Want to Be an Influencer? There’s Now a College Degree for It

A Degree for the Creator Economy

Want to become a content creator? You can now study it as a college major. Arizona State University (ASU) has launched a new bachelor’s degree in content creation through its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The programme covers areas such as podcasting, studio production, on-camera performance and digital media, alongside broader communication and media studies.

More Than Just “Being an Influencer”

The degree has sparked debate online, with critics questioning whether content creation really needs a college degree. But industry experts argue that being a successful creator involves much more than posting videos. Creators have to understand audience building, content strategy, brand partnerships, production, monetisation and business relationships. Cornell communication professor Brooke Erin Duffy says the work is often far more time-consuming and labour-intensive than the popular image of an influencer suggests.

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The Creator Economy Is Growing

The move comes as universities increasingly recognise content creation as a legitimate career path. Institutions including Syracuse University, Quinnipiac University and Colorado State University already offer content-creation minors, while St. Bonaventure University has also introduced a major in the field. Meanwhile, the US creator economy continues to expand. But experts caution that billions generated by the industry don’t necessarily translate into huge earnings for individual creators. Most creator income comes from brand partnerships, sponsored content, platform monetisation and commissions.

Can College Teach You to Go Viral?

That’s where the debate gets interesting. A degree can teach the technical and business side of content creation, but virality, personality and audience connection are harder to put into a syllabus. ASU graduate and creator Sammy Cristerna believes the courses could have helped him understand brand deals, monetisation and audience development. But he also points out one challenge: personality is difficult to teach.

Is This the Future of Media Education?

Content creation is no longer just a side hustle. For many, it has become a full-time profession and a growing part of the media industry. ASU’s new degree reflects that shift but whether a college qualification can actually make someone a successful creator remains an open question.