the four functions of computing, and the benefits of computing. You will become...
2. Computer Security and Systems Management
The Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization focuses on computing in an enterprise environment. Combining both theory and real world experience and architecture, the courses will prepare you to design and audit secure enterprise systems. The courses will cover practical use of major server operating systems in an enterprise environment and how to design and operate them securely...
3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking
For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...
4. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 2
Learn memory management in operating systems as operating system forms the core of computer science...
5. Introduction to Computer Information Systems
This Specialization is intended for anyone seeking to learn basic computer skills. Through 3 courses, you will study computer hardware, software, and data safety. You will also learn about digital literacy and productivity tools. These courses will prepare you for a number of jobs within the field of computer information systems...
6. System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
This course will transition you from working on a single computer to an entire fleet. Systems administration is the field of IT that’s responsible for maintaining reliable computers systems in a multi-user environment. In this course, you’ll learn about the infrastructure services that keep all organizations, big and small, up and running. We’ll deep dive on cloud so that you’ll understand everything from typical cloud infrastructure setups to how to manage cloud resources. You'll also learn...
7. Windows 10 System Administration & Basic Computer Skills
Learn the basics of system administration for the Windows 10 operating system, as well as some basic computer skills...
8. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads
Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...
9. Operate Alibaba Cloud Systems and Services
Course description: ACA System Operator Certification Preparation Course is intended for individuals who have technical expertise in deployment, management and operations on Alibaba Cloud. It’s recommended for System administrators with at least one year of experience in deployment, management, and operations on Alibaba Cloud. ACA System Operator Certification is intended for individuals who have technical expertise in deployment, management, and operations on Alibaba Cloud. Certificate holders...
10. Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems
This course is intended for the Bachelor and Master's students, who like practical programming and making IoTs applications! In this course, we will talk about two components of a cyber-physical system, namely hardware and operating systems. After completing this course, you will have knowledge of both hardware components and operating systems. You are able to plan and use embedded operating systems in resource-constraint devices for Internet-of-Things (cyber-physical system) applications. In...
11. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 1
Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...
12. Operating Systems Part 3: Synchronization and Deadlock
Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...
13. Computer Hardware and Software
This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...
14. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support
Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...
15. Essential Tools for Windows System Administrators
[Windows] [System Administration] Learn Windows Builtin Tools & Open Source Tools for Efficient System Administration...
16. Fundamentals of Unix and Linux System Administration
Master Linux/Unix System administration through a practical and hands on approach...
17. Distributed Systems & Cloud Computing with Java
Learn Distributed Java Applications at Scale, Parallel Programming, Distributed Computing & Cloud Software Architecture...
18. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2023
Computer Basics, Basic Computer Course, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Basic Computer Skills,2023...
19. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support
Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...
20. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting
Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...
Top 10 most affordable universities for computer systems operators
The most affordable schools for computer systems operators are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for computer systems operators 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 computer systems operators.
1. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
4. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
5. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
6. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
8. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$7,770
Cost of attendance
21,244
10. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer systems operators
The hardest universities for computer systems operators to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for computer systems operators 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 computer systems operators 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
4%
SAT average
1,497
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
5. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
6. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
7. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY • Private
Admissions rate
43%
SAT average
1,415
9. George Washington University, The
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
42%
SAT average
1,380
10. University of Rochester
Rochester, NY • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,422
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer systems operators
The easiest schools for computer systems operators to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer systems operator 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 computer systems operators.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
2. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
3. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
4. La Roche College
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
99%
SAT average
1,008
5. LIM College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,061
6. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
7. Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,111
8. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
9. Iona College
New Rochelle, NY • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,089
10. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
Average computer systems operator salary by education level
| Computer systems operator education level | Computer systems operator salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $114,328 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $89,793 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $107,863 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $91,700 |
Computer systems operator education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.
Search for computer systems operator jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025