What exactly are e-commerce and e-business and what will a degree in e-commerce or e-business do for you? E commerce is the process of conducting business through electronic means via the internet. This includes purchasing and selling products, information or professional services all of which are accomplished through fax, email, and the use of various other electronic tools. Some businesses operate solely in the electronic realm while other businesses operate traditional offices and stores while also managing a virtual office or store on the internet. E-commerce provides opportunities to reach populations globally which would have been difficult, if not impossible, in the not so distant past. Now, through the advancement of electronic technology, it only takes a click of a mouse and a few minutes time to visit business locations thousands of miles apart. The convenience and affordability of the e commerce process for customers, clients and the businesses has revolutionized the business world.
Featured Online Schools
What Are The Best E-Commerce and E-Business Degree Programs?
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Purdue Global University |
With a mission to provide working adults with access to a world-class education, Purdue Global University offers 180 degree options in fully online and hybrid formats. Those seeking to earn a business degree that can advance their careers as entrepreneurs in e-commerce/e-business enroll in the 180-credit BSBA program. The degree provides learners with a robust business foundation that examines business law, finance, organizational behavior, and managerial economics. They further acquire business skills applicable to any e-commerce/e-business niche through the BSBA's sweeping number of concentrations -- such as new media/internet marketing, project management, and marketing. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED. |
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Xavier University Cincinnati, OH |
Earning a master's degree in business administration is more than an academic achievement -- it's a prerequisite for career advancement, and can be the difference between middle management and executive status. The Online MBA at Xavier is designed to keep working professionals on track for advancement. By attending classes online, full-time students can finish in just over one year and a half or study part-time and finish in 2-3 years, at the pace that's right for you. Your coursework will keep your educational experience efficient and useful. Xavier's MBA program is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. |
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| 3 |
Walden University Minneapolis, MN |
Walden University was founded in 1970 by teachers committed to providing high quality degree programs intended to produce leaders in the working community. The university is an online institution dedicated to providing flexible degree programs to the working adult population. Walden University endeavors to provide its students with industry relevant knowledge and the essential skills necessary to become successful professionals in the global business environment. Having earned recognition as the first distance learning university to be considered research intensive, Walden University is considered one of the premier online colleges in the nation. Students at Walden University are trained to be socially aware and ethically responsible professionals and equipped with the technological skills required in current society. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. At Walden University, students have the opportunity to develop individualized degree programs. The students tailor their curriculum to suit their own career goals. Each student chooses the courses within a specific core set of courses and with the approval of an adviser. The undergraduate and graduate degree programs in information systems management provides an in depth business technology curriculum. Students learn the technical and business skills necessary to become successful leaders in e-commerce. The programs incorporate hands on experience with theoretical study. Students learn to create and manage information systems and services, the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with internet technology and the ability to manage the technological and organizational needs related to e-business. The graduate programs can be completed online in less than two years. |
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| 4 |
University of North Carolina Asheville, NC |
University of North Carolina's Belk College of Business was established in 1965 and has been ranked in past years among the top business schools. The school is the largest business school in North Carolina and endeavors to become the leader in both education and research in the field. The college is committed to providing comprehensive and dynamic degree programs which instill the importance of developing a global perspective in their graduates. The curriculum encompasses the theories, policies and practices which govern the business world. Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become ethical, socially aware leaders. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the premier accrediting agency of business schools, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree provides students with a challenging and effectively stimulating curriculum. Students enrolled in the degree program have the option of selecting an area of specialization. These areas include industrial and operations management, international business, marketing, finance and management. Students interested in focusing on E-commerce should select the management option. The curriculum for the management specialization provides training in finance, marketing, employment law, human resource management, managerial ethics and communication and entrepreneurship. Each of these areas is essential to becoming a successful management professional in an e-commerce business. Students also have the opportunity to declare a minor which will provide additional training in other relevant aspects of the business field. |
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| 5 |
Seattle University Seattle, WA |
Seattle College granted its first degree in business in 1937 eventually establishing the renowned Albers School of Business and Economics. The award winning school has been ranked consistently as one of the top schools of business in the nation. Seattle College endeavors to provide comprehensive academic programs and opportunities which develop the skills and thinking of the individual as a whole as opposed to focusing on only one aspect. Students enrolled at Seattle University have the opportunity to participate in the Mentor program, engage in networking opportunities with business leaders and attend the executive speaker series administered by the business college. The executive leadership program and study abroad programs develop and sharpen the skills of the students in the global and management areas. The 180 credit Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a specialization in e-commerce and information systems is a comprehensive and challenging program. The curriculum includes a series of general education courses including writing, philosophy and critical thinking, studies in modern civilization, elements of calculus for business and ethics. The 70 credits in foundational business courses the students are required to complete include economics, business statistics, accounting, global environment of business, business policy and strategy, business and international law and marketing. 25 credits in the major focus on programming, database systems, internet marketing and object oriented modeling. Internships with one of the many businesses located in the Seattle area are offered to students. |
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Clarkson University Potsdam, NY |
Clarkson University, founded in 1896, is a highly regarded small research university located in New York. Clarkson University offers rigorous degree programs which have consistently produce ethical and socially aware leaders in a range of disciplines. The program curriculum develops the student's skills in problem solving, creativity, communication and collaboration. At Clarkson University, the focus is on student development and success. Students are taught in state of the art facilities by expert instructors dedicated to teaching and research. Students are offered the opportunity to participate in internships and study abroad programs to expand their practical and academic experience. Students also have the option of participating with Clarkson University's award winning Collegiate Entrepreneur's Organization. Graduates of Clarkson University are among the highest paid entry level employees due to the school's reputation in the business world. The undergraduate and graduate business degree programs offered at Clarkson University are rigorous and dynamic. Students are immersed in business from the onset of their program. The unique programs are developed by combining various facets of technology, theory and research based on information attained from industry leaders. The global emphasis of all of the business programs contributes substantially to the relevance of the e-commerce program. Each of the interdisciplinary programs integrates the most advanced tools and technologies with an internationally focused curriculum. Students are trained using the most popular software tools including SAP to ensure they are experienced and prepared for entry into any business setting. The hands on learning emphasis endorsed by Clarkson University provides practical experience in the filed. Students create and run their own business, provide consultation services to actual clients and utilize simulation programs to develop their skills. |
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| 7 |
DePaul University Chicago, IL |
DePaul University was founded in 1898 and is ranked among the top non-profit private colleges in the nation; earning high rankings from U.S. News and Reports and the Princeton Review in a number of areas. DePaul University is committed to providing superior educational programs with much of their focus centered on the busy working adult population. Flexibility and affordability characterize the university. The service learning programs at DePaul University are credited with the outstanding success of the school's graduates. The commitment of the university to its community and its students fosters develops a lifelong sense of social responsibility and ethical practices. The online School for New Learning at DePaul University provides individualized programs and support to students. DePaul University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. At DePaul University's College of Computing and Digital Media, students can complete either a bachelor of science or a master of science in E-Commerce. The curriculum for the bachelor program includes training in computer programming, user-centered design and system development. Students also receive training in project management, networking, database technology, Java programming and Web 2.0. Students also have the option of pursuing e-commerce as a minor which allows them to pursue a related field as a major. The program includes the standard liberal arts and business curriculums to ensure students receive a comprehensive education. The master degree program includes theoretical concepts and training in intranet and portals, object-oriented modeling and advanced Java programming. Students are encouraged to meet with advisers who will help develop a relevant and tailored degree program suited to the career goals of the individual. |
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Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI |
Western Michigan University, founded in 1903, is an internationally respected research institution dedicated to providing a student centered educational experience. The university has earned a place among the top 10 public universities in the nation and boasts a student enrollment of approximately 25,000 with a significant international population. At Western Michigan University, students have the option of selecting from more than 140 programs which include undergraduate and graduate degree options. The curriculum includes a focused international aspect to ensure students are prepared for the increasingly global work environment. The state of the art facilities include the latest technology and extensive cultural and academic resources. In addition to the traditional programs, the university also offers study abroad programs. The business college at Western Michigan University provides comprehensive and globally relevant degree programs. Students have the opportunity to participate in renowned competitions in an effort to sharpen their skills and attain practical experience. The E-Business design major requires 27 credits in major specific courses. Students receive academic training in the foundational principles, theories and practice of the business field. In addition, the are required to complete course in internet programming, business web architecture, systems analysis and design, e-portals development, electronic commerce development, web administration, business database applications, business programming and information assurance and compliance. An internship opportunity is also offered to interested students on a credit basis. Academically high performing students are afforded the opportunity to become members of the renowned local chapter of the national honor society. |
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| 9 |
East Carolina University Greenville, NC |
East Carolina University is striving to provide the highest caliber degree programs within its business college and to become a leader in the field. The university endeavors to develop, discover and disseminate new knowledge in the field through academic study and theoretical research. All of the degree programs offered at East Carolina University provide the most current information relevant to the modern business world to ensure their graduates will become successful professionals fully prepared for the challenges of the global marketplace. The school offers flexible degree programs taught by industry experienced and dedicated instructors. Students are offered opportunities to participate in many major relevant student organizations and the study abroad program. The business college at East Carolina University is one of the limited business schools to have earned accreditation through the prestigious accrediting agency, AACSB. The College of Business at East Carolina University offers a range of comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the discipline. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in business administration degree program have the option of pursuing a concentration in Electronic Commerce. The program instills an understanding of the importance of providing quality service and products to customers and consumers. Students are taught the essential concepts to develop a thorough understanding of marketing and customers. The curriculum teaches students the logistics of products and services, management, operations and sourcing. Students enrolled in the electronic commerce concentration learn web-based marketing techniques, web project management, management infomration systems and customer service for web customers. Required courses include business and organizational marketing, telecommunications and networked systems and data base management systems. |
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To determine the best online E-Commerce / E-Business programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 11 best online E-Commerce / E-Business programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.