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Social Media Marketing Degree Online BS in Marketing Concentration
Program Overview Why get a social media marketing degree online?
Within the broad field of marketing, demand for social media specialists is rapidly rising. Gain this sought-after expertise with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing with a concentration in Social Media from Southern New Hampshire University. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), this program will teach you how to leverage social media to engage consumers, build loyalty and drive business.
Skills you'll learn:
- Campaign development strategies
- Effective marketing tactics
- Written and oral communication approaches
- Primary and secondary data analysis
- Applications of legal and ethical standards
- Cross-functional collaboration methods
Courses & Curriculum Social media marketing degree online classes that can advance your skills
This program weaves social media theory and practice with traditional marketing strategy. Along the way, you can gain hands-on knowledge with an internship or experiential learning course.
Social media marketing degree online classes
This specialized online marketing degree program consists of 4 concentration classes that explore writing for new media, social media strategy, social media campaigns and digital advertising. Paired with the major's other required courses, you'll learn critical skills that can help you stay competitive in an ever-changing industry.
Even better? 1 of the concentration courses (MKT 355: Social Media Marketing Strategy) prepares you to sit for HubSpot's Social Media Certification exam – another credential to add to your resume.
Courses may include:
Digital Marketing
Course ID:
MKT 225
In this course students will be introduced to the different types of digital marketing channels and business functions using digital marketing technology and tools. Topics will focus on earned, paid, and owned media and the intersection of the three. The course will also emphasize development of a digital marketing strategy and its impact on the business.
Professional Selling
Course ID:
MKT 270
Selling is a real life skill that everyone uses every day no matter what the profession. We sell our personal brand to employers; our ideas to family members, friends and co-workers; and as sales professionals, we sell products and services to consumers and business customers. In this course, students will gain foundational knowledge of the sales process, its relationship to marketing, and develop skills necessary to succeed in professional selling. Students will explore inside and outside sales in varying organizational environments. Through authentic scenarios, students will analyze customer needs to develop value-added relationships and generate revenue for an organization.
Digital Advertising
Course ID:
MKT 335
Examine the digital advertising landscape with a focus on the different types of digital and online advertising, including search-advertising strategies, social media marketing, and inbound marketing.
Marketing Research
Course ID:
MKT 337
This course compares and contrasts secondary and primary research with emphasis on the latter. Students explore different types of primary research as well as the basic research methods. It focuses primarily on the survey.
Consumer Behavior
Course ID:
MKT 345
This course explores the behavior that consumers display in searching, purchasing, using,evaluating and disposing of products.
Social Media Marketing Strategy
Course ID:
MKT 355
This course will develop the students' ability to effectively and successfully create, and implement a social media marketing campaign and evaluate as well as measure its success. Intensive skill building will be placed on creating, applying and integrating the appropriate social media tool that will enable marketers to build high-value relationships with their constituencies. The course will focus on key elements such as determining and matching social media tactics with the appropriate target market and developing strategies to engage those markets using relevant social media channels.
Strategic Brand Management
Course ID:
MKT 400
Examine the importance of a company's brand with a focus on the approaches to building, maintaining, growing, and salvaging a brand.
Strategic Marketing Planning (Capstone)
Course ID:
MKT 432
This is the capstone course of the undergraduate marketing curriculum. It focuses primarily on the decisions required of marketing executives as they seek to develop, implement and control integrated marketing programs. Students will be asked to apply their understanding of marketing principles covered in other marketing courses to solve specific company problems. Topics include a diversity of product, market and industry environments. Writing Intensive Course.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Marketing with a concentration in Social Media Marketing curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: October 27, 2025 | January 5, 2026
Next term starts:
September 1, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty carry with them decades of experience in marketing. By bringing real-world insights to the classroom, they can help position graduates for success in this ever-evolving field.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Jolivette Wallace
Prior to joining Southern New Hampshire University in 2023, Dr. Jolivette Wallace worked at Belhaven University for over a decade and owned and operated a 6-figure business. Wallace has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including being recognized as a top 1% business faculty member during her tenure at Belhaven University and receiving the A Woman Who Sets the Standard Award from the International Women’s Review Board.
Position
Associate Dean, Marketing
Joined SNHU
2023
Education
- BBA in Marketing from Mississippi State University
- MBA from William Carey University
- PhD in Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University
- Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from American Marketing Association and the Digital Marketing Institute
"My experiences have taught me to understand what it feels like to navigate unfamiliar systems, so I focus on creating a space where students feel seen, heard and valued. I connect with students by sharing my own journey — the challenges, setbacks and triumphs."
What our instructors have to say
SNHU professors reflect on the importance of our online social media marketing degree:"Social media continues to be an ever-changing industry. For those individuals who have a passion for marketing and enjoy applying what they know to developing strategies for new and changing platforms, a career in social media can be very rewarding. Our program here at SNHU, seeks to provide our students with every opportunity to be competitive in this exciting field.”
Meleena Eaton, associate dean
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with a social media marketing degree?
The benefits of earning a degree in social media marketing are two-fold. On one hand, you'll acquire the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in a marketing role. On the other, you'll gain the specialized knowledge of social media, which shows employers you know how to grow business through innovative channels.
Occupations
With a social media marketing degree, you can find success in a number of different roles, including:
Social Media Manager
Use social media to communicate with customers, advertise products, establish brand identity and create brand loyalty.
Social Media Strategist
Plan, execute and monitor social media strategies that help drive sales, brand awareness and customer engagement.
Online Community Manager
Act as a “brand ambassador,” helping build relationships with new and existing clients through social media channels.
SEO Strategist
Use digital marketing principles to optimize inbound organic traffic from search engines to company websites.
Marketing Manager
Conduct market research, coordinate marketing campaigns and strategies, and oversee product development.
Brand/Product Manager
Help determine brand goals, leverage performance insights and manage long-term campaign strategies.
6%
Increase nationally in roles for advertising, promotions and marketing managers through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$156,580
Median annual pay nationally for advertising, promotions and marketing managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
The courses were fabulous. I definitely learned an amazing amount from each of them. The classes also build on themselves, meaning the program uses the information from previous classes, showing the student that they have progressed in their learning and abilities.
Christine Viera '21
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
How do I get into social media marketing?
A great place to begin is by finding a degree program that specializes in social media. This gives you the opportunity to build an understanding of the industry and gain the skills you'll need to break into it.
Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in social media marketing degree could give you the strong start you need. You could also explore social media marketing as a supplement to a business degree. Students of our online associate in business and online bachelor's in business programs, for example, have the option to take social media courses.
For those just starting out, we also offer an online associate in marketing program.
Any one of these pathways can help you build your resume and portfolio, and even prepare you for success in an entry-level role.
How can I learn social media marketing?
Of course, one of the best ways to learn is by doing. That's what makes our online social media marketing degree so special – it helps give students the foundation and practice they need to start their career.
You'll learn from real-world examples, engage with instructors and peers, and discover bold new ways to capture loyal consumers. You'll also spend entire courses developing social media marketing strategies and campaigns.
The program was worth it to Christine Viera '21.
"Everything about the marketing program has helped me to be better at my job," she said. "I have learned that there is so much involved in how to create graphics, how to track and follow campaigns, what is important in an email tagline and how to find my audience. I could go on and on."
Is social media marketing a good career?
Yes, social media marketing is a good career. In fact, for those who are passionate about selling products or building brands through social media, it's a great career.
Beyond the rewards of the work itself, advertising, promotions and marketing managers are often well paid.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals reportedly earned a median annual salary of $156,580 in May 2023.1 Pair this with a projected job growth percentage of 6% through 2032, and the prospects appear promising.1
Another perk is how exciting the industry can be. Still relatively new by marketing standards, social media marketing is dynamic. Organizations big and small see social media as a cost-effective alternative to traditional print advertising.
It doesn't just save money, either. Social media marketing can help save time, talent and planning, too. Imagine the work that goes into executing a successful out-of-home campaign: from sourcing third-party media companies, to location scouting, to producing hundreds of creative deliverables in a single media buy.
By comparison, social media gives you the power to create and test messages at a low cost with quick turnaround times and far fewer resources.
It's important to note, too, that successful marketing depends on meeting consumers where they are, which is why so many companies turn to social media.
How can I succeed in social media marketing?
Here's the thing: There's no one way to succeed in social media marketing. That said, our online programs are built to put you on track for a fruitful, rewarding career.
In fact, an online platform like Southern New Hampshire University's can position you well for a social media career.
"These degrees (social media bachelor's and digital marketing master's) have given me the opportunity to walk into my marketing management role with complete competency," said Danielle Upham '19 '21G. "I’m also able to build relationships remotely because of the experience at SNHU. Sometimes it’s hard to stay human online, and being a student online helped me become a marketing manager online as well."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical entry-level education for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is a bachelor's degree.1 A specialized social media marketing degree can additionally set you apart to employers seeking those skills.
What is the best social media marketing course?
The "best" social media marketing course depends on what you're looking for. That said, here are a few questions to ask when considering which courses are the right fit for you:
- Is the content of the course updated and relevant to today's workforce?
- Will this course help me build the skills I need to start or continue my social media marketing career?
- Is the content engaging and the instructor experienced in their field?
- Will the course help me learn how to use standard industry tools and platforms?
- Can I become more strategic through the content of the course?
At Southern New Hampshire University, we offer several social media marketing courses that fit the bill. Our instructors are industry experts who apply their real-world knowledge to their curriculum, so you can make meaningful connections that prepare you for future success.
How long does it take to get a degree in social media marketing?
The amount of time it takes to earn your social media marketing degree depends on your personal circumstances.
First, you'll need to determine if you can attend school part time or full time. At Southern New Hampshire University, part time means taking 1 class per 8-week term and full time is 2 classes in a term. Determine what will make you more successful in your classes: Do you have the bandwidth to take 2 classes at once, or would you be more comfortable with just 1?
Many SNHU students transfer in from other institutions. If you're doing the same, the amount of credit that's accepted into your program may affect how long it takes you to earn your degree. SNHU accepts up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree – one of the most generous transfer credit policies in the country. If you're able to transfer all 90 credits in, you'd be left with only 30 credits (or 10 classes).
"Almost all of my previous credits from (my associate degree) transferred over," said Christine Viera '21. "I realized then that I could really return to college and not need to retake several classes that I had taken previously."
If you've already earned your AS in Marketing at SNHU, you can seamlessly transfer all of those credits toward our BS in Marketing program — a major time and money saver.
Similarly, we offer an accelerated BS-to-MS pathway that lets you:
- Take up to 2 graduate-level courses (6 credits) during your bachelor's program at the online undergraduate tuition rate
- Apply your graduate credits to your online master's degree to complete your program in as fast as 1 year
If you're interested in earning both degrees at an accelerated rate, consider having a discussion with an academic advisor. You must also meet the following academic requirements:
- Hold a GPA of 3.00 or greater
- Have a minimum of 90 credits
- Complete all major requirements/coursework, including capstone
- Meet the waiver requirements for the associated graduate courses
Speak to an admission counselor today to help you decide on a program and schedule that works for you.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.