Key Takeaways

• Gain a career advantage by selecting a specialized degree that teaches high-demand e-commerce skills.
• Map your desired e-commerce role to a specific field of study, such as data analytics for marketing or web development for site operations.
• Choose a degree program that deepens your understanding of the customer, leading to better product and service creation.
• Discover that a focused degree in finance or web development can open more doors than a general business qualification.

However, obtaining the right educational qualifications could significantly improve your prospects in this competitive field. Whether you’re looking to work for an online retail giant or launch your own startup, here are 5 degrees that could help you build the skills you need.

Business

A general business degree can cover various areas such as accounting, marketing and management to give you a broad overview of running a business. This is great if you plan to start your own e-commerce business, however it can also help you if you decide to take up an admin role as an employee for an existing e-commerce company. Look for business degrees that have modules within ecommerce. 

Digital marketing

E-commerce businesses rely on digital marketing strategies to attract customers. This includes website development, social media marketing, email marketing, SEO and PPC advertising. A digital marketing degree can teach you all about these different types of marketing – allowing you to get a marketing role at a company, or simply helping you to promote your own e-commerce company. You’ll find an array of different digital marketing degrees online to compare. 

Financial technology

A qualification such as a graduate diploma in financial technology online could also potentially help you to get an e-commerce career. Such degrees sometimes cover aspects like online payment gateways, and may also teach different ways of accepting payments digitally – that could be useful when setting up payments for your own e-commerce company, or working for another company in their finance department. If you’re selling financial products online then it can also help. 

Web development

Many large online retailers hire web developers to maintain their websites. A web development degree could teach the skills required to build and maintain a website. It could also allow you to work independently as a web developer – building websites for e-commerce startups. It could even give you the skills to build a website for your own company if you have entrepreneurial e-commerce plans. 

Retail

Retail degrees can teach all the skills required to run a retail business – including inventory management, marketing and human resources. While this may include skills necessary to run a physical retail company, it could also include skills necessary to run an online company. Many of the biggest retail empires will definitely look highly upon such a degree. 

E-commerce

There are a few institutions that offer degrees that are specialized towards e-commerce. This is the best type of degree for providing skills that are specific to this industry. You can compare such degrees online. 

Conclusion

Several degrees can help provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in e-commerce. Consider where your talents already lie and which area of e-commerce you are most passionate about getting into. Many of these degrees may be possible to study online, but some may only be available to study on campus. To make sure that you choose a high quality degree, make sure to read reviews left by other students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of degree is best for starting my own e-commerce business?
For starting your own business, a degree with a strong focus on digital marketing or a business degree with a specialization in entrepreneurship is highly effective. These programs teach you how to acquire customers, manage finances, and understand market trends, which are the daily challenges of running your own online store.

Do I really need a degree to get a job in e-commerce?
While you can succeed in e-commerce without a degree through experience, a relevant qualification provides a structured foundation and makes you more competitive. A degree in areas like data analytics, supply chain management, or web development demonstrates to employers that you have specific, valuable skills from day one.

Which skills learned in a degree are most in-demand for e-commerce careers right now?
Currently, employers highly value skills in data analysis, search engine optimization (SEO), and user experience (UX) design. A degree that offers courses in these areas will give you a significant advantage, as companies need experts who can interpret customer data to improve sales and website performance.

How does a financial technology degree apply to an e-commerce role?
A financial technology degree is excellent for roles involving payment systems and security. Graduates understand how to implement secure online payment gateways, manage digital transactions, and protect customer financial data. This knowledge is important for building trust and ensuring smooth checkout experiences in any online store.

Is a web development degree better than just using a platform like Shopify?
A web development degree provides a deeper skill set than simply knowing how to use a platform. While platforms like Shopify are great for startups, larger e-commerce companies need developers to build custom features, optimize site speed, and integrate complex systems. This degree prepares you for those more advanced, higher-paying technical roles.

What is a common myth about e-commerce education?
A common myth is that a general business degree is a catch-all for an e-commerce career. In reality, specialization is more valuable. A business degree is useful, but one with specific modules in supply chain logistics or digital analytics will better prepare you for the distinct challenges of online retail.

Should I choose an online degree or an on-campus program for e-commerce?
The choice depends on your learning style and career goals. Online degrees offer flexibility and often focus on current digital tools. On-campus programs provide valuable networking opportunities and direct access to faculty. Both can be high-quality, so review the specific curriculum to see which better aligns with the skills you want to build.

How can a retail degree help with an online-only business?
A modern retail degree teaches core principles that apply to both physical and online stores, such as inventory management, merchandising, and customer service strategy. Understanding these fundamentals helps you manage stock efficiently and create a compelling shopping experience, which are keys to success in any retail format.

Can a degree outside of business, like psychology, be useful in e-commerce?
Yes, a degree like psychology can be very useful, especially in marketing and user experience (UX) roles. Understanding human behavior helps you create more effective advertising, design websites that are easier to use, and write product descriptions that connect with customers on an emotional level.

How do I pick a degree program that won’t be outdated when I graduate?
Look for programs that emphasize foundational principles while also teaching current, adaptable skills. A good program will focus on data analysis, strategic thinking, and problem-solving rather than just specific software. Check that the curriculum includes topics like AI in marketing or sustainable supply chains, as these are future-focused areas.