Electronic Commerce

Overview

Electronic commerce programs prepare people to plan and manage a business on the Internet. Students learn about computer security, computer laws, and web design.

In electronic commerce programs students learn how to plan and manage a business online via the Internet. These programs include topics such as:

• Business administration
• Computer privacy and security
• E-trading
• Electronic marketing
• Information technology
• Internet law and policy
• Web design

Concentrations

In electronic commerce programs, students may be able to specialize in:

• Marketing
• Management information systems
• Security
• Web design

Schools

Several community colleges offer associate degree programs in electronic commerce. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.

A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in electronic commerce. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer master’s degrees in electronic commerce. A master’s degree usually requires two years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. Some Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs offer concentrations in electronic commerce.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Business Management and Administration
• Business, General
• Buying and Merchandising
• Computer Science
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Purchasing and Contracts Management
• Retail Management
• Travel Services Management
• Web Page and Multimedia Design
• Webmaster and Web Management

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Business Executives
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Information Security Analysts
• Sales Managers
• Sales Representatives
• Sales Worker Supervisors
• Web Developers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Buyers and Purchasing Agents
• Database Administrators
• Office Managers
• Purchasing Managers

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Computer Science and Programming
• Economics
• English Composition
• Introduction to Business
• Pre-Calculus
• Public Speaking

Graduate Admissions

Admission to MBA programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your bachelor's degree should be in a business field, with several computer science courses. Otherwise you should take several courses in business and computers. Some recommended courses are economics, statistics, and business law. You should also take courses in accounting, management, and management information systems.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

The undergraduate program in a business field typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Business Law
• Business Writing
• Calculus
• Finance
• Introduction to Accounting
• Marketing
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Statistics

In addition, to prepare for a career in electronic commerce you probably will want to take some of the following, either in a bachelor's program or an MBA program:

• Applications of Emerging Technologies
• Control and Security of E-Commerce Systems
• E-Business Technologies and Models
• E-Commerce Law
• E-Commerce Marketing
• E-Commerce Systems Design
• Information Architecture and Networking
• Information Systems Management and Processes

Graduate Program Courses

An MBA program typically includes the following:

• Required courses
• Internship
• Thesis (may not be required)

Things to Know

Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in electronic commerce. Your high school transcript needs to show that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.

Schools

East Side Area

Walla Walla Community College

• E-Marketing & Design

King-Snohomish Area

Bellevue College

• Digital Marketing

Edmonds Community College

• Business Management--E-Business

Highline College

• E-Commerce
• Information Systems Project Coordinator--E-Commerce Specialization

Vancouver Area

Clark College

• Computer Graphics Technology--Web Design

West Side Area

Peninsula College

• Business Administration--Business Technology

Western Washington University

• Computer Science--E-Commerce Developer