Social Media Masters & eCommerce MBA programs
The Importance of E-Commerce and Social Media in Today’s Business World
The business landscape has changed dramatically with the rise of e-commerce and social media. Online shopping and social media have transformed how businesses operate and connect with their customers. As a result, professionals pursuing Masters in eCommerce and Social Media programs to gain skills in this field can be invaluable to businesses of all sizes.
Why Businesses Need Professionals with E-Commerce and Social Media Skills
Businesses may need experts in e-commerce and social media. These skills can help them provide better digital experiences. Today, many consumers opt to shop and engage with brands online.
Skilled professionals can help businesses create and carry out effective digital marketing strategies. They will be able to:
- Increase audience size
- Improve customer engagement
- Boost sales
By keeping up with digital trends, businesses could remain competitive in the marketplace.
The Growth and Impact of E-Commerce and Social Media on Business
E-commerce and social media have had a significant impact on business growth in recent years. Businesses can now reach a global audience through digital platforms. This helps them expand their customer base and earn more revenue.
Businesses may find new ways to cut costs. They can use new channels to reach more people. This reduces their need for physical stores, traditional ads, and other costs that were once necessary.
E-commerce continues to grow year over year. The Census Bureau reports that U.S. retail e-commerce sales in the first quarter of 2023 increased. They were about 7.8 percent higher than in the same quarter of 2022.1.
Social media is important for reaching people. Most people in the U.S. use social platforms.
In short, these new technologies and business practices are here to stay, making it essential for companies to keep on top of the latest developments.
Hiring professionals with the skills to navigate ever-evolving e-commerce and social media platforms will likely be a priority for the foreseeable future.
For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that employment for advertising and promotions managers will grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, a rate that is faster than average,2 and that demand for these workers is expected to be concentrated in industries that use digital media campaigns to target customers.
Online Programs: Choosing an Online Degree Program
Especially for prospective digital pioneers, studying online might be a great way to earn an MBA. For one, it may be easier to juggle your studies along with your other responsibilities.
For two, digital platforms are helping to make online learning as seamless and engaging as possible. That said, choosing an MBA program is a personal decision. Consider the following points to help you decide what matters most to you in your grad school search.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-Commerce or Social Media MBA Program
As you search for the perfect e-commerce or social media MBA program, consider these five key factors:
- Accreditation. When choosing an MBA program, look for an accredited school. Accreditation is carried out by third-party agencies that evaluate educational institutions based on a set of criteria. When a school achieves accreditation, students can be confident that the institution meets important quality standards.
- Curriculum. Look for an MBA program offering coursework relevant to your interests and goals. Want to learn more about e-commerce supply chains or how to use data to understand and market to various social media audiences? Compare programs to find a curriculum that covers what you want to know—and what gets you excited to learn!
- Faculty. Having a great teacher could make all the difference in your success. When comparing MBA programs, take the time to learn more about your prospective professors, including their professional backgrounds and research interests. You may discover a potential mentor.
- Flexibility. Many prospective MBA students work full-time, which could make it tough to pursue a traditional degree program. Fortunately, some MBA programs offer flexible options. For instance, some graduate schools offer an executive MBA (EMBA) designed for working professionals. EMBA programs may feature evening or weekend classes, as well as online or hybrid learning options.
- Reputation. Your prospective school and program’s reputation in your field could impact the value of earning your degree there. Look for a program with a good standing, respected faculty, and a strong track record of graduate success.
What to Look for in an Online E-Commerce or Social Media MBA Program
Along with the above general criteria, you may want to factor in these additional considerations for choosing an online MBA program:
- Opportunities to gain experience — Many students may choose online MBA programs because they find it flexible and convenient to take courses remotely. Ensure that you do not dedicate all your time solely to a virtual classroom. Programs that offer chances to gain practical experience through opportunities such as internships and capstone projects could help you put theory into practice.
- Industry partnerships — Your MBA program may be virtual, but it could also have real-world connections. Look for a program with ties to businesses and professional organizations in your industry. These partnerships could potentially unlock learning opportunities, offer the chance to network, and even help you pursue your job prospects after graduation.
- Student life — When evaluating online MBA programs, ask what opportunities are available to help remote learners feel connected and part of the graduate school community. In-person meetups, student groups, and virtual events may be of interest to you—and could lead to rewarding friendships and professional connections.
Enhancing Your Career with an E-Commerce or Social Media Master’s Degree
Whether you’re looking to jumpstart a new career path or learn new skills to help you move up in your current role, earning an e-commerce or social media master’s degree could be a smart move. Here’s why you should consider earning an advanced degree.
Career Opportunities and Salaries for Professionals with E-Commerce or Social Media Master’s Degrees
The skills and concepts you may learn in a social media or e-commerce master’s program could have applications in business, marketing, and related fields.
For instance, earning a master’s degree in social media could be useful in the following career paths:
- Public Relations Specialist
- Median annual salary, 20233: $77,720
- Public Relations Manager
- Median annual salary, 20234: $159,420
- Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Median annual salary, 20235: $152,620
Earning a master’s degree in e-commerce could be useful in these roles:
- Market Research Analyst
- Median annual salary, 20236: $83,190
- General and Operations Manager
- Median annual salary, 20237: $129,330
- Marketing Manager
- Median annual salary, 20238: $166,410
- And more!
How an E-Commerce or Social Media Master’s Degree Could Enhance Your Career Prospects
Earning a master’s degree in e-commerce or social media could help you learn higher-level knowledge and skills that may be sought after in today’s digital-first world. These programs usually cover topics like marketing and e-commerce technologies.
They also teach how to use online marketing channels. You will learn to evaluate metrics and data, among other things. By enhancing your knowledge in these and other key areas, you could be an asset to businesses looking to strengthen their e-commerce or social media strategies.
Additionally, earning a master’s degree could help you earn a higher salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in 2023, workers with a master’s degree earned a median salary of $90,324 per year — that’s $12,688 more per year than the annual median salary for bachelor’s degree holders9.
With an e-commerce or social media master’s degree under your belt, you might be a great candidate to pursue roles you find professionally and financially rewarding.
Popular Schools with Schools with eCommerce & Social Media Masters Programs
GradSchools.com offers 37 Graduate Schools with Masters in eCommerce & Social Media Programs
Sources: 1https://www.census.gov/retail/mrts/www/data/pdf/ec_current.pdf | 2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-6 | 3https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273031.htm | 4https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes112032.htm | 5https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes112011.htm | 6https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131161.htm | 7https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm | 8https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes112021.htm | 9https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htmBased on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Accessed 6/22/2023.
- Application fee waiver for students applying to start in Summer 2022.
- Designed for working professionals, our programs equip you to advance.
- Master marketing analytics, data visualization, UX, SEO, SEM, branding, packaging, channel management, social media content management and more.
- Choose an elective focused on consumer psychology, project management, the customer journey, or web and video development.
Nexford University
University of Greenwich
National Graduate School Of Quality Management
University of Westminster
Swansea Institute of Higher Education
University of Akron
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Capitol College
University of Southampton
Brunel University
University of Gloucestershire
University of Lancaster