How to Become a Program Analyst?

Are you thinking of becoming a Program Analyst or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Program Analyst, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Program Analyst job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Program Analyst

If you're considering starting your Program Analyst career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Program Analyst and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Program Analyst career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Program Analyst career path, a Bachelor's Degree in Business or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Program Analyst internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Program Analyst, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Program Analyst field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Program Analyst specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Program Analyst

Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in Business or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Program Analyst. In general, you can become a Program Analyst after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Program Analyst role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified safety professional.
4

Advance in Your Program Analyst Career

Following entry-level, there are several Program Analyst career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Program Analyst to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Program Analyst position requires approximately 2 years of experience at each level to advance in your Program Analyst career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Program Analyst career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Program Analyst Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Program Analyst career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in Business can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $116,218 compared to $54,788 for those without that type of degree.

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Related Careers in the Product & Project Management Industry

Interested in other Product & Project Management careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Program Analyst skills. Discover some of the most common Program Analyst career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Program Manager
0% skills overlap
13% transitioned to Program Manager