Social Media Theory and Strategy

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Major in Social Media Theory & Strategy

KU’s B.S. in Social Media Theory & Strategy (SMS) is a one-of-a-kind program combining Business, English, and Communication Studies. Employers are paying top salaries for the digital competency and strategic communications skills you’ll master in this program.

You’ll discover the creative ways social media expertise is applied to meet strategic business objectives with digital marketing techniques that boost sales, create brand loyalty and promote social change. You’ll learn the best practices in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) that makes all the difference for creating effective web content.

The SMS program was developed with the Social Media Analytics Strategic Hub (SMASH); a unique, innovative, collaborative effort with access to software and technology only available at select research institutions in the U.S. Because this is a unique degree designed to serve a burgeoning field, it gives KU graduates a clear competitive advantage.

Download the Checksheet for SMS Majors

Minor in Social Media Theory & Strategy

The department also offers a minor in Social Media Theory and Strategy. The 18 credit hour minor requires students to take 12 required credits across various areas of SMS as well as 6 credit hours of electives. Students majoring in a host of areas including, but not limited to, English, Communication Studies, Marketing, Computer Science, and Music, minor in SMS to gain advantage in our every expanding, digital world.

Download the Checksheet for SMS Minors

Social Media CertificateS

We offer certificates for individuals interested in up-skilling in the social media area.

Emily Lynch, a Social Media & Strategy major answers questions about her interest in social media and the benefits of an SMS degree for internships and jobs.

Maggie Strawoet, a Social Media & Strategy (SMS) major with a minor in Communication Studies (COM) answers questions about her interest in social media and the benefits of an SMS degree for internships and jobs.

This major would not only benefit the students, but would benefit companies...primarily because the major is a rarity and would provide a much more appealing skill set on a resume that current majors are unable to provide

Nick Gorrie '16 Digital Marketing Specialist Altitude Marketing

You want to earn a BA in Social Media Theory and Strategy? You want to add it as a minor to your program? Our SMS major and minor is flexible and fit your educational career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze and recommend appropriate social media marketing communication options.
2. Design effective social media content strategies.
3. Construct high-quality social media projects in multiple modes.
4. Analyze and interpret patterns and trends in social media data.
5. Apply social media content and structures based on ethical and theoretical approaches.
6. Appraise the benefits and drawbacks of specific social media approaches and platforms.

Sample Career Options

Social media content management
Social media analytics
Public advocacy
Digital marketing management
Concept promotion
E-commerce
Digital content marketing
Pay per click (PPC) ad construction and evaluation
Content marketing

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