Masters of Science in E-Commerce Technology 2001

The program follows a three-phase sequence, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Phase
• Core Knowledge Phase
• Advanced Phase

Upon acceptance into the master’s degree program, the student will meet with a faculty advisor to discuss required courses for the Prerequisite Phase. The Prerequisite Phase is intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. While completing this phase, a student is considered a conditionally admitted master’s student. In the Core Knowledge Phase, a student will follow a sequence of courses to acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations for the particular degree. In the Advanced Phase of the program, the fundamental information learned previously allows a student to study advanced topics within the chosen degree. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the Core Knowledge Phase. Individual interests and needs are also addressed through a series of elective courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

Grade and GPA requirements

Grades: Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses. 

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.75 and a designation of distinction on the core examinations will graduate with distinction.

Prerequisite Phase

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Core Knowledge Phase courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit a Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The form must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Core Knowledge Phase of the program.

Core Knowledge Phase

Core Knowledge Courses

Fully admitted students in the Core Knowledge phase may register of a maximum of four Advanced phase courses. The Core Knowledge Phase courses for the MS in E-Commerce Technology are:

Core Knowledge Examination

These examinations cover the subject matter of the Core Knowledge Phase courses. Students have the option of taking one, two, or three core exams at one time after completion of the applicable course or courses. Possible grades on the Core Examinations are Pass with Distinction, Pass, and Fail. Students are allowed at most two attempts at each exam. Two failures on one exam results in dismissal from the graduate program.

To be eligible for core exam application, a student must have completed all prerequisite courses or be registered for the final prerequisite course in the quarter before the core exam for which the student is applying. Additionally, a student must successfully complete all prerequisite courses (B- or better required) before being allowed to sit for any core exam. Failure to successfully complete a core class (grade of C- or better required) may result in an administrative cancellation of the student's core exam(s).

Advanced Phase

The advanced phase provides breadth and depth in six areas, and allows for specialized interests in four course areas (three from the list and one free elective).

Students must take the following six Advanced Phase courses:

Students choose three courses from the following list:

Students also complete one open elective in accordance with the elective course restrictions below.

Elective Course Restrictions

Elective courses are in the range of 420-699 and must be from the school of CTI. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the student’s concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.