The Certificate in Professional Social Media provides a compact credential by which students can improve their practical, conceptual and creative competencies in online media production in the 21st century. Students emerge from the certificate with skills and dispositions in writing for online media, content strategy, visual storytelling, design thinking, new media entrepreneurship, and a practical understanding of the landscape of creative industries today.

The certificate is primarily oriented toward preparing students for careers in social media marketing, content creation, and media strategy. Pertinent job titles include Social Media Manager, Social Media Strategist, Brand Strategist, Content Strategist, Copywriter, Community Manager, Account Manager, Project Manager, and Digital Producer. Other affiliated career categories include public relations, journalism, user experience design and data analytics.

The certificate is designed to be completed with one year of full-time study. However, students may follow flexible pathways to complete the required courses according to other timelines, fully supporting the concurrent completion of other majors and programs of study at SOU.