Bachelor’s in Social Media Degree
What Is a Social Media Degree?
A Bachelor of Arts in Social Media is an undergraduate degree that teaches you how to plan social media strategies, create content, engage online communities and use analytics. You will also be exposed to reputation management and social media data to help inform business decisions. Graduates may pursue roles in marketing, such as an advertising and promotions manager.
The curriculum combines marketing concepts with practical skills in design, production and social media community curation. You also have the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio and explore career opportunities in marketing and advertising.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 2.8+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
What To Expect in a Social Media Degree Program
Earn this BA in Social Media online or on campus while working through a curriculum fully integrated with our Christian worldview, emphasizing servant leadership and community-minded ethics. If you’re pursuing this social media degree on campus, you will have access to our learning laboratory and Canyon Ventures. Here, you might work directly with local startup businesses to practice marketing and advertising skills. You may also benefit from networking, studio tours, guest speakers and project critiques, preparing you for what’s to come after graduation.
GCU's startup business accelerator, Canyon Ventures, housed 12 companies that employed 91 GCU students and 34 full-time employees as of April 2026.
What GCU Offers Social Media Students
Flexible Online Social Media Coursework
As of June 2026, we offer over 300 online programs for those who require a more flexible approach to higher education. Online social media students can enjoy scheduling and geographic flexibility while working with knowledgeable faculty. Access coursework conveniently and collaborate with peers on our digital learning platform.
A Social Media Bachelor’s From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
A Vibrant Campus Experience
Your college experience can extend beyond your coursework. We offer opportunities to connect with the university community through events, activities, service and other resources. Explore our campus life offerings and discover more ways to engage with the Lope community.
Student Support for Your Social Media Degree
You can access academic support services, including the Writing Center, Math Center and English Language Learner’s Center, as you work through your program. The Academic Centers for Excellence (ACE) offers tutoring services to all on-campus students, and all online students receive technical support as needed. Additionally, we encourage students to use our career services.
Hear From Our Students
"GCU has taught me how to talk to people. We were put in classes with a lot of graphic designers and making those small connections with people has led to job opportunities."
"GCU has taught me how to talk to people. We were put in classes with a lot of graphic designers and making those small connections with people has led to job opportunities."
What Will I Study While Earning a Degree in Social Media?
This bachelor’s degree in social media covers marketing and advertising, social media strategy, content creation, branding, audience engagement, search engine optimization (SEO) and data analysis. The coursework examines 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 will study how to design and promote a brand, build social media calendars, drive engagement, use effective SEO strategies, use industry-standard data reporting tools and evaluate the results.
Core Course Topics in a BA in Social Media
Core topics in a BA in Social Media include social media communities and engagement, campaign planning, content creation, publishing, campaign analysis and digital production. You will apply these skills by developing publication-ready social media campaigns and marketing materials. In the senior capstone course, you can research, plan, create, publish and analyze a social media campaign. The program concludes with a practicum focused on building a professional portfolio and exploring career options after graduation. Throughout the degree program, you can also use Adobe Creative Cloud technology to develop technical production skills.
Topics and competencies covered in this bachelor’s in social media degree include:
Social media data
Collection, management and analysis of social media data for informed decision-making
Reputation management
The strategic process of content curation, brand monitoring and responses to promote a positive reputation
Digital communications
Development and publication of marketing and advertising communications in digital spaces
Entertainment marketing
Process and production techniques for social media marketing for events, sports and entertainment
Photography and video
The creation and use of audiovisual content to create compelling stories for social media
Production methods
Production management for social media in a variety of technical mediums
Explore Digital Media Degrees
Choose from numerous digital media degrees beyond the BA in Social Media. Explore options in digital design, communications, digital film, music production, game design, worship arts and more.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Social Media?
Students earning a social media degree online or on campus can consider opportunities across the arts, media and communications fields. As a social media professional, you can apply your skills in a variety of industries, including e-commerce, hospitality, healthcare, retail, entertainment and lifestyle brands.(See disclaimer 1) As you gain experience, you may pursue opportunities with greater responsibility in areas such as social media management, content creation, audience engagement, campaign management and digital communications.(See disclaimer 2)
Social media professionals may explore roles including:
Advertising manager
Develop and oversee advertising campaigns designed to generate interest in a product or service, coordinating with creative, sales, finance and client teams
Promotions manager
Direct promotional programs that use advertising and purchasing incentives to increase sales and strengthen customer brand loyalty
Median annual salary for advertising, promotions and marketing managers as of May 2025(See disclaimer 3)
Projected job growth for advertising, promotions and marketing managers from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 4)
Tuition and Financial Aid Options for Your BA in Social Media
Our university believes that quality higher education should be accessible to all. We’re committed to keeping tuition for our academic programs competitive for our students by freezing on-campus tuition rates, keeping online tuition rates low and offering millions in institutional scholarships. An education at our university is an investment in your future.
GCU has not increased campus tuition rates since 2009
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Social Media Degree FAQs
Review the following frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about earning your bachelor’s degree in social media.
Is a social media degree a hard major?
Is social media a good career?
Is a social media degree worth it?
What is the difference between a social media degree and a marketing degree?
Can a social media degree prepare you for content creation?
Can I continue my education after earning a bachelor’s degree in social media?
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Degree in Social Media?
GCU offers a streamlined admission process with no application fee, personal statement or essay required. High school students may qualify for admission by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or minimum SAT or ACT test score requirements. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program, so please review the requirements for your chosen program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Explore Blogs Related to Digital Arts and Media
Learn more about pursuing a career in digital media with the following blogs.
Develop skills in social media strategy, content creation, audience engagement and analytics with a BA in Social Media from GCU.
- Noble Desktop. (2026, April 19). Which Industries and Professions Use Social Media Marketing? Retrieved August 2026
- American Advertising Federation. (n.d.). Social Media Specialist Overview. Retrieved August 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers, as of May 2025, retrieved August 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as advertising, promotions and marketing managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers, retrieved August 2026.