Online Master’s in Social Media Marketing & Management Programs in 2024

If you’re passionate about social media, digital marketing, or building online communities, an online master’s degree in social media could be the next step toward an exciting career. In today’s digital age, social media is central to culture and communication. Master’s in social media programs, often emphasized within broader programs like strategic communication or business administration, teach students how to develop and manage social media platforms, employ digital marketing techniques, and oversee online communities. Coursework often covers social media storytelling, branding strategies, metrics, and digital communication research methods.

Career opportunities for online Master’s in Social Media graduates include roles such as:

• Social Media Manager
• Digital Marketing Manager
• Brand Advocate
• Public Relations Executive

Many professionals pursue their master’s while working in the industry, making online programs convenient for those balancing work and family commitments.

Master's in social media programs, which also may be found as an emphasis within a broader master's in strategic communication or master's in business administration program, teach students the development and management of social media platforms, digital media marketing techniques, apps, and web development and management of online communities.

Choosing an Online Master's in Social Media Marketing & Management Program

Once you've decided to pursue an online master's in social media, the next step is researching and selecting the right program. But how do you know which school is right for you? Keep these critical factors in mind when deciding between master's programs.

Accreditation

A master's degree is a significant investment in your career, so make sure your selected program will provide you with a high-quality education. One way to ensure a program's quality is by checking its program accreditation. Legitimate program accreditation signifies that a third-party accrediting organization has evaluated the program according to rigorous academic standards and has met or exceeded these standards. Examples of accrediting organizations for master's in social media programs include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, as well as regional accrediting bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Cost

The cost for a master's in social media program can vary based on several factors, including the size and type of school, geographic location, a student's residency status, and the program length. When considering the total cost of a program, it's important to include mandatory school fees, books, and other program materials in addition to the tuition price.

Online programs are often more affordable than their traditional on-campus counterparts, but this is not always the case. For example, USC Annenberg's 32-unit Master of Science in Digital Social Media runs roughly $1,995 per unit in addition to mandatory fees. Meanwhile, Liberty University's online, 33-credit-hour Master's in Social Media Management degree program costs approximately $565 per credit for full-time students and online program fees.

Program Length

Most master's in social media programs are designed to be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study. Factors that may impact a program's length include whether students enroll on a full- or part-time basis if any on-campus classroom time is required, and when. With online programs, students are often accepted on a rolling basis, enabling them to begin studying in the fall, spring, or even summer semesters.

Admissions Requirements

To gain admission to a master's in social media program, students should keep in mind the following admissions requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree, ideally in communication, web design, marketing, or a related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework
• Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Scores from applicable graduate school tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Resume detailing relevant work experience if applicable

Classes and Courses

A master's in social media program often includes courses similar to the following, which are part of University of Florida's online Master's in Social Media program:

• Introduction to Social Media
• Introduction to Multimedia (Video Storytelling)
• Branding Using Social and Mobile Media
• Advertising and Social Media
• Mass Communication Theory
• Research Methods in Digital Communication
• Social Media Metrics and Evaluation
• Personal Branding and Professional Development
• Social Media and Emerging Technology

In addition to digital and social media courses like those listed below, programs may include foundational communication, web development, and/or business courses. Many programs also finish with a capstone project or internship component, which encourages students to put everything they've learned into practice.

Advantages of Online Master’s in Social Media Programs

For busy professionals or those with family commitments, an online master's in social media program is a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to earn an advanced degree. Online coursework allows students to complete assignments and attend lectures from home and on their schedules, which is particularly important for students gaining professional experience simultaneously. Often with a lower tuition cost than traditional on-campus programs, online programs also allow students in rural areas to choose from more schools without a lengthy commute. These factors make it easier than ever to pursue a master's degree in social media.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Social Media Programs in 2024

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Florida

New Hampshire

Virginia