E-Commerce Generalist
Certificate
Curriculum code 1460
Course Requirements                     Information Management Systems Web site

This program is designed to teach an introduction to electronic (e-) commerce (business) development by using both a conceptual and hands-on orientation. This unique approach is used to allow for the acquisition of skills necessary in designing and building Web applications. Popular development software will be utilized in class projects and other hands-on assignments and demonstrations. There is a fair amount of lab work involved in the program. Subjects include database management, internet technology, Web page authoring and publishing, system analysis, and policy, as well as development strategies. Students should be aware and comfortable understanding there are both theoretical and practical components to this program.

Nature of Work—This program is designed to qualify you as a Software Developer. Software developers design and update the software that runs a computer. Because they are responsible for both programming and systems analysis/design, these workers must be proficient in both areas. Increasingly, software developers work with databases, object-oriented programming languages, as well as client-server applications development, Web applications, embedded systems, mobile applications, and multimedia and Internet technology.

Related Job Titles—Programmer, Systems Analyst, Software Developer, Application Programmer, and Web Developer.

Employment Outlook—Employment of programmers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Sophisticated computer software now has the capability to write basic code, eliminating the need for many programmers to do this routine work. The consolidation and centralization of systems and applications, developments in packaged software, advances in programming languages and tools, and the growing ability of users to design, write, and implement more of their own programs mean that more of the programming functions can be transferred from programmers to other types of information workers, such as computer software engineers.

Earnings—Median annual earnings of computer programmers were $62,890 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $47,580 and $81,280 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,470 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,610. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science averaged $50,820 per year in 2005. For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.