Social Media Influencing Degrees Have Gained Traction
As universities formalize content creation curricula, operators should monitor how this training impacts entry-level marketing talent pools.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Internships
Live Poll
Do you believe that social media influencing is a legitimate career path for students?
Higher education institutions like Arizona State University have integrated social media influencing into academic degree programs. This shift follows survey data highlighting a generational divide regarding the viability of influencing as a career path.
Why it matters
The professionalization of content creation through degree programs signals a potential shift in the labor market for marketing and communications roles. Employers may soon need to adjust recruitment and expectations as graduates emerge with formalized training in digital engagement.
A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that 32% of Americans consider influencing a legitimate job, with support split between 43% in favor of related degrees and 33% opposed. Additionally, 51% of adults still prefer a traditional 9-to-5 job over achieving one million social media followers.
The players
Arizona State University
A major public research university that has integrated social media influencing into its academic degree offerings.
The details
Universities are incorporating social media content creation into structured academic degree programs, exemplified by curricula at Arizona State University. While 22% of adults expressed personal interest in enrolling in such programs, generational attitudes remain polarized, with 49% of Gen Z identifying influencing as a real job compared to only 19% of baby boomers.
Timeline
October 1, 2026
Market Landscape
The introduction of influencing degrees follows the broader trend of universities aligning academic paths with digital-native career aspirations. This movement reflects a departure from traditional liberal arts models toward curricula designed to mirror the rapid evolution of digital platforms.
Business operators should assess whether formal academic training in influencing aligns with their specific marketing needs or if practical experience remains the preferred qualification. Hiring managers should consider updating recruitment criteria to evaluate the skill sets provided by these new degree programs.
The takeaway
The legitimization of influencing in academia suggests a shift in the perceived value of digital content skills. Operators should monitor if this influx of degree-holding applicants correlates with higher return on investment for social media campaigns over the next few hiring cycles.
Further reading
For broader trends in how companies recruit entry-level staff, see our coverage of Internships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Times.
Live Poll
Do you believe that social media influencing is a legitimate career path for students?
