Online E-Commerce Degree Programs

Did you know that over 400,000 people in the United States earn their living through eBay? Millions of people work for businesses that sell their products online, to consumers (known as "business to consumer," or B2C) as well as to other businesses (known as "business to business," or B2B). The success of these operations is due, in large part, to carefully crafted strategies and successful implementation of technologies that ease and encourage secure, efficient sales transactions online.

E-Commerce is Booming

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that $1.6 trillion of shipments, revenues and sales in the U.S. in 2003 were e-commerce activity, 94 percent of which was B2B (the other 6 percent, or $106 billion, was B2C). What's more, e-commerce grew 11 percent from 2002 to 2003. The U.S. Department of Commerce's definition of e-commerce encompasses goods and services sold online, via open networks like the Internet, or through closed, proprietary systems.

Earning an Online Degree in E-Commerce

If you've always wished you had earned that degree before you started working, now is your chance. Online business degrees make it possible for those in the workforce to go back to school without sacrificing their current jobs. You can take courses in e-commerce on your own time after work. Online universities offer a number of business degrees specializing in e-commerce, from associate's and bachelor's degrees to Master of Business Administration programs. With your new degree, you are likely to have a much better shot at the promotion or the new job you have always wanted.

Naturally, no educational program can guarantee a future salary or employment upon completion, but accredited degrees are typically required or preferred by employers hiring in this field. E-commerce and e-business degree and certificate programs typically combine traditional business disciplines, such as finance, accounting and project management, with specialized courses in electronic commerce, Web site development, electronic security and privacy, management of information systems (IS/CIS), database administration and accounting.

Getting What You Want from Your Degree

In today's world, almost every business has an Internet presence, and many make their goods or services available online. There are small e-commerce firms that specialize in designing Web sites and databases for businesses. Large Internet companies like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft have divisions that specialize in e-commerce. Retail companies sometimes hire their own in-house e-commerce developers as well.

For computer systems analysts, who maintain and support the e-commerce infrastructure, the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated that for 2007 the median yearly salary was $73,000 . The BLS reports that the median salary for database administrators ranged between $84,750 and 116,000 in 2007. Keep in mind that these positions often require an MBA degree. With a degree specializing in e-commerce, you may significantly boost your chances at getting one of these jobs and earning a higher salary. You might have a shot at making your living from eBay, and you won't even have to sell your prized childhood possessions to do it.

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