Social Media Certificate

In today's digital landscape, compelling and strategic social media content isn't just nice to have—it's essential. The Social Media certificate, offered through the Department of Communications, equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a highly effective and sought-after social media content creator.

What You'll Learn

This focused 12-credit-hour certificate program dives deep into the core principles of successful social media engagement. You'll learn to:

• Master the Theory & Practice: Understand and apply communication theories to develop strategic online messages that build audiences and foster meaningful relationships. You'll gain hands-on experience creating impactful social media content.
• Communicate Effectively Across Platforms: Hone your ability to craft audience-centered communication in various social media formats, including compelling writing and engaging visuals.
• Become a Savvy Analyst: Develop the critical thinking skills to dissect, analyze, and evaluate social media messages, allowing you to create content that truly resonates.

Why Choose the Social Media Certificate? 

• Stand Out from the Crowd: In a competitive job market, this certificate provides you with a valuable and recognized credential, showcasing your specialized social media expertise.
• Boost Your Career Potential: From marketing and public relations to journalism and beyond, strong social media skills are in high demand across virtually every industry. This certificate is a powerful value-add for any Xavier undergraduate.
• Gain a Competitive Edge: Develop a strategic understanding of social media that goes beyond basic posting. Learn to create impactful campaigns, build engaged communities, and measure your success.
• Learn from the Best: Our curriculum is rooted in the Department of Communication's rigorous academic standards, ensuring you receive a practical yet theoretically sound education.

Curriculum: 12 Credit Hours

To earn your Social Media Certificate, you'll complete 12 credit hours, including the following required courses:

1. COMM 235: Digital Design: Learn the fundamentals of visual communication and design principles essential for creating engaging social media content.
2. COMM 270: Introduction to Strategic Communication: Explore the foundational concepts of strategic communication, providing a crucial framework for effective social media strategies.
3. COMM 433: Social Media Strategies (Prerequisite: COMM 270): Dive into the advanced strategies and tactics for building successful social media presences, managing campaigns, and analyzing performance.
4. Choose one elective from:
   • COMM 237: Elements of Copy & Design: Master the art of persuasive writing and visual design for various communication contexts.
   • COMM 371: PR Writing (Will not double count toward Public Relations concentration): Develop specialized writing skills for public relations, applicable to social media communication.
   • COMM 247: Understanding New Media: Explore the evolving landscape of new media technologies and their impact on communication.
   • COMM 332: Media Strategies: Gain a broader understanding of media planning and strategy, relevant to developing comprehensive social media campaigns.
   • COMM 399: Special Topics (Must be related to social media and approved by department chair): Explore emerging trends or specific areas within social media.
   • COMM 477: Strategic Communication Ethics: Examine the ethical considerations and responsibilities of social media professionals.

Want to Learn More?

Contact the program director, Wendy Maxian, at maxianw@xavier.edu, for more information.