The Internet has transformed the way people seek information, purchase goods and improve communication, which led to thousands of business start-ups focused in this new medium.
Educational institutions see the Internet as an important trend and have already adjusted their curriculum to reflect the changing industry.
Many local MBA schools began to offer classes on the Internet, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. One local MBA school has already formed a master’s degree in business administration focused on E-commerce and two other local campuses will begin similar programs within the next six months.
Nine local MBA schools are ranked on the San Diego Business Journal’s List of the Largest MBA Schools by the number of total enrollment of MBA students in fall 1999 in San Diego County. There were 3,126 students enrolled in MBA programs within the county in 1999, an increase of more than 6 percent from the previous year.
National University, No. 2 on The List, has offered its MBA program with specialization in E-commerce since July 1998. It was one of the first schools in the nation to offer a curriculum in E-commerce.
“E-commerce received lots of national attention and it’s the magic buzzword in today’s society,” said Russell Kick, faculty head for National University’s E-commerce program. “Right now, E-commerce education is in its horse and buggy stage, but it’ll explode in the next few years as education institutions develop their programs.”
– MBA Courses Cover
E-Commerce Skills
National University’s MBA degree offers instruction in E-commerce skills, including Web-based applications, database management, marketing, advertising, and electronic payment systems.
In addition, National University also offers a 12-course masters of science degree in E-commerce.
“E-commerce curriculum integrates business concepts and information technology together,” Kick said. “Students are learning business and technology which is the best of both worlds.”
University of Phoenix, No. 3 on The List, will offer its MBA degree in E-business in January 2000. In September, it is offering a bachelor’s degree in technology management.
“San Diego is an active Internet town,” said Bruce Williams, campus director at University of Phoenix. “With media and general responses, the time is right for offering degrees in E-commerce for this ‘Net savvy community.”
– Programs Overhauled
To Include ‘Net Instruction
Michael Riley, University of Phoenix campus department chairman, said the MBA programs are being overhauled to accommodate the influence of the Internet. He said MBA programs at the University of Phoenix have defined 10 courses for universal business knowledge and then an extra five elective courses relevant to the students’ interest.
Riley said its technology management and E-business degrees would offer courses such as E-commerce marketing. He estimated courses for the degree would take approximately two years for completion.
“The interest and development of E-business have changed many parts of our curriculum,” Riley said. “Students will be able to get specific degrees focused on E-business.”
University of San Diego, No. 4 on The List, is also offering a new masters of science degree in E-commerce this September. The 10-course program includes Web site designing, computer networking, online ethics and law, Internet marketing, supply chain and financial management.
– Faculty Members Direct
Online Research Projects
In addition, the new program also features a directed research project with a faculty member, either exploring E-commerce trends or a dot-com start-up business plan.
USD also offers an E-commerce emphasis for its MBA degree program.
In addition, University of Phoenix offers courses on the Internet for traveling students. Students can log on the Internet to receive coursework assignments and lectures via their computers.
Other campuses also offer online courses, including National University, Webster University, No. 6 on The List, and Keller Graduate School of Management, No. 9 on The List.
Ernie Price, University of Phoenix’s director of academic affairs, said 13,000 of its students nationally participate in online classrooms. He said students must have technology capability to learn online and maintain a minimum online attendance in the program.
“The one nice thing about the Internet is that it has no boundaries on where you are,” Price said. “The end objective for any education program is to offer skills in managing business to the students.”
Williams added University of Phoenix’s program is designed for flexibility for career-minded students, who could pick-up on their education almost anywhere.
“Internet is simply a new tool in the toolbox,” Williams said. “Our goal is to have that student learn to use the new tool to its highest degree.”
