E-Business(E-Commerce) Bachelor’s Degree Online

Is an E-Business Degree for You?

E-business is a modernized type of business administration degree that focuses on the technology and online business practices of a company. Those who are interested in working in the computer technology industry or for Internet businesses will benefit most from having an e-business degree. E-business is often referred to as e-commerce, and the two are synonymous because they both rely on automatic information systems to conduct business on the Internet. E-business majors will gain a comprehensive understanding of creating, funding, and managing Internet businesses. They'll learn how to write business plans, buy and sell goods or services online and collaborate with marketing and business partners to ensure profitable input and output.

The program will also teach students about professional business practices that meet customer needs and expectations. E-business majors will become familiar with specific software programs and technologies that are used in the industry for writing business plans, budgeting and scheduling. E-business degrees may have a narrow focus, but the major lessons and skills can translate to into several other areas of business and different industries.

Advice for Earning Your E-Business Degree Online

An online e-business degree is not only a convenient alternative to attending classes in person, but it's also positively viewed in the e-business job market and respected among industry professionals. An online e-business program encompasses the same kind of coursework and grading requirements as traditional e-business degree programs. Online students will still have projects, tests and class assignments to do. When looking for an e-business degree program, make sure the program meets your career goals and educational needs. Your online program should be flexible and should cover the same material as a traditional e-business degree to ensure that you get the most comprehensive education possible.

The biggest concern for online e-business students is accreditation. All e-business majors need to make sure that their degree program and online school are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. The only exceptions are religious universities and newer programs, which may not have accreditation yet despite offering a perfectly sound program. In those instances, use your best judgment to evaluate the quality of the school. You have to do your homework, or you could end up with a degree that many employers will not recognize.

Required Courses

The e-business degree program combines business management with information technology. Students will often take classes in professional development, business information systems and business communication, as well as online security and business law. The degree program will also cover supply chain management, distribution, and shipping. In addition to these classes, you may have the opportunity to further explore Web marketing strategies, Web design, and multimedia Web presentations with advanced level courses.

Common Career Paths

E-business has fundamentally changed how companies do business, and has therefore opened up the door for more business-related careers. Many companies look for applicants who are e-business savvy and are up to date on the latest technology and online business practices. Some common career paths for e-business graduates include (but are not limited to):

• Management Consultant

  Management consultants examine and analyze businesses and identify ways to improve organization and increase profits. They consult with business managers to identify goals, analyze weaknesses, reorganize structures, and develop strategies. For the consultant concerned with e-businesses, this involves implementing plans to increase a company's presence in an electronic marketplace and strategies that will allow it to remain competitive. It may also include putting electronic services and systems into place to help a business run more smoothly and improve overall efficiency. While some management consultants may work internally at an organization, most of the time they are hired as outside consultants on a contract basis.

  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within this field is expected to increase by 24% by 2018, especially for those who specialize in new areas like information technology and electronic commerce. PayScale.com reported that in the United States, the annual salary of management consultants ranges from $67,289 to $131,799.

• Marketing Manager

  Marketing managers are responsible for promoting a business's products or services to increase sales. This often requires them to identify potential markets, research target audiences, monitor trends, estimate product demand, and oversee pricing strategies. Given the rising popularity of Internet shopping, many managers oversee marketing operations concerning e-business. This type of job requires them to oversee digital marketing and website production, which can include duties like monitoring site visitor patterns, developing online campaigns, and implementing online merchandising strategies. Often, marketing managers work in office environments at small businesses or large corporations where they are faced with demanding schedules and requirements.

  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of these types of managers is projected to increase by 13% by 2018, especially for those who can create new ways to reach customers through advertising and product promotion. PayScale.com reported that in the United States, the annual salary of marketing managers ranges from $44,234 to $75,691.

• Purchasing Specialist

  Purchasing specialists are in charge of buying merchandise from suppliers for companies for the purpose of resale. Specialists that work within e-commerce are responsible for purchasing products for stores that have a strong online or presence or act solely as an online store. This often requires them to identify the products that will most appeal to a wide customer base, keep up with changes within online buyer behavior, and find the best deals on the products they wish to stock. As online buying is a 24/7 marketplace, these types of specialists must constantly monitor sales and inventory levels to maintain an adequate stock of best selling items, as well as keep up with competitors' stock and pricing.

  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of purchasing professionals is projected to increase by 7% by 2018, and the median annual salary of those within wholesale and retail buying was $48,710 in May 2008.