Social Media Degree

It is one of those things that you know, but can’t explain easily except to say that social media is Facebook, Twitter, Google + etc. The importance of social media however needs no explanation; social media has revolutionized the way we communicate. It has brought revolutions in the Middle East, given overnight success to artists and routinely champions important causes that would’ve never seen the light of day.

Social media knowledge and skills can be learned and acquired through a variety of ways; pursuing a college degree is one of them.
 

Why Pursue a Degree in Social Media?

A degree in social media can potentially lead students to a number of positions whose demand is expected to grow over the next few years.

Career Options

The following is not an exhaustive list by any means but may give you a general sense of options available to those with a degree in social media.

• Social media managers
• Communications officers
• Social media coordinators
• Search engine marketing associates
• Social media marketing specialists
• Community managers
• Digital strategists
• Social media strategists

Social Media Degree

Students interested in pursuing a career in the world of social media can pursue associates, bachelors and masters degrees in social media and learn about online marketing, computer networking and information technology It is however worth mentioning here that universities may not offer degrees directly in social media but in its many specialized fields like social media marketing, social media design, etc.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing: Social Media Marketing

A 4-year degree, it combines elements of traditional marketing strategies with social media theory and practices. Students learn to use new media to introduce products and services to customers with the purpose of building loyalty and generating revenue for the company.

Facebook and Twitter, to name just the two of the biggest names of social media, have more registered users then the combined populations of many countries. It is therefore critical for businesses to know how to best use this new and very powerful tool for their business interests. They hire professionals who can help them use social media in an efficient and productive manner.

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Transcripts (especially for transfer students)
• SAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Statement of purpose
• Personal Essay

Core Courses

• Understanding Communication
• Regulating Communication: Law, Ethics, Politics
• Communication and Cultural Industries and Practices
• Language and Discourse
• Communication Practice Project
• User Experience Design
• Digital Futures
• Representing Complexity
• Digital Communities
• Engagement, Participation, Gamification
• Media Writing and Production

Bachelor of Science in Marketing: Social Media Design

Employers are increasingly looking for professionals who are proficient in managing branded online communities, and cultivate new communities with the use of:

• YouTube
• Google+
• Twitter
• Facebook

The degree may teach you the abovementioned skills by amalgamating fundamental principles of social media, Communications and design and technology.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are the same as laid down above and the same holds true for online admission.

Curriculum and Courses

The degree requires completion of 124 credit hours and can be completed in 4 years of full-time enrollment. Total credit hours are divided into following:

• Fundamental General Education Core Courses
• Major Core Courses
• Major Electives
• University Electives
• Technical Credit Courses
• Additional General Education Requirements

Major area courses are:

• Social Media Policy & Practice
• Applied Theory of Social Interaction in Media
• Interactive Media for Entertainment
• Digital Media Design
• Social Media Design Capstone

Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a specialization in Social Media

It is a post-grad degree which examines the impact of social media and how it can be used to influence the future of communication, public relations, entertainment, politics, journalism, and marketing.

Admission requirements

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institute
• Transcripts
• GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Statement of purpose

Duration

You may complete the degree in 18 months.

Teaching objectives

• Emerging trends in social media
• Business opportunities and social media
• Communication techniques and social media

Learning outcomes

• Use the power of Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, Tumblr, YouTube, Google +, Linkedin, etc.
• Explore the emerging trends in social media and how it will shape our lives in future.
• Know social media origins and its present place in our society.
• Use social media to communicate and connect people globally.
• Collect, analyze and utilize social media data.
• Efficient use of social media in public relations, branding, journalism, marketing and advertising.

MBA in Social Media Marketing

The primary purpose of the degree is to teach business leaders the best way to utilize social media for business success. The degree may therefore be ideal for mid-level managers who are seeking advanced leadership roles in their companies.

Admission requirements

These are similar to what is laid down above for Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a specialization in Social Media. However, business schools may ask for GMAT instead of GRE scores. If you are thinking of enrolling in an online version of the program, then you may not have to take the exam.

Learning objectives

• Make effective marketing strategies for effective campaigns, optimize and improve products and generate leads.
• Make effective social media marketing strategies that integrate with marketing plans.

Duration

The degree may be completed in 15 months.

Online Degree Programs

All the degrees mentioned above are offered online as well. Some schools also offer social media degrees as distance learning programs. The distance learning programs allow students to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. Students in these programs can study according to their individual schedules and complete a program at their own pace. Students who want to work towards an online degree must set and follow a personal routine, as these programs call for discipline and self-motivation to stay focused.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Social Media Degree?

There are many schools in the US, such as Southern New Hampshire University and Strayer University, which are offering social media degrees. Students can enroll in a four-year long Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Marketing with a specialization in Social Media or a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) with a focus on Social Media Marketing. They can also enroll in a 15-month long Master of Science (M.S) in Marketing with a focus on Social Media Marketing.

What Are the Requirements to Complete a Social Media Degree?

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Marketing with a specialization in Social Media have to complete around 120 credits. They are required to study a number of topics such as Principles of Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Social Media & Marketing Communications and Strategic Marketing Planning. The coursework teaches students how to make use of social media analytics, and tools to create attractive and engaging social media campaigns that help to promote brand awareness.

How Much Can I Make after Completing a Social Media Degree?

After graduating with a social media degree, individuals can kick-start their careers as Copywriters, Bloggers, Online Community Managers, SEO Strategists, Social Media Strategists, or Social Media Marketing Managers. O* Net Online has reported that Copywriters made a yearly median salary of $62,170 in May 2018. Forecasts reveal that the job openings in the field will grow by 12,800 from 2018 to 2028.