E-commerce, as considered in this program, encompasses all aspects of conducting transactions facilitated by the Internet and the Web. The participants in these transactions may be individuals, private organizations, or government agencies. The various forms of interaction between the various participants include: business-to-consumer (e.g., selling books online), business-to-business (e.g., a PC manufacturer buying parts online from its suppliers), consumer-to-consumer (e.g., auction sites), and citizen-to-government (e.g., filing tax returns).

A successful e-commerce initiative has to consider technological, managerial, organizational, legal, and public policy issues. The interdisciplinary nature of e-commerce is recognized in this program. The core component of the program gives our students the breadth they need to meet the challenges of e-commerce. The specialization component allows students to select the area in which they want to become experts. The capstone course gives students the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in the core and specialization.

In this program, we seek to promote strong ties with industry and government agencies. Through these relationships we have established a cadre of invited lecturers, mentors, and panel members for the capstone course. We also draw on this collaboration to form an advisory board to the MS program. If your organization has an interest in participating in the program, please send me an e-mail.

Please explore our site to find out how the MS in E-Commerce at George Mason University can further your education and skills in this emerging and fastest-growing area of commerce.

Dr. Larry Kerschberg
Director, MS in E-commerce program
Director, E-Center for E-Business
George Mason University