Social Media Certificate
The Scripps College of Communication Social Media Certificate program is offered through the School of Media Arts and Studies. Students complete three core courses and three electives in schools across the college.
Over 300 students have enrolled in the Scripps College of Communication Social Media Certificate Program. Why so many? Students who sign up say having this credential on a resum茅 will provide a vital edge in the competitive job market our new graduates enter today.
Program Overview
Effective citizenship and career pursuits require social media competencies in new modes of information exchange, idea production and personal connection. The Social Media Certificate (SMC) program will explore such topics as: information sharing, entertainment values, organizational behavior, marketing practices, geopolitics, social networking.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Almost all new graduates will use social media at work. Organizations are adapting traditional roles to encompass social media responsibilities. Teachers connect with classes for work on social media platforms, professionals in arts organizations connect with their audiences through an array of social media, and health professionals use these tools to exchange information. Marketers rely daily on social media. Across disciplines, social networking skills can lead job seekers to resources and relationship prospects that aid job candidacy through such paths as LinkedIn and Instagram.
Admissions Information
Students are eligible for entry with a 3.0 GPA, must maintain a 3.0 GPA overall, and must complete an 18 credit-hour minimum. Students are required to earn a C or above in MDIA 2113: Social Media Introduction and MDIA 4120: Advanced Social Media.
Learn more about the program and view course requirements and electives on the webpage.
Required Courses
Complete the following courses:
| Required Courses | |
|---|---|
| MDIA 2113 - Social Media Introduction | 3 Cr Hrs |
| COMS 3200 - Communication and New Technology | 3 Cr Hrs |
| MDIA 4120 - Advanced Social Media | 3 Cr Hrs |
Elective Courses
Complete at least 9 hours from the following:
| Electives - Available Spring 2026 | |
|---|---|
| MDIA 3122 - Content Curation | 3 Cr Hrs |
| MDIA 3705 - Podcasting Production Essentials | 3 Cr Hrs |
| MDIA 4011 - Media and the Digital Divide | 3 Cr Hrs |
| MDIA 4176 - Technology, Communication, and Culture | 3 Cr Hrs |
| MDIA 4930 - Social Media Storytelling Lab (Special Problems) | 3 Cr Hrs |
| COMS 3250 - Communication Technology and Organizing | 3 Cr Hrs |
| JOUR 2500 - Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations | 3 Cr Hrs |
| JOUR 4530 - Strategic Social Media | 3 Cr Hrs |
Note: Special Topics courses such as Social Media and Politics, are occasionally offered as electives. Elective options may vary and are not available every semester, so be sure to check the current course schedule or the social media certificate website each term for updates.
Double-dipping
- Courses in the Social Media Certificate potentially "double dip鈥濃攕atisfy a maximum of two DARS requirements. Planning is essential. Not planning costs time and money.
- Outside MDIA: Consult your major advisor on how other SMC courses"double dip鈥 for you.
Insider Information
- Social Media classes fill quickly. Register as soon as your time arrives.
- JOUR 4530: Strategic Social Media requires that Journalism majors have two pre-requisites. Students who are in the Social Media Certificate program need permission from Dr. Jain for JOUR 4530 because the second catalog pre-req is not required for SMC students. Like other classes in the program, JOUR 4530 fills quickly, so stay on the ball.
- COMS 3200: Communication and New Technology has set-aside seats for graduating seniors only. If the class is full when you are trying to register as a graduating senior, get waitlisted and contact the instructor immediately with through the online permission system.
- Visual Communication students may count VICO 3111: Infographics as an elective. Non- majors do not have access to this course.
- Most SMC classes are in the classroom. Some are online. MDIA Summer classes are online.
Please Note: Students are required to attend all announced Social Media Certificate check-ins. These meetings generally last an hour and cover progress toward graduation, DARS changes, program news, and other topics.