Arizona State Launches Influencer Degree Where Students Must Gain Real Followers

Arizona State University has launched a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in content creation that teaches video, podcasting, branding, analytics, media law, and social strategy. For their capstone, students are expected to build a real social media account and demonstrate audience growth during the program. The Content Creation BA is housed within ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and appears in the university’s 2026-2027 course catalog. The 120-credit-hour degree prepares students to become “an influencer and strategic storyteller” by teaching video production, podcasting, personal branding, audience analytics and social media strategy. The program was approved by the ASU University Senate in March 2026. Its proposal said graduates would be prepared to work independently as influencers and content creators across livestreaming, videography, writing, podcasting, graphics and emerging media.

[…] For the program’s final project, students will choose a social media platform, such as TikTok, create a content and growth strategy, and attempt to gain real followers throughout the semester. “They will have demonstrable audience growth,” [explained Jessica Pucci, senior associate dean at the Cronkite School]. “They will have a platform of their choice with real content and real followers and a real audience behind them.” The curriculum includes courses titled How to Become an Influencer, On-Camera Presence, Introduction to Editing, Videography, Podcasting and Audio Storytelling, Social Media Foundations and The Digital Audience.