Guide to College Majors in E-Commerce

On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog.
--New Yorker cartoon

What is E-Commerce?

A college degree in e-commerce provides the unique and valuable combination of a business and marketing education with the constantly shifting technology and principles of electronic retailing.

The rise of electronic business has changed the way traditional firms operate and structure their organizations. E-commerce operations can exist as stand-alone businesses or serve as tools for traditional merchandisers to compete by providing innovative ways to reach customers. The dynamics of e-business require that companies learn to compete in innovative ways, and have opened the doors to global businesses.

E-Commerce Degrees

The e-commerce degree combines economic principles with software applications to help you use the Internet to create business opportunities. You may find yourself working within an online existing business or as an entrepreneur for your own e-marketing venture. Your job roles can include market research, product buying decisions, and Web design or maintenance.

Internet marketing employs a new set of business strategies, so your e-business degree program needs to reflect these changes. A standard e-commerce degree has two areas of study. The business side can include management, organization behavior, critical thinking, research and evaluation, financial analysis, and marketing. Technology courses should include business system development, project planning, operating systems, programming, databases, networks and telecommunications, the Internet and Web, and e-business.

Despite the sharp decrease in new, high-rolling dot-com ventures, opportunities still exist for qualified professionals in the more established, conservative companies, at the very least in terms of hiring replacement specialists. A well-rounded, multidisciplinary background keeps you competitive and helps with your career advancement. Your business and technical education, along with your creative thinking and understanding of consumer behavior is a great package to offer potential employers.

By its very nature, e-commerce is dynamic - constantly changing and evolving. Almost one-third of real economic growth has been attributed to Internet sales since 1995. This is one profession where you'll need to be aware of the newest trends; of what other e-retailers are doing; and how your product and service compares. It's a very visual way of reaching your users. Your site needs to be attractive, informative, easy to navigate, and fast--or you'll lose your potential customer.

Career Education in E-Commerce

On-Campus and Online College Courses

Career education in e-commerce is relatively new. Traditionally, professionals have relied on their marketing or retail credentials and career backgrounds to enter the field. But today, many online college courses in e-business are springing up, allowing students to learn time-honored business principles and cutting-edge technology at the same time--and perhaps even while getting work experience.

Associate's Degrees in E-Commerce

A bachelor's degree is the recognized minimum for any business graduate, but if you're anxious to get into the workforce, you might choose to begin your education with an associate's degree in ecommerce. Students in these programs learn the basics of business, management, and marketing with an introduction to computer fundamentals, including trade terminology, and software and hardware selections. From this you can pick up the principles of Internet marketing strategies, transaction security, and profit projections for e-commerce ventures. You may also learn about the basics of web site design and development, and the new legal and ethical issues that pertain to multimedia use, copyrights, and privacy concerns.

Bachelor's Degrees in E-Commerce

At the bachelor's level, you'll build on your previous business experience by developing knowledge of the latest software and ecommerce technology. Coursework generally includes an opportunity to examine real life e-business case studies, work on online team projects, improve your Internet proficiency with web-based problem solving, and get a closer look into systems integration, networks, and telecommunications in e-commerce. Online college classes in ecommerce management are becoming increasingly popular as students seek to build educational and work experience at the same time.

With a bachelor's degree, you'll have the skills to be a valuable part of project planning, programming, and marketing teams within this new way of doing business.

Master's Degrees in E-Commerce

The Master of Science in E-Commerce includes an in-depth study of the electronic business strategies which are applicable to various types of organizations, for people wishing to excel in the field at a management level. Coursework includes technology-driven change; dynamic innovation and creativity; global commerce; ethics, social responsibility, and cultural sensitivity; and integrative systems methodology.

MBA Programs in E-Commerce

E-business MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs also provide a thorough curriculum for students wishing to specialize in e-commerce. Online MBA programs are becoming increasingly common in this field; see our MBA page to browse some of the options available.

Undergraduate Certificates in E-Commerce

An undergraduate certificate in e-commerce management enables non-IT managers, project team members, and other employees working on e-commerce projects to upgrade their skills, developing the practical knowledge necessary to organize the e-commerce effort within the company. The e-commerce management certificate program prepares managers to develop strategy, and focus on organizational structure, control systems, customer service infra-structure, and manage teams for e-commerce initiatives.

Graduate Certificates in E-Commerce

A graduate certificate in electronic commerce is appropriate if you are already working in mid- to upper-level management and would like to hone your skills in e-business.

What can you do with a College Major in E-Commerce?

E-Commerce Career Options

Career paths in e-commerce often mimic traditional profit-making fields - the only distinction is that transactions are done primarily online. Your client base may be faceless; your interaction and ability to draw on personal feedback from customers will be limited. Your presentation and marketing tactics will also have to adapt to these unique factors. But there is room for marketing, finance, management, procurement, advertising, and distribution specialists within any e-commerce venture.

Products and services are successfully traded over the Internet in increasing numbers. Customers use the Internet to comparison shop at their leisure, with exposure to a greater number of distributors. The combination of online purchases and those made at traditional stores based on Internet research surpassed $830 billion in 2005.

Long-established companies have opened up a new marketing avenue through e-commerce, and new companies have sprung up to capitalize on online trading, where startup costs may be lower. Business-to-business (B2B) marketing, travel clearinghouses, publishers, investment firms, and insurance brokers are doing well, and are in need of qualified professionals.

E-Commerce Specialties

Online security training is also highly valued by many e-commerce companies, as transaction volumes and interactions increase and credit card fraud rises. Customer service is valued as well, and companies are looking beyond entry-level candidates to hire more skilled and personable employees. Technical support centers want employees who can solve more complex problems than those fielded at call centers handling reservations or billing. While hotel bookings follow a specific path and are easy to teach, tech support is a more complex function, so specialists will need more information, training, and the ability to do in-depth problem solving.

Want to launch your own ecommerce startup? As an entrepreneur, you'll use your self-discipline and determination to bring your vision to fruition. No two days will be the same, since you will likely be responsible for every aspect of your company, from client care to accounting. If you pull it off, after several years of successful business you might see a $25,000 to $50,000 salary. If you're very successful, your annual income could be $65,000 to $125,000.

Certification and Licensure

The Institute of Certified E-Commerce Consultants offers certification in the field. If you're interested in making broader professional contacts, marketing groups can provide you with networking opportunities and marketing designations that could certainly come in handy as your career progresses. If you are running your own e-commerce company, you may require a business license according to your local regulations.