ASU's $12,000 Influencer Degree
Critics slam the pricey program, which requires students to build a social media following before graduation
Arizona State University has launched a new bachelor's degree in content creation, offered through its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, amidst criticism from those who question the value of a college degree in launching a social media career. The program is not the first of its kind, with other universities also offering courses and degrees in content creation.
The curriculum for the degree overlaps with that of ASU's mass communication and media studies degree, with specialized electives on podcasting, studio production, and on-camera presence. Students in the program are required to build a following on a platform of their choice and show measurable growth before they graduate. The program's curriculum also includes a capstone that requires students to demonstrate their ability to create content and grow their audience.
Other universities, such as Syracuse University, Quinnipiac University, and Colorado State University, offer minors in content creation. St. Bonaventure University announced a content creation major last winter. The tuition for the program at Arizona State University is around $12,000 per year for Arizona residents, and the total cost of attendance can pass $37,000. Out-of-state students pay more than $35,000 in tuition, with a total cost of attendance near $60,000 before scholarships.
The launch of the degree has sparked criticism from those who feel that content creation is not a legitimate profession, as well as those who question the value of a college degree in launching a social media career. Despite this, universities are rolling out new majors intended to prepare students for today's careers, with the goal of remaining competitive in the face of a shrinking student population.
## Why it matters The introduction of a content creation degree at Arizona State University reflects a broader trend in higher education, where universities are seeking to offer programs that prepare students for emerging careers. The rise of social media has created new opportunities for content creators, and universities are responding by offering courses and degrees that teach the skills needed to succeed in this field. However, the value of a college degree in launching a social media career remains a topic of debate, with some arguing that it is not necessary to succeed as an influencer.
## What happens next As the content creation industry continues to grow, it is likely that more universities will offer courses and degrees in this field. The success of these programs will depend on their ability to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as content creators, as well as their ability to demonstrate the value of a college degree in this field. Arizona State University's program will be closely watched, as it seeks to establish itself as a leader in the field of content creation education.
