Arizona State launches influencer degree where students must gain real followers

Arizona State University (ASU) has launched a bachelor’s degree for aspiring influencers, with students 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.

Jessica Pucci, senior associate dean at the Cronkite School, told AZFamily that the degree goes beyond teaching students how to record and upload videos.

“I don’t know any content creator who wouldn’t benefit from having world-class faculty whose sole mission is to help you and support your growth as a creator,” Pucci said.

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,” Pucci explained. “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.

Students will also study subjects including media law, communication ethics, media writing and information gathering, alongside traditional general education requirements such as math and history.

The degree offers hands-on experiences in Phoenix and Los Angeles, including the Cronkite School’s LA Content Studio. There, students can develop their own media brand, work with existing companies and learn how to measure and monetize their content.

ASU lists digital influencing, podcasting, content production, digital marketing, social media and brand storytelling among the potential career paths for graduates.