What’s the Difference Between an E-Business and E-Commerce Degree?

Although e-business and e-commerce degree programs are similar, your choice of program relies on whether you want to focus on business systems or shaping the consumer’s shopping experience.

E-Business and e-Commerce Overview

Although both fields are closely related, subtle differences exist between e-commerce and e-business. Many schools and institutions offer degree programs in these subjects, so students should thoroughly examine a program’s curriculum to determine if the coursework is best suited for their interests.

Important Facts About e-Commerce and e-Business Degrees

E-CommerceE-Business
Prerequisites High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs, or a bachelors degree for graduate work High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs, or a bachelors degree for graduate work
Degree Levels Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s Bachelor’s, master’s
Online Availability Full online curricula and hybrid learning is offered Some graduate programs may offer online learning
Common Courses Informational technology, web publishing, economic theory Microeconomics, database concepts, marketing principles
Median Salary (2021)$52,340 (advertising sales agents) $77,030 (web developers)
Job Outlook (2021-2031)-8% (decline) (advertising sales agents) 30% (web developers)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Electronic Business Definition

Electronic business (known as e-business) is more general than e-commerce and deals with all facets of conducting business online. An education in this field is specifically focused on adapting business models to incorporate online strategies. This field isn’t focused so much on improving consumer experiences. Instead, education in this field trains you to maximize online business potentials.

E-business includes traditional business activities, such as working with business partners and selling products over the Internet. Some typical careers related to e-business include e-business consultant, web developer, web content manager and business systems analyst. With a graduate-level education, you may be able to find advanced and leadership positions within this field.

Electronic Commerce Definition

Electronic commerce (also known as e-commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. E-commerce is one aspect of e-business. School programs in e-commerce typically focus on designing, implementing and using web-based systems to market specific goods and services over the Internet.

Working in an e-commerce environment means that you may be concerned with improving and developing the consumer’s online shopping experience. Graduates of e-commerce programs can work as online marketers, web developers, electronic retailers and Internet advertisers. With a master’s degree, you may qualify for field-related managerial positions.