E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of products online. Professionals in this field work in the same areas as traditional businesses, such as administration, operations, human resources, marketing, and management.
As our reliance on technology expands, business professionals will need to focus more on e-Commerce to handle increasing online demands.
In 2022, 22% of global sales took place via e-Commerce, according to Morgan Stanley. The Morgan Stanley firm also projects the e-Commerce market could become 31% of sales by 2026.
While many business-related programs lead students to e-Commerce careers, advanced MBA skills come in high demand. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) found that 91% of corporate recruiters planned to hire MBA graduates in 2021.
It appears that students have answered the call. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 23% of all master’s degrees conferred in 2020 were in business.
In this e-Commerce program guide, learn what an MBA in e-Commerce has to offer, and what the top online MBA programs look like.
2023's Best Online MBA Programs in e-Commerce
The best online MBA e-commerce programs of 2023 teach students to buy, sell, and trade on the internet while providing the flexibility and affordability to earn a degree from a distance.
#1 The Best Online MBA Programs in eCommerce of 2023
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
As the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system, U of I traces its origins to 1867. Now home to 15 colleges and instructional units, this university provides educational programs to nearly 50,000 enrollees each year.
iMBA: Digital Marketing
At U of I, the iMBA includes 72 credits of core, focus area, and capstone requirements. The fully online program integrates live lectures, group projects, and Coursera content to maximize faculty and peer interaction.
The iMBA curriculum includes four cores. Students explore strategic leadership and management, managerial economics and business analysis, value chain management, and financial management.
Each enrollee can choose two specialization areas or one specialization area supplemented by elective classes. The digital marketing focus area emphasizes digital marketing analytics, digital media, and marketing in a digital world.
The course sequence culminates in a capstone experience that includes group-based projects and case-study activities. Each enrollee also completes a comprehensive capstone in their final semester.
U of I's Affordability
All enrollees pay the same tuition throughout the program without increases. With no additional travel requirements and numerous scholarships offered through the GIles College of Business and Coursera, qualified students may receive funds to offset as much as 70% of their tuition.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
- Tuition: $320/credit
- Required Credits: 72
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: A candidate must have at least three years of professional experience to apply. Each applicant submits transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of reference.
- GPA: 3.0
- Cost: $70
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 The Best Online MBA Programs in eCommerce of 2023
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established by the Sisters of Loretto in 1915, Webster hosts seven academic colleges and schools. The university remains dedicated to its Catholic heritage and provides academic programs to more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
MBA with an Emphasis in Digital Marketing Management
Offered through the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, the online MBA in digital marketing management at Webster includes 42-45 credits of coursework.
Thirty-three credits of core requirements emphasize value creation foundation, components, and practice. Students with ACBSP-accredited bachelor's degrees may receive waivers for three credits of basic business coursework.
Learners who choose digital marketing management as an area of emphasis explore digital marketing management, marketing analytics, social media management, and digital marketing strategy.
As part of Webster's online MBA, students participate in consulting projects. This practice component of the degree groups enrollees into teams to address real-world organizational opportunities or challenges.
Webster's Affordability
Webster's online MBA allows students to earn degrees in as little as 18 months. Dual-degree options further expand opportunities for maximum value during the graduate program. Webster has a network of corporate partnerships for tuition discounts. Webster also lists numerous scholarships for graduate students.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
- Tuition: $700/credit
- Required Credits: 42-45
- Program Length: 1.5-3 years
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous or synchronous); hybrid; on-campus
- Admissions
- Process: Each candidate must submit transcripts demonstrating the completion of an accredited bachelor's degree.
- GPA: 2.5
- Cost: $50
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online MBA Programs in eCommerce of 2023
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
FHSU, founded in 1902, takes its name from the institution's initial location on the grounds of the Fort Hays military outpost. The university houses 31 academic departments and offers more than 200 online degrees and certificate programs.
MBA, Digital Marketing Concentration
The online MBA at FHSU includes 33 credits of coursework. Each enrollee specializing in digital marketing completes 24 credits of core classes alongside nine concentration-area courses.
Digital marketing students learn about integrated marketing communications and strategic electronic marketing. Additional coursework in social media marketing strategies, tactics, content, and analytics prepares learners for the ever-changing modern marketing environment.
FHSU offers classes on a schedule, requiring students to ensure they complete required courses during one of five eight-week sessions annually. The university only accepts students from English-speaking programs into its MBA program.
FHSU's Affordability
Five start dates each year allow learners to complete coursework on their schedules. Eight-week sessions can set degree-seekers on a 12-month pathway to their degrees.
All online MBA students at FHSU pay the same tuition, eliminating potential out-of-state costs.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition: $350/credit
- Required Credits: 33
- Program Length: 1-3 years
- Delivery Format: Online; on-campus
- Admissions
- Process: Each applicant must submit transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Cost: $40
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 The Best Online MBA Programs in eCommerce of 2023
Rutgers University-Camden
- Camden, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rutgers-Camden, established as a law school in 1926, combined with the larger public institution in 1950. The university provides academic programs through four schools and colleges and hosts more than 6,000 students annually.
Online MBA, Digital Marketing Certificate
As part of Rutgers-Camden's 42-credit online MBA, students can earn certificates in digital marketing. Required core classes in accounting, financial and strategic management, business analytics, and leadership and teamwork accompany business applications classes.
Business application courses explore talent management, information technology strategy and project management, and operations and supply chain. Learners can pursue digital marketing certificates as a part of the 12 credits of elective classes built into the online MBA.
One required digital marketing class in marketing management accompanies three optional courses. Students choose from digital marketing strategy, strategic marketing analytics, social media strategy, and text mining.
Rutgers-Camden's Affordability
The course waiver policy at Rutgers-Camden may shorten the course load to 36 credits for an MBA. Winter and summer sessions allow students to earn MBAs more quickly and reduce overall expenses.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: MSCHE, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,300/credit
- Required Credits: 42
- Program Length: 2-4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Each candidate must provide transcripts from all previous coursework demonstrating an accredited bachelor's degree, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. GRE or GMAT scores are also required.
- Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT
- Cost: $70
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Online MBA Programs in eCommerce of 2023
McKendree University
- Lebanon, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
As Illinois' first institution of higher education, McK opened its doors in 1828. Nearly 2,000 students enroll in McK's undergraduate and graduate programs. This school provides academic opportunities across several campuses and online.
MBA in Digital Marketing
At McK, the online MBA in digital marketing includes 39 credits of coursework to prepare students to create strategic marketing plans. As part of the curriculum, each learner completes a capstone requirement and creates a business plan presented to external reviewers.
Classes in accounting, economics, research methods, and finance accompany specialized courses. Online MBA learners build traditional and technological marketing skills by exploring marketing analytics, digital marketing, customers, and competitive advantage.
Students without previous business coursework may need to take foundation classes. McK accepts up to 12 transfer credits of previous graduate coursework.
McK's Affordability
Courses occur over eight-week periods, with all online students paying the same tuition per credit. Tuition discounts for members of the military, veterans, and community partners are available. Online MBA students at McK can earn a degree in 17 months.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: HLC, IACBE
- Tuition: $555/credit
- Required Credits: 39
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Each applicant must submit transcripts from a regionally accredited bachelor's degree, a resume, three professional references, and an essay.
- GPA: 3.0
- Cost: None
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Is an MBA in e-Commerce Worth It?
In general, MBA programs give students valuable practical business management skills. Learners develop leadership, analytical, and critical thinking abilities that many organizations desire.
E-Commerce MBAs add value by teaching learners to apply those skills to the growing number of online businesses, and ready themselves for a future in which e-Commerce seems primed to grow more popular.
These programs may investigate e-Commerce technologies, digital marketing, and legal frameworks. Other topics may include website design, digital media, and business analytics, along with current e-Commerce issues and trends.
While the average graduate tuition rates more than double undergraduate tuition rates, an MBA's return on investment can pay off in short order. According to GMAC, the median MBA salary in 2021 was 77% higher than bachelor's graduate salaries.
Along with higher wages, MBA graduates have access to more opportunities. In fact, they can pursue most business and financial careers, including consulting, analyst, and management roles.
Those with specialized e-Commerce expertise have valuable insight for organizations looking to thrive in an online landscape.
Further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of jobs related to e-Commerce to hit about 450,000 by 2026.
Those new roles include managerial positions where MBA graduates with an e-Commerce specialty may stand out in the job market.
What the Best Online e-Commerce MBAs Have in Common
Online e-Commerce MBAs may differ from each other, but they often share similar features. The following e-Commerce program guide checklist spotlights what the best online e-Commerce MBAs have in common.
Scheduling Flexibility: Online MBAs need scheduling flexibility to accommodate working professionals. These programs may feature asynchronous classes that run any time or synchronous classes that run during evenings and weekends.
Many programs also offer accelerated or part-time schedules so learners can complete their degree in their desired time frame.
Experienced Faculty: An online MBA needs faculty members with classroom management skills and professional experience. Teachers can leverage their industry knowledge and networks for better student outcomes.
MBA faculty members also need experience and skills with online learning to effectively reach and engage their distance learners.
Networking Opportunities: Networking is essential in MBA programs. It can lead to long-term relationships, postgraduate career opportunities, business partnerships, and exposure to new industries and ideas.
MBA programs often run networking workshops, alumni mentorships, and recruiting events for industry partners.
Affordability: While some of the nation's top MBA programs have high price tags, most schools provide students with multiple payment options to help cover the costs. For those seeking a more accessible and flexible option, an affordable online MBA program may be a viable choice.
Access to federal financial aid and scholarships play a major part in program affordability, and flexible scheduling helps students maintain their jobs. Employer assistance, work-study, and fellowship programs can also help.
Support: Support comes in many forms, but most top MBA programs offer academic and career services. Academic assistance may include one-on-one engagement with instructors, peer support channels, or basic tutoring. Career support can include job coaching, alumni networks, or access to career development resources.
What Jobs Can eCommerce Degrees From Top-Ranked MBA Programs Get You?
Graduates with an MBA in e-Commerce have access to most of the top-paying management positions. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for management professionals was $102,450 in May 2021. The BLS also projects the addition of nearly 900,000 new management jobs between 2021 and 2031.
While some programs offer e-Commerce specializations, students may need to create their own path to the field with electives.
Some useful courses include digital marketing, business analytics, online business management, digital strategy, and online marketplace policy.
The following career list showcases just some of the jobs available to e-Commerce graduates.
Comparison of MBA in e-Commerce Careers
|
Careers
|
Median Pay
|
|
Management Analysts
|
$93,000
|
|
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
|
$133,380
|
|
Sales Managers
|
$127,490
|
|
Logisticians
|
$77,030
|
|
Top Executives
|
$98,980
|
Source: BLS
Financing Your Online MBA
Use the links below to learn more about financing an online MBA degree, including ways to reduce the cost of an education.
Common Questions About Online MBAs in e-Commerce
How can I be successful in e-Commerce?
Success in e-Commerce depends on the person and their business. Compared to traditional businesses, e-Commerce requires more of a global vision. Professionals need a solid grasp on the technologies, the marketing dynamics, and online development and operations strategies.
Is e-Commerce a good career?
Yes. Most organizations need an online marketplace if they want to reach the modern consumer. E-Commerce professionals who specialize in helping businesses make that required transition can capitalize on the growing opportunity.
What do people in e-Commerce do?
E-Commerce professionals work in most of the same avenues as in traditional businesses. According to the 2019 Radford Global Technology Survey, the majority of e-Commerce professionals work in product development, marketing, sales, finance, and service and support.
Why should I study e-Commerce?
Studying e-Commerce teaches you how online businesses differ from brick-and-mortar businesses. You will learn about online consumers and how to market products and services to them. You may also learn to use specialized e-Commerce technologies, online analysis, and e-Commerce scaling techniques.
Reviewer disclaimer: Krystal Covington is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network and has reviewed the introductory matter only, not the ranked programs. Krystal Covington is not affiliated with the schools in the ranking.
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