An exceptional and robust presentation on the USC Annenberg Online MCM. Highly recommended. As a current master's candidate (seeking an MS in Social Media Marketing, SNHU), as well as having plans to further my education and add the communications MA credential to my CV as an eMarketing scholar, I'd like to say a few things about the advanced degree in social media. Four programs currently exist in the US; two are communications focused, and two are marketing centered. A Google search reveals several articles which argue against the need for formal social media education. Each is dated from around two years after the time of this writing. Each is also anecdotal and without data-driven evidence. In truth, the need for an academic understanding of social media for industry professionals is critical. Cognizance of peer-reviewed research methodologies, knowledge of digital marketing & communications techniques and critical reasoning skills offer best practice for social media professionals. The idea that all necessary understanding of industrial social media can somehow be gained through work experience alone is hubris. Social media practitioners need to have standardized training if the profession is to evolve in the coming years. An investment in the resources required to achieve an academic credential is one which will not only reward the graduate, but will increase the acceptance of the authoritative archetype throughout the enterprise landscape. While the programs are universal in having a high degree of difficulty and requirements for a great deal of work input on the part of the student, the rewards to be gained for all concerned are myriad. A formal education in social media is necessary to take the next steps of industry growth.
An exceptional and robust presentation on the USC Annenberg Online MCM. Highly recommended.
As a current master's candidate (seeking an MS in Social Media Marketing, SNHU), as well as having plans to further my education and add the communications MA credential to my CV as an eMarketing scholar, I'd like to say a few things about the advanced degree in social media.
Four programs currently exist in the US; two are communications focused, and two are marketing centered. A Google search reveals several articles which argue against the need for formal social media education. Each is dated from around two years after the time of this writing. Each is also anecdotal and without data-driven evidence. In truth, the need for an academic understanding of social media for industry professionals is critical. Cognizance of peer-reviewed research methodologies, knowledge of digital marketing & communications techniques and critical reasoning skills offer best practice for social media professionals. The idea that all necessary understanding of industrial social media can somehow be gained through work experience alone is hubris.
Social media practitioners need to have standardized training if the profession is to evolve in the coming years. An investment in the resources required to achieve an academic credential is one which will not only reward the graduate, but will increase the acceptance of the authoritative archetype throughout the enterprise landscape.
While the programs are universal in having a high degree of difficulty and requirements for a great deal of work input on the part of the student, the rewards to be gained for all concerned are myriad. A formal education in social media is necessary to take the next steps of industry growth.
See why the online MCM program at USC Annenberg has the appeal and recognition it deserves: bit.ly/1JplUlz