How to Get a Master's Degree in E-Commerce

No longer just a retailing side project, e-commerce has arrived at the front and center of American business. Technology experts craving bigger responsibility and marketing experts searching for insight into e-commerce's impact can both benefit from IT-influenced master's programs in business.

According to retail industry experts, e-commerce cemented itself as a cornerstone of Americans' lives during the 2009 holiday season. On the Saturday before Christmas, typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year, a snowstorm blanketed roads across the East Coast. With malls and city shopping districts closed, Americans hit the World Wide Web to complete their holiday gift giving. In the weeks that followed, analysts charted the record-breaking holiday season for e-commerce. More importantly, online stores' ability to capture those otherwise lost sales helped keep the nation's economic recovery on track. Despite a soft job market in other sectors of sales and marketing, retailers and technology companies have stepped up their pursuit of candidates with master's degrees in e-commerce.

Read More

How to Get a Master's Degree in E-Commerce

No longer just a retailing side project, e-commerce has arrived at the front and center of American business. Technology experts craving bigger responsibility and marketing experts searching for insight into e-commerce's impact can both benefit from IT-influenced master's programs in business.

According to retail industry experts, e-commerce cemented itself as a cornerstone of Americans' lives during the 2009 holiday season. On the Saturday before Christmas, typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year, a snowstorm blanketed roads across the East Coast. With malls and city shopping districts closed, Americans hit the World Wide Web to complete their holiday gift giving. In the weeks that followed, analysts charted the record-breaking holiday season for e-commerce. More importantly, online stores' ability to capture those otherwise lost sales helped keep the nation's economic recovery on track. Despite a soft job market in other sectors of sales and marketing, retailers and technology companies have stepped up their pursuit of candidates with master's degrees in e-commerce.

E-commerce has achieved both respectability and maturity as a hybrid of technology and marketing. During the early days of online sales, critics scoffed at companies like Amazon.com and eBay for attempting to earn profits from the Web. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar retailers, such as Walmart and Target, forced themselves to develop new skills as they extended their storefronts onto the Internet. Today, all four of those companies rank among the most-visited Web sites in the world. However, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in e-commerce doesn't limit graduates to jobs involving "picking, packing, and shipping."

Typical Master's Degrees in E-Commerce

Master's programs in e-commerce combine the latest trends in technology, marketing, and business management with the deep heritage of business scholarship. The collapse of the "dot-com bubble" in the late 1990s and early 2000s cautioned many business owners to avoid chasing fads, bringing a newfound respect for basic business skills to surviving technology startups of the era. Still, the innovations from the first wave of Web-enabled retailers encouraged tougher competition between established retailers and upstart, online specialty stores. Graduate programs in e-commerce often consist of the following degrees:

• MBA in E-Commerce
• MBA in Online Marketing
• MBA in Technology Management

A handful of schools allow students to earn a master's degree online, using many of the same technologies required to run successful e-commerce operations. An online graduate degree in e-commerce gives a student even more insight into consumers' expectations of both technology and customer service. Many online MBA programs encourage students to bring academic theory into the workplace, using employers' own operations as the setting for research and development projects. Many companies reward employees' self-development efforts through tuition reimbursement programs that can shave thousands of dollars from the cost of earning an MBA in e-commerce.

E-Commerce Master's Degree Specializations

Companies of all sizes and specialties boast growing e-commerce projects in need of decisive leadership. Retailers don't own the e-commerce space, however. Banks, insurance companies, and even government agencies use e-commerce tools to streamline their operations and to improve customer service. Job seekers can combine their experience with new skills earned through specialized master's programs, including:

• Retail marketing. E-commerce master's degree programs have pulled retail marketing out from a fashion industry niche and back into mainstream business education. The Internet offers retailers unprecedented access to direct marketing feedback in real time, providing a competitive advantage to companies who hire experts in making calculated decisions. According to government statistics, experienced retail marketing professionals can boost their salaries into six figures by completing an MBA in e-commerce.
• Logistics. Online retailers compete primarily on price and customer service. Logistics specialists help streamline the route between the factory and the end user by micromanaging elements of sourcing, production, and shipping. An MBA in e-commerce exposes students to cutting-edge ideas about inventory strategies, demand modeling, and supply chains that can cut costs while improving customer relationships. Experts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) project that experienced logistics managers may enjoy higher than average job security over the next decade, along with salaries above $66,000.
• Database management. An e-commerce company can't run without a reliable, always-on database. An MBA in e-commerce can include database training that helps graduates understand how to minimize costs without sacrificing speed, accuracy, or security. More importantly, database training can help managers understand how to evolve their companies using rapidly changing technology. Experienced company leaders with access to high-level database training can command six-figure salaries in large organizations, or even break away to form startup companies with help from venture capitalists.
• Technology management. During the early dot-com boom, MBAs and technology experts often took shots at each other in the press. Business school graduates asked where the money was, while tech pundits snarked that the Internet would rewrite the rules of traditional business. Only companies with strong working relationships between business and technology teams survived the crash. Furthermore, the latest wave of hot online companies has proven that cultivating both sets of skills can lead to the greatest success. By blending management skills with a deep understanding of technology, managers may earn a median annual salary of $105,980, according to the BLS.

How to Select an MBA in E-Commerce

Your approach to an MBA in e-commerce depends on your previous education and an understanding of your ideal career path. For instance, if you studied information technology as an undergraduate, you may want to round out your skill set with a master's program that emphasizes business foundations. On the other hand, graduates of undergraduate business degree programs may benefit most from an MBA in e-commerce with strong technology training components. Following three simple steps may help you identify your ideal master's program.

Step 1: List any graduate e-commerce programs with appealing traits.

Instead of starting with a small list, experts advise brainstorming as large a collection of prospective colleges and universities as possible. Because you can earn a master's degree online, your list should include faraway institutions as well as local campuses. Focusing on schools with strong business and technology programs can uncover master's programs that emphasize e-commerce foundations, even if they don't formally include "e-commerce" in the degree title.

Goal: Create a long list of online and campus-based master's programs that make e-commerce training both affordable and accessible.

E-commerce foundations. Schools that produce strong online business leaders often share four key characteristics:

• Course mix. The best graduate e-commerce programs expose students to both business and engineering school courses. For example, an MBA in e-commerce with no exposure to classes in database management can leave a huge gap in students' knowledge.
• Faculty. Earning an MBA in e-commerce often means gaining access to Web-enabled faculty members who maintain their own blogs or discussion forums.
• Guest lecturers. Even in an era dominated by business and technology blogs, industry leaders still enjoy delivering presentations to prestigious schools. When you earn a master's degree online, you can often participate through video chat or gain access to podcasts of lecture archives.
• Alumni. The achievements of a school's graduates indicate the quality of the instruction delivered during a master's program. Alumni also support current students through mentorship and job placement initiatives.
  
  Accessibility. A master's program in e-commerce should find a balance between your work and your personal life. Earning an MBA takes time and commitment, but it shouldn't cause pain. Consider the following concepts:
• Scheduling. You may want to earn a master's degree online if you can manage your time effectively, or if you can't take time away from your current career path to spend a few years on campus. However, campus-based programs may be more effective for you if you like the focus of a classroom or direct interaction with faculty and other students.
• Learning style. Prospective MBA students returning to school after time in the corporate world tend to learn new ideas more quickly through experiences as opposed to reading and lectures. Add schools to your list after confirming that their master's programs may work with your learning style.
  
  Affordability. Government statistics show that graduates with an MBA in e-commerce often command high salaries. However, financial experts advise that you base your school selection on your current budget, not the salary for which you might someday qualify. Consider the following ways to help you finance your master's degree:
• Scholarships and grants. Proud alumni often fund scholarships for tech-oriented master's programs. Some schools also use grants to recruit high-performing business leaders to their programs.
• Tuition reimbursement. Many employers get significant tax breaks when covering the cost of an MBA in e-commerce. In some cases, it may be easier to ask your boss for a tuition voucher than for a raise.
• Other financial aid. Federal grants and loans can help cover the cost of your education, even if you choose to earn a master's degree online.
  
  Resources. Searching through this set of resources can help you uncover offerings for an MBA in e-commerce that you might not have expected to find:
• Online research. Online databases naturally track the most innovative online master's programs. WorldWideLearn.com offers comprehensive online college research resources, including details on online executive education courses and master's programs.
• Business networking groups. Local networking events and online discussion forums can connect you to alumni who can shed more light on their schools' master's programs.
• U.S. News & World Report. Many college admissions officers rely on annual rankings from this newsmagazine for definitive opinions about master's programs.
• Drawing ability

Step 2: Rule out graduate e-commerce programs that don't fit your needs.

Having expanded your list to include MBA programs that specialize in online business administration, you can narrow your choices. Veteran career counselors recommend knocking schools off your list if they can't accommodate all of your career goals.

Goal: Eliminate master's programs that don't account for your experience or your specific career path.

Finding compatible master's programs. Employers look for more than just a diploma from an MBA program when making hiring decisions. They want to know that your college or university prepared you for the challenges of doing business online. To make your decision, use the same criteria that hiring managers use:

• Accreditation and certification. The AACSB and other recognized bodies assure employers that accredited schools meet consistent standards and expectations. Graduate e-commerce programs often train students to qualify for global technology certifications, especially those involving customer privacy and financial security.
• Job placement rate. Career counselors can show you where recent graduates work and what many of them earn. Even in a slow economy, an effective master's program should show strong success at qualifying graduates for top jobs.
  
  Matching business master's programs to your experience level. Many graduate e-commerce programs can customize course lists and assignments based on a student's work experience. Leveraging your on-the-job training can help you get even more from a graduate program. Keep the following considerations in mind:
• Check for business degree prerequisites. Many schools may ask to see your transcripts from related bachelor's degree programs to ensure that you can perform well in an MBA program.
• Review any required placement exams. Business schools often require applicants to take the GMAT or the GRE before enrolling in graduate e-commerce programs. However, some colleges and universities waive exams for applicants with demonstrated experience.
  
  Resources. Connecting with the right resources at this stage can help put your career in the context of your search for the best master's program. Consider the following resources:
• Admissions counselors. Admissions offices can introduce you to faculty, students, and alumni who can share their perspective on your career development.
• School matching services. WorldWideLearn.com can connect you to program administrators through information request and school matching programs.
• Industry trade publications. Insider newsletters and Web sites often highlight the features of new and popular master's programs.

Step 3: Apply to graduate e-commerce programs that fit your life and learning style.

After you have narrowed your list to a handful of master's programs, you can spend more time highlighting the institutions that most closely match your ideal learning environment.

Goal: Meet with students and staff from schools still on your list. Discover whether the experience they describe matches your ideal master's program.

Resources. Before making your final applications, make one more sweep of your list. Save money by applying only to schools offering the right fit. Use the following resources:

• Blogs and social networks. Many people who earn a master's in e-commerce like to post about their experiences and their projects online. Find some currently enrolled students to follow, then measure their reports against your expectations.
• Campus calendars and Web sites. Check online event schedules and newsletters to ensure that the level of activity in your proposed master's programs matches your desired level of engagement.

How an MBA in E-Commerce May Evolve Your Career

An accredited MBA in e-commerce helps established companies build trust with job seekers. Because so many companies use standardized software code, the power has shifted toward master's program graduates with strong business skills in addition to knowledge of the technical concepts behind secure transactions. An MBA in e-commerce also offers students access to personal connections that can make the difference between a rejection and a second interview.

Programmers finding themselves boxed out of management positions can use a master's in e-commerce to qualify for C-level jobs. Likewise, managers at established companies can use a technology-focused MBA to inspire change. Investing in professional development during this phase of e-commerce's growth may build a strong foundation for the rest of your career.

Sources

• U.S. News & World Report, Systems Analyst, Dec. 28, 2009.
• United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrator, Apr. 29, 2008.
• United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Systems Design and Related Services, Dec. 17, 2009.
• Miller, Clair Cain. New York Times. "Venture Capital's Elders Say Think Small, Jun. 05, 2009.
• Lipsman, Andrew. "comScore Reports $29.1 Billion in U.S. Retail E-Commerce Spending for Full November-December Holiday." Jan. 06, 2010.
• McConaughey, Steve. Wall Street Journal. "Pursuing an Unlikely Career Path." Jan. 15, 2010.

Collapse