Social media skills are mastered by everyday users via their personal Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. accounts. Corporate social media managers will possibly have a degree in marketing or communications and will use research tools, creative juices and on-the-job training to hone their craft. I suppose it was only a matter of time before it was deemed a specialized category so unique as to demand its own college curriculum and an advanced degree, but yes, it’s here. There are at least several colleges with not just a few courses, but an actual Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree or an MBA in social media or similar. These schools include:
- Franklin University (BA, Social Media Design)
- Lewis University (BS, Social Media Marketing)
- New England College (MBA, Digital and Social Media)
- Quinnipiac University (MS, Interactive Media)
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Mini-MBA, Social Media Marketing)
- Southern New Hampshire University (MBA, Social Media Marketing)
- University of Florida (MA, Social Media)
There are also scores of other colleges, universities, community colleges and adult education schools with certificate programs, courses, online programs and more all about the fine art or science of social media with classes such as law and ethics, design, search engine optimization, policy and practice, analytics, marketing, strategies and social media history.
Some will argue it’s a worthwhile degree because it gives you an advantage when job hunting and provides real experience and networking opportunities with classmates and professors as argued in the CisionBlog by Gina Joseph, Social Media Community Manager at Cision.
Others, like Alex J. Martin, Social Engagement Manager at Silicon Business Journal, will say it’s a waste of time and money because things change too quickly as noted in his article, Five Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Get a Master’s Degree in Social Media.
What do you think worthwhile course of study or waste of time? Will it give you the edge you need for your dream job? If you are an employer, is this a requirement or a desirable degree? Give us your thoughts on this emerging field of study.
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