Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
What if your next college degree could prepare you for a career on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok? The idea may sound unusual, but content creation is increasingly being treated as a serious profession. Arizona State University (ASU) has now joined this shift by launching a bachelor’s degree focused on content creation.
The new programme is being offered through ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. While it overlaps with existing media and mass communication courses, it adds specialised training in areas such as podcasting, studio production and developing an on-camera presence, according to The Associated Press.
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ASU is not alone in recognising the growing creator economy. Syracuse University, Quinnipiac University and Colorado State University already offer minors related to content creation, while St. Bonaventure University launched its own content creation major last winter.
MORE THAN JUST GOING VIRAL
The rise of these programmes reflects a broader shift in how universities view social media careers. Brooke Erin Duffy, a communication professor at Cornell University, told the Associated Press that colleges are increasingly recognising content creation as a legitimate career.
However, she stressed that being an influencer is far from the effortless lifestyle often portrayed online. Creating content can involve long hours, constant networking, marketing and financial uncertainty.
The creator economy is growing rapidly, with US revenue expected to surpass $20 billion this year, according to eMarketer analyst Max Willens. However, he pointed out that most of this money does not go directly to creators, with sponsored content continuing to be one of the biggest sources of income for influencers.
And a degree, he cautioned, cannot guarantee viral success.
SKILLS THAT GO BEYOND SOCIAL MEDIA
That does not mean education is without value. Phoenix-based creator Aiesha Beasley believes students can benefit even if they never become internet stars. Skills such as communication, marketing, networking and personal branding can be useful across many careers.
ASU graduate and creator Sammy Cristerna also said he would have welcomed the opportunity to study these skills formally while completing his own degree.
THE PRICE OF BECOMING A CREATOR
For students, however, the financial commitment is significant. Arizona-resident tuition at ASU is around USD 12,000 a year, while the total annual cost of attendance can exceed $37,000. Out-of-state students may face costs of more than USD 60,000 before scholarships.
In the end, the degree may not guarantee viral fame or turn every student into a social media star. However, it could provide aspiring creators with valuable skills in communication, marketing, networking and digital content, helping them build a more stable and sustainable career in the growing creator economy.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
