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Bachelor of Arts in Social Media Influencing

Social Influencing degree anticipates and parallels trends taking place in the professional world, namely, the problem that messages are no longer controlled by the messenger. Film companies, manufacturers, public agencies, for example, nolonger maintain control over their own brand because what influences public perception is not merely the result of advertising, but those who can influence that perception "socially." This program teaches students how to be social influencers-professionals that assist employers in creating perceptions of their products or services. Historically, this has taken the form of testimonials, product placements in film or television, and celebrity advocates. With the rise of alternative media, broadcast platforms, and new technologies, social influencers have replaced old-style tactics of perception formation.

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

Fall Credits
SCIL 1XXX Science with Laboratory 1
4
Performance Course 4 3
TH 3263 Narrative Film Production 3
SS 1XXX Social Science Courses 1 3
Elective 3
Total Hours 16
Spring Credits
FAH 1XXX Fine Arts and Humanities Courses 1
3
SS 1XXX Social Science Courses 1, 2 3
Social Media Influencing Elective 3 3
Elective 6
Total Hours 15

Fall Credits
JOUR 3173 Public Relations Principles 3
Social Media Influencing Elective 3 3
Elective 9
Total Hours 15
Spring Credits
COMM 3133 Digital Civility 3
TH 4393 3
Elective (3000-4000 level) 4
Elective 5
Total Hours 15

Fall Credits
JOUR 4023 Social Media 3
Elective (3000-4000 level) 9
Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Spring Credits
COMM 4823 Communication Capstone/JOUR 4823 Journalism Capstone 3
Elective (3000- 4000 level) 6
Elective 3
Total Hours 12

1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
2Certain electives and social sciences are recommended based on student’s emphasis.
3Social Media Influencing Electives include: COMM/JOUR/TH Internship or Practicum, JOUR 2143 Media Writing, JOUR 4073 Graphic Communication, COMM 3003 Interpersonal Communication, COMM 3163 Writing for Performance, COMM 3263 Podcast/Radio Theatre Writing, TH 4563 Sound Design for Moving Image, TH 3803 Directing Theories and Techniques, and other courses approved by advisor.
4Performance courses include: TH 2703 Acting Theories and Techniques, COMM 2003 Public Speaking, COMM 2013 Voice and Diction, and COMM 3063 Oral Interpretation.