Arizona State University launches Bachelor's degree in becoming an influencer

AnnaMarie Houlis Sun, July 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM PDT 5 min read

Arizona State University is betting that the next generation of entrepreneurs won't necessarily launch startups. They'll launch personal brands — and, if done right, they can make bank.

Now, young adults have the chance to learn exactly how to do it.

New Degree in Content Creation

The university has introduced a new Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation through its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The program offers students the opportunity to earn a four-year degree focused on becoming professional content creators, digital storytellers and influencers.

Approved by the university senate earlier this year, the program arrives as the creator economy continues to expand into a multibillion-dollar industry. More than 200 million Americans now earn income through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and podcasts. The global creator economy is currently valued at over $250 billion, driven by surging ad spend, advanced creator tools and the evolving artificial intelligence space.

Earning Potential and Aspirations

According to Indeed, the average influencer earns $91,991 per year. For perspective, the average registered nurse earns $93,600 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More than half of young people — 57% of Gen Z — want to become social media influencers, surveys suggest. Overall, 41% of adults express influencer aspirations.

Curriculum Highlights

According to ASU, students will learn:

• Content strategy
• Personal branding
• Audience analytics
• Multimedia production
• Podcasting
• Social media marketing
• Videography

Students will build their own online presences while learning how to analyze performance across multiple platforms, test different content strategies and improve results using audience data.

Notable Courses

One of the program's most attention-grabbing offerings is a course titled "How to Become an Influencer." Students can also choose classes in:

• Podcasting
• On-camera presence
• Social media foundations
• Photography
• Videography
• Editing
• Vocal delivery
• Interpersonal influence

Capstone Project

The curriculum culminates in a capstone project where students are expected to grow a real audience. Instead of simply submitting a paper, students select a platform — such as TikTok or YouTube — develop a content strategy, publish original work throughout the semester and demonstrate measurable audience growth. By graduation, students are expected to have an established platform with followers and engagement metrics they can show potential employers or sponsors.

Academic Rigor and Requirements

The degree maintains the same academic rigor as other bachelor's programs. Students must complete at least 120 credit hours, including general education courses in math, writing and humanities alongside their communications and production classes.

The program is housed within one of the nation's best-known journalism schools, reflecting the increasing overlap between journalism, digital media and creator-driven storytelling.

Hands-On Experience

Students also gain hands-on experience through:

• Internships
• Brand content projects
• The university's Los Angeles Content Studio, where they have the chance to work on professional productions and creator-focused initiatives

Career Paths

ASU says graduates won't be limited to becoming influencers. Career paths include — but are not limited to:

• Content strategist
• Social media manager