Bachelor's in Social Media Degree
Earn Your Social Media Degree From GCU
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Media degree at Grand Canyon University is designed for individuals who are passionate about social media and the effects social media platforms have on consumers and businesses. This program focuses on developing the practical skills needed to design and produce digital social media content while supporting the business expectations of an employer. Social media majors are taught to design, write and produce content for social media campaigns, blogs, websites, email marketing and other digital media activities.
Pursuing a social media degree from GCU can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed for the dynamic world of social media marketing. Social media majors can develop a strong foundation in marketing principles, while also providing specialized courses in digital advertising and social media marketing. As a graduate of this degree in social media you have the opportunity to be equipped to pursue careers in social media management, digital marketing, advertising, public relations and other related fields.
With knowledgeable faculty and a focus on hands-on learning, GCU can help you develop the practical skills and industry knowledge needed in the ever-evolving world of social media marketing.
Skills You Can Develop With a Degree in Social Media
The coursework for this 120-credit social media program teaches digital media design through the continuum of production including strategic planning and target audience definition, creation of infographics, photographic and video imagery and copywriting for short and long digital formats. You can also learn how to design and extend a brand, build social media calendars, drive engagement, utilize effective SEO strategies, use industry-standard data reporting tools and evaluate the findings. Skills you can gain through this program include:
- Social media communities
- Social media data analytics
- Social media for events, entertainment and sports
- Social media reputation management
- Advertising copywriting
- Multi-media journalism in the 21st century
- Photography and video for social media
- Production methods
Career Opportunities for Bachelor’s Degree in Social Media Graduates
Social media majors can pursue a variety of career paths in various industries, including social media management, digital marketing, advertising, public relations, content creation and journalism. Graduates may go on to become entrepreneurs or work for an agency, corporate company, startup or small business.
Social media managers are responsible for creating and executing social media strategies to increase engagement, build brand awareness and drive traffic. Digital marketers use social media platforms to promote products and services, while content creators develop and publish content for social media platforms.
Social media jobs are quickly becoming an evolving profession in today's digital age, such as:1
- Social media specialist
- Social media content creator
- Social media manager
- Content creator
- Marketing content creator
- Digital marketing content creator
Social media degree graduates also engage with followers, respond to inquiries and complaints and create online communities around brands. With the ever-increasing importance of social media in today’s digital age, graduates of GCU’s on-campus and online social media degree may have a diverse range of career paths to choose from.
BA in Social Media Degree FAQs
If you are considering pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Media degree, you may have some questions about the program and the career opportunities it can offer. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide.
The level of difficulty of a social media degree depends on a variety of factors, including individual strengths and interests, prior experience and the rigor of the program. However, most on-campus and online social media degrees cover a range of topics related to social media, including analytics, content creation, strategy, digital marketing, analytics and strategy, which can require time and effort to master. Like any degree, success in a social media program requires dedication, hard work and a willingness to learn and apply new skills.
This social media degree requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the classes are 15 weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to an admissions counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your social media degree online or on campus.
With social media becoming an essential part of a buyer’s journey, companies from various industries are understanding the importance of social media marketing.2 A career in social media can offer diverse opportunities for those inclined toward creative content creation, community engagement and staying attuned to ever-evolving digital trends. Entering the social media field can be fulfilling for those passionate about shaping online narratives and influencing digital spaces, but it is important to note that continuous skill development and innovation are critical.
1 Gomez, Ronnie (2022, July 7). Social media careers: The skills you need, where to look and jobs to consider. Sprout Social. Retrieved on Nov. 10, 2023.
2 Gomez, Ronnie (2023, Sept. 18). The importance of social media marketing: 7 stats that prove social’s role in business success. Sprout Social. Retrieved on Nov. 29, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This survey course introduces students to basic design thinking, including principles and elements of design, and concepts of composition. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of design and processes of visual communication using graphic tools standard in the industry. The focus is on mastering pixel, vector, and layout tools to demonstrate two-dimensional graphics, images, symbols, color theory, typography, and composition. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu.
Course Description
This course is an introduction and overview to social media tools and techniques. Students apply strategic thinking to the “why” and learn to plan, organize, and create digital content. Case studies will give reference and understanding of the changing landscape in this media market.
Course Description
During this course students will apply the concepts of production management, including structuring and preparing electronic files through production for a variety of mediums. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-110 or DDN-115.
Course Description
This course builds technical knowledge and skills for creating and publishing photographic and video-based content for social media channels. Students learn how to create compelling visual stories for their brands using social media channels.
Course Description
This course explores fundamentals and traditions for designing with type, as well as corporate design with an emphasis on typography with integration of vector designs and photography into promotional pieces. Students propose and create solutions for visual problems with type. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-120. Co-Requisite: DDN-120.
Course Description
This writing intensive course focuses on creative copywriting techniques to develop advertising campaigns for print and multimedia channels. Students enhance persuasive writing skills to create compelling and ethical advertising campaigns that are competitive in the industry. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu.
Course Description
The coverage of events requires students to prepare a strategy against expected outcomes, have an equipment plan (and a backup plan), and often work in teams to create the volume of content required. Prerequisite: DSM-215.
Course Description
Communities are built from people sharing together. Students learn to build and evaluate communities using industry standard tools. They create content after understanding the personalities of those communities, and work to motivate those communities toward appropriate outcomes. Prerequisite: DSM-101.
Course Description
This course uses industry standard tools for planning and evaluation of social media campaigns. Students will learn how to collect data and learn how to make data-based decisions that affect the success of social campaigns. Prerequisite: DSM-101.
Course Description
In this course, students learn to identify news, develop story ideas, conduct research on stories, write in a journalistic style, and report information in a variety of media. Prerequisite: PRW-301 or ENG-105.
Course Description
The goal of reputation management is to positively shape the perception of a brand, business, or personality. This class teaches students the strategic process for content curation, monitoring and listening to social channels, then responding appropriately. Escalation policies are studied and created. Case studies of businesses as well as natural disasters inform theses skills. Prerequisite: DSM-101, DSM-320.
Course Description
This writing intensive course explores integrated marketing communications and the development of marketing and advertising messages across digital platforms. Students focus on current trends in online advertising, social media platforms, and relevant emerging technologies. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-110 or DDN-115, ADV-260.
Course Description
In this course students will activate all of their prior knowledge to strategize, concept, and create social campaigns that result in high levels of audience engagement. Prerequisites: DSM-101 and DSM-215.
Course Description
This course exposes students to the various types of writing tasks utilized by PR and advertising professionals. In addition to enabling students to write with clarity and skill for various media and contexts, this course encourages students to use strategy, creativity, and critical thinking in composing advertising and public relations material. Prerequisite: ENG-105.
Course Description
During this course students will research, plan, create, publish, and analyze the results of a self-directed social media campaign, including the creation and management of an online community. Prerequisite: DSM-420, Senior standing.
Course Description
In this advanced design course, students incorporate their personal style into the development of a portfolio. Professional design projects for a variety of campus and studio-based projects provide opportunities for students to fine-tune solutions for customer-driven, reality-based design problems. Students propose design solutions, practicing their communication and presentation skills while exploring career opportunities. The ethics of business practice is incorporated into studio projects. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.