Succeed in Social Media Marketing
- $320/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores needed
- Prepare for industry-recognized credentials
- $135,030 median salary for marketing managers1
- Program accredited by ACBSP
Social Media Marketing Degree Concentration Overview
Learn how to leverage social media to engage consumers, build loyalty and drive business in the online Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Social Media program.
Southern New Hampshire University's social media degree concentration weaves social media theory and practice with traditional marketing strategy. By electing the social media concentration, you'll dive deeper into the ever-evolving and high-growth online social media marketing environment. You'll learn how to target and engage online communities and, in turn, spread brand messaging to new audiences.
Within the broad field of marketing, a social media degree concentration stands out as a specialization that businesses are demanding. SNHU gives students the opportunity to gain expertise in this rapidly evolving field. Instructors are well versed in the practical execution of social media strategy. In addition to the courses that specifically relate to the online social world, new media is deeply integrated into the core coursework of the bachelor’s in marketing program.
As an added bonus, students in this program have the option for hands-on learning through an internship or experiential learning course guided by the instructor. This option can add marketability to your resume and real-world experience to support your career pursuits.
What You'll Learn
- Campaign development using social media tools and strategies
- Tactics to achieve an effective marketing mix
- How to Develop strategic marketing plans
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Techniques for primary and secondary data analysis
- Legal and ethical principles of marketing
- Cross-functional team collaboration
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Career Outlook
A social media-focused BS Marketing degree from SNHU will help you build the skills you need to succeed in a number of different marketing roles.
By exploring the broader field of marketing with a unique focus on social media, you'll come away with the knowledge you need in a variety of professions, 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 the goals and direction of a brand, leverage performance insights and manage long-term campaign strategies.
"Social media continues to be an ever-changing industry," said Meleena Eaton, associate dean of marketing at Southern New Hampshire University. "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.”
Still relatively new by marketing standards, social media marketing is a dynamic and growing field in the marketing landscape.
Job Growth and Salary
Job Growth
Employment for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is expected to increase by 10% through 2031.1 The demand for social media experts exists in most industries, including entertainment, healthcare, politics and retail.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing professionals overall reportedly earned an average annual salary of $133,380 in 2021 – well above the median annual pay for all occupations.1
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Social Media Marketing Degree Concentration
Why SNHU For Your Social Media Marketing Degree Concentration
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
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 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 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.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
What SNHU Students Are Saying
Christine Viera ’21
"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."
Faculty Testimonial, Marketing and Social Media, SNHU
Jessica Rogers shares her experience as a Marketing and Social Media program faculty member with Southern New Hampshire University.
Courses & Curriculum
SNHU's online social media degree concentration presents a broad knowledge base, providing access to the theory, history and application of using social media in a marketing context. You'll learn to engage and enhance the brand experience while strengthening the relationship between customer and product. Students also have opportunity for experiential learning or an internship, which can help make students more prepared for the job market, and more able to use real-world scenarios to build confidence and increase their marketability.
This specialized online marketing degree program consists of 4 concentration courses:
- Social Media Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Campaign
- Digital Advertising
- Writing for New Media
Social Media Marketing Strategy will challenge you to successfully create and implement a social media marketing campaign. You'll then evaluate and measure its success. The course will focus on key elements such as identifying social media tactics with the appropriate target market and developing strategies to engage those markets through relevant social media channels.
A requisite of Social Media Marketing and Strategy, Social Media Campaign further develops your ability to successfully implement a social marketing campaign. The course will focus on key elements such as audience, campaign objectives, strategic plan, tactics, tools and metrics to measure success.
The Digital Advertising course explores the entire digital advertising landscape – including search-advertising strategies, social media marketing and inbound marketing.
Finally, Writing for New Media can help you build content-development skills critical for new and emerging digital media technologies. You'll explore the various strategies for delivering and adapting essential information through diverse multimedia platforms.
Paired with the major courses of the BS in Marketing program, along with a cutting-edge business core, you'll gain critical skills that can help you stay competitive in a dynamic industry.
“Staying ahead of the competition has never been more important,” said Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior associate dean of marketing at SNHU. “The landscape for businesses is changing so rapidly, that it has become a key strategy to [know what the competition is doing] to help inform your own digital strategy.”
Learn from Experienced Instructors
That's why it's important that you'll learn from instructors who've worked in the industry.
Christine Viera '21 agreed, noting that they were on hand to help her when she needed it.
"The professors were always helpful and easily reachable," Viera said. "I felt that when I needed help or to reach out with a problem, they were accessible and responded quickly."
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
Business Core
Business programs require learners to complete the Business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
General Education
All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Marketing - Social Media Marketing |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Marketing - Social Media Marketing Online | ||
| MKT 225 | Digital Marketing | 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. |
| MKT 270 | Professional Selling | 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. |
| MKT 335 | Digital Advertising | 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. |
| MKT 337 | Marketing Research | 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. |
| MKT 345 | Consumer Behavior | This course explores the behavior that consumers display in searching, purchasing, using,evaluating and disposing of products. |
| MKT 355 | Social Media Marketing Strategy | 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. |
| MKT 400 | Strategic Brand Management | Examine the importance of a company's brand with a focus on the approaches to building, maintaining, growing, and salvaging a brand. |
| MKT 432 | Strategic Marketing Planning (Capstone) | 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. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: 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. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
University Accreditation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into social media marketing?
One great place to start is by finding a degree program that specializes in social media. This gives you the opportunity to build an understanding of the industry, as well as the skills you'll need to break into it.
Our 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 your instructor 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."
What can you do with a social media marketing degree?
The benefits of earning a degree in social media marketing are two-fold: on one hand, you get the broad foundational knowledge you need to succeed in a marketing role; on the other, you get the specialized knowledge of social media, which shows employers that you know how to use those channels to help businesses reach their goals.
"Social media marketing is my favorite career," said Danielle Upham '19 '21G. "I love taking a business and helping them with content creation, reaching their sales goals and increasing brand awareness. These are just a few skills that SNHU has given me and sets me apart from my competition."
Equipped with this knowledge, you'll have what it takes to make an impact in your organization. Those with a social media marketing degree can find success in a number of different roles, including:
- Social media manager
- Social media coordinator/strategist
- Online community manager
- SEO strategist
- Advertising and promotions manager
- Marketing manager
- Brand/product manager
Is social media marketing a good career?
Yes. In fact, for those who are passionate about selling products or building brands through social media, it's a great career.
Not only that, social media marketing - and marketing, in general - can appeal to a lot of different types of people.
“The marketing landscape has a lot to offer, and involves both a strategic approach as well as a creative one,” said Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior associate dean of marketing at SNHU. “So no matter what type of person you are, you can find a home in marketing.”
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 $133,380 in 2021 – well above the median annual pay for all occupations.1 Pair this with a projected job growth percentage of 10% through 2030, and these 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, for example, the work that goes into executing a successful out-of-home (OOH) 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, quick turnaround and with 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.
According to Forbes, consumers in the United States spend an average of 1,300 hours a year on social media. And about 325 of those hours are spent on Facebook.2
In other words, social media offers endless opportunities to engage consumers in meaningful ways. All it takes is the right marketers to capture hearts and minds.
How can I succeed in social media marketing?
Here's the thing: There is 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 SNHU'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 degree1. A specialized social media marketing degree can additionally set you apart to employers seeking for those skills.
What is the best social media marketing course?
The "best" social media marketing course depends on what it is 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 SNHU, 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 you 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 time to take 2 classes at once, or would you be more comfortable with just 1 class mixed in with your other responsibilities?
Many of SNHU's students transfer in from other institutions, and the amount of credit that's accepted into your program here 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). This can save you plenty of time – and money. Not only does SNHU have some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, but taking fewer classes also means spending less on your degree.
"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."
Speak to an admission counselor today to help you decide on a program and schedule that works for you.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
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 Oct. 31, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Forbes, Americans Spent on Average More Than 1,300 Hours on Social Media Last Year, on the internet, at https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2021/06/24/americans-spent-more-than-1300-hours-on-social-media/ (viewed July 15, 2022)