E-Commerce: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for future leaders in digital business, this program equips students with the strategic and technical expertise needed to navigate and shape online commerce ecosystems. It integrates core business principles with advanced digital technologies, preparing graduates to drive innovation, manage complex e-commerce operations, and lead in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
- Business Administration: Develops foundational knowledge in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and operational efficiency tailored to digital enterprises.
- Information Technology: Focuses on the systems, platforms, and tools that power online business functions, from infrastructure to application integration.
- Information Resources Management: Teaches effective strategies for acquiring, organizing, and leveraging digital assets to support business objectives.
- Web Design: Covers user-centered interface development, responsive layouts, and interactive elements essential for high-performing online storefronts.
- Computer and Internet Law and Policy: Explores legal frameworks governing digital transactions, intellectual property, data usage, and cross-border e-commerce compliance.
- Computer Privacy and Security: Addresses best practices in safeguarding digital data, mitigating cyber threats, and ensuring trust in online environments.
- E-Trading: Examines digital marketplaces, automated trading systems, and the mechanics of online buying and selling across global networks.
- Electronic Marketing: Builds skills in digital advertising, search engine optimization, social media engagement, and customer journey analytics.
- Investment Capital Planning: Guides students in evaluating funding models, financial forecasting, and securing capital for scalable digital ventures.
- Enterprise Operations: Focuses on the integration of supply chains, logistics, and internal systems to support seamless online business delivery.
- Personnel Supervision: Prepares learners to lead remote and hybrid teams, manage performance, and foster innovation in digital work environments.
- Contracting: Covers digital agreement frameworks, vendor management, and legal considerations in online business partnerships.
- Product and Service Networking: Explores how digital platforms connect offerings with customers, partners, and ecosystems through integrated online networks.
E-Commerce Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
E-Commerce Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with E-Commerce degrees, including Business Operations Specialists, All Other, First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers and First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,736,940 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other 13-1199 | $81,270 | $46,230 - $147,830 | 1,128,200 | $39.07 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers 43-1011 | $66,140 | $43,920 - $102,980 | 1,495,580 | $31.80 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 41-1011 | $47,320 | $31,120 - $76,560 | 1,113,160 | $22.75 |
E-Commerce Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,330 in West Virginia to $81,480 in District of Columbia—a 62% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,736,940 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for E-Commerce by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 39 institutions offering E-Commerce programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in E-Commerce is found at Western Michigan University (WMU) (128 graduates), University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia (65 graduates), Rutgers University, Newark (50 graduates), Full Sail University (40 graduates), and Bemidji State University (BSU) (21 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 467 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
128 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
65 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
50 | Newark, New Jersey | Public | newark.rutgers.edu |
| Full Sail University |
Other Award
|
40 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Bemidji State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Bemidji, Minnesota | Public | bemidjistate.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Winthrop University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Public | winthrop.edu |
| Baldwin Wallace University (BW) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Berea, Ohio | Private | bw.edu |
| Meridian Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Meridian, Mississippi | Public | meridiancc.edu |
| Foothill College |
Other Award
|
8 | Los Altos Hills, California | Public | foothill.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
8 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | harrisburgu.edu |
| Lewis University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Romeoville, Illinois | Private | lewisu.edu |
| Southern Oregon University (SOU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Ashland, Oregon | Public | sou.edu |
| University of Scranton |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 | Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | scranton.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| Mt San Jacinto Community College District (MSJC) |
Other Award
|
4 | San Jacinto, California | Public | msjc.edu |
| Butte College |
Other Award
|
3 | Oroville, California | Public | butte.edu |
| College of the Canyons |
Other Award
|
3 | Santa Clarita, California | Public | canyons.edu |
| Judson University |
Other Award
|
3 | Elgin, Illinois | Private | judsonu.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Associate's
|
3 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| Peninsula College |
Associate's
|
3 | Port Angeles, Washington | Public | pencol.edu |
| Westcliff University |
Master's
|
3 | Irvine, California | Private | westcliff.edu |
| University of La Verne |
Bachelor's
|
2 | La Verne, California | Private | laverne.edu |
| Albany Technical College |
Associate's
|
2 | Albany, Georgia | Public | albanytech.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| Cuesta College |
Other Award
|
1 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | cuesta.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Other Award
|
1 | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Other Award
|
1 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Master's
|
1 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Century College |
Associate's
|
1 | White Bear Lake, Minnesota | Public | century.edu |
| New England College (NEC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Henniker, New Hampshire | Private | nec.edu |
| National American University (NAU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Rapid City, South Dakota | Private | national.edu |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin |
Other Award
|
1 | Odessa, Texas | Public | utpb.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about E-Commerce programs
How much can I earn with a E-Commerce degree?
Salaries for E-Commerce graduates vary by role and location. Business Operations Specialists, All Other earn a median of $81,270 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers earn around $66,140. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $81,480 compared to $50,330 in West Virginia. Approximately 3,736,940 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest E-Commerce programs?
Currently 39 accredited institutions offer E-Commerce degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Western Michigan University (WMU) (128 graduates), University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia (65 graduates), and Rutgers University, Newark (50 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in E-Commerce growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 666 in 2010 to 467 in 2023-24. This represents a 30% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a E-Commerce degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Business Operations Specialists, All Other, First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers, and First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 3,736,940 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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