5 Free Courses to Start Your Systems Analyst Career in 2025
Learn the core skills of a systems analyst, from databases to business analysis, with these practical online courses for beginners.
Systems analysts are the quiet architects behind successful IT projects, translating business needs into tech solutions, bridging the gap between developers and stakeholders, and making sure everything runs like clockwork.
In today’s data-driven world, more companies are upgrading their legacy systems, automating workflows, and turning to cloud and AI tools — and they need systems analysts to map it all out.
But getting into systems analysis can feel overwhelming at first. Do you need to learn coding? Project management? Databases? Yes — but not all at once.
The good news is that there are free and affordable online courses that teach the core skills of systems analysis in a clear, real-world context. Whether you’re coming from a business, IT, or non-tech background, you can start building your analyst toolkit today.
Louis Eriakha
Here are five courses to kickstart your systems analyst career in 2025.
1. Google – IT Support Professional Certificate (via Coursera)
This isn’t just for help desk jobs — it’s a solid foundation for anyone entering the IT world. And systems analysts need to understand how systems work.
What you’ll learn:
- Fundamentals of computer networks, software, and system administration
- Troubleshooting methods and best practices
- How IT infrastructure supports business operations
Why take it: It’s beginner-friendly, industry-recognised, and gives you the hands-on IT literacy systems analysts need when communicating with tech teams.
2. LinkedIn Learning – Business Analysis Foundations
At the heart of systems analysis is understanding business needs, and this course covers the essential tools and frameworks.
What you’ll learn:
- How to define project scope, stakeholders, and goals
- Key documentation methods (like use cases, flowcharts, and requirements lists)
- Introduction to the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Why take it: Systems analysts often wear the business analyst hat, especially in smaller teams. This course helps you speak both “business” and “tech” fluently.
3. Analysis for Business Systems – University of Minnesota (Coursera)
This course delves into the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and the key deliverables that systems analysts produce.
What you’ll learn:
- Understanding the standard models of systems development.
- Reading and creating specific deliverables prepared during the SDLC.
- Guidance on determining whether to build or buy systems that meet organisational needs.
Why take it: It's tailored for aspiring systems analysts, providing practical insights into the SDLC and the analyst's role within it.
4. Databases: Relational Databases and SQL – Stanford University (edX)
A comprehensive introduction to relational databases and SQL, essential tools for systems analysts.
What you’ll learn:
- Fundamentals of relational databases.
- Comprehensive coverage of SQL, the standard query language.
- Practical skills for managing persistent data in applications.
Why take it: Understanding databases is crucial for systems analysts, and this course offers in-depth knowledge from a reputable institution.
5. Alison – Diploma in Project Management
Since systems analysts often work closely with project managers, this course helps you understand the bigger picture of how systems are planned and delivered.
What you’ll learn:
- Project life cycles, risk analysis, and scheduling
- How to manage stakeholders and monitor project performance
- Basics of Agile and traditional PM methods
Why take it: You’ll better understand how systems fit into the wider project landscape, and communicate more effectively with PMs and leadership.
Conclusion
Systems analysts are vital in helping organisations run smarter, smoother, and more efficiently. And as digital transformation accelerates, their skills are only getting more valuable.
The best part is you don’t need to be a coding expert or MBA grad to get started. These beginner-friendly courses offer a low-cost, high-impact way to build the foundation you need, from tech literacy to business analysis to project planning.
Pick a course that fits your learning style, build your skills step by step, and before long, you’ll be mapping out the systems that keep the digital world turning.
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