What Can You Do With a Social Media Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What Can You Do With a Social Media Degree in 2025?

A social media degree can open doors to many roles across marketing, communication, and digital content fields. In 2025, these careers are not limited to managing posts—they cover strategy, branding, analytics, and audience engagement across multiple platforms.

Similarly, understanding what can you do with an entertainment business degree can expand your perspective on roles that blend media, marketing, and business strategy, such as working with production companies, streaming services, or talent management agencies.

Graduates can find opportunities in areas such as:

• Social Media Manager – Oversee brand accounts, create content plans, and track performance.
• Digital Marketing Specialist – Run paid campaigns, manage SEO, and use data to improve results.
• Content Creator – Develop videos, graphics, and articles that connect with audiences.
• Social Media Analyst – Study data to measure engagement and guide strategy.
• Community Manager – Build and maintain online communities for brands or organizations.

These jobs are available in many industries, from tech and entertainment to nonprofits and government agencies. With the social media market growing each year, graduates who combine creative skills with data analysis and communication expertise will have the strongest career prospects.

How much can you earn with a social media degree?

In the United States, salaries for social media graduates can vary widely depending on the role, experience level, and industry. Entry-level positions such as social media coordinators typically earn between $42,000 and $52,000 per year, while mid-level professionals like social media managers often see salaries in the range of $60,000 to $78,000 annually.

Those who advance into broader media and communication careers—such as technical writers ($91,670), editors ($75,260), or public relations specialists ($69,780)—can earn significantly more, especially if they bring strong writing, strategy, and content production skills to the role. 

Similarly, knowledge of coding or web design can expand career options, and understanding the web development salary landscape helps set realistic expectations for those combining social media expertise with front-end or full-stack skills.

Resources such as a spiritual psychology career guide show how blending creative and human-centered communication skills can also open doors to niche but rewarding opportunities.

Location plays a major role in earnings. Professionals in cities with strong marketing and tech sectors—such as New York, San Francisco, or Seattle—can earn well above national averages.

For instance, social media managers in major metropolitan areas often make $85,000 or more annually, reflecting both the higher cost of living and the increased demand for digital talent. Additionally, industries like technology, e-commerce, and entertainment tend to offer some of the most competitive salaries for social media-related positions.

Freelance and remote opportunities can also be highly lucrative for experienced professionals. Many U.S.-based freelancers working with global clients earn rates that translate to $50–$100 per hour, allowing them to surpass traditional salaried incomes.

This flexibility, combined with the growing demand for online brand presence, makes the earning potential for social media graduates higher than ever for those who can blend creative content production with data-driven strategy.

What skills will make you competitive in social media careers?

To stand out in social media careers, you need a mix of creative, technical, and communication skills. Employers look for candidates who can both create engaging content and understand the data behind its performance.

Key skills include:

• Content Creation – Ability to produce eye-catching visuals, videos, and written posts tailored for each platform.
• Analytics – Using tools like Google Analytics or platform insights to track engagement and improve strategies.
• Social Media Advertising – Running paid campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach specific audiences.
• Copywriting – Writing clear, persuasive captions and ads that encourage action.
• Community Management – Engaging with followers, answering questions, and building relationships online.

Just like understanding the nuances in a bookkeeper vs accountant comparison helps clarify financial roles, knowing the distinctions between different social media skills can help you position yourself as a more versatile professional. Soft skills like adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving are just as important.

The social media world changes quickly, so staying updated on trends and new tools will give you an advantage. Professionals who can blend creativity with data-driven decisions will have the strongest career prospects.

How does a social media degree prepare you for the future of marketing?

In today’s digital-first world, marketing is no longer limited to billboards, TV ads, or print campaigns. Social media drives how brands connect with customers, build trust, and stay relevant.

In fact, over 80% of marketers say influencer marketing is a highly effective strategy, highlighting the importance of mastering digital channels where audience engagement is at its peak. A social media degree equips graduates with the skills and tools they need to thrive in this fast-paced and constantly changing industry.

Just as students might wonder is forensic science a difficult degree before pursuing it, understanding the challenges and opportunities of a social media degree can help future marketers prepare for the demands of the field.

Builds essential digital marketing skills

A social media degree trains you to reach and engage audiences in a rapidly evolving online environment. You learn how to combine creative storytelling with brand strategy and data-driven insights—core skills for success as marketing becomes increasingly digital.

Trains you in multi-platform strategy

Graduates gain hands-on experience designing campaigns for different platforms, using analytics to measure success, and adjusting strategies based on audience behavior. You also explore paid advertising, influencer partnerships, and emerging tools like AI-powered content creation.

Keeps you ahead of marketing trends

Social media is now central to brand visibility and customer engagement. A degree ensures you understand both the creative and analytical sides of marketing, giving you the ability to adapt to trends and market changes. By graduation, you’re prepared to take on roles that shape how businesses connect, sell, and grow.

Can you work internationally with a social media degree?

Yes, a social media degree can open doors to international career opportunities. Digital marketing is a global industry, and the skills you gain—such as content creation, audience engagement, and analytics—are valued by companies worldwide. Many organizations operate across multiple countries and need professionals who can adapt campaigns to different cultures and languages.

With the rise of remote work, you can also collaborate with international clients or agencies without relocating. Just as someone might ask is being a speech pathologist worth it before pursuing that career, it’s worth evaluating how a social media degree can translate into global opportunities.

Working abroad in social media does require flexibility and cultural awareness. Strategies that perform well in one country may need to be adjusted for another due to differences in consumer behavior, trends, and platform popularity.

For example, TikTok might be dominant in one market, while other platforms like WeChat or LINE take the lead elsewhere. A strong understanding of local customs, marketing regulations, and digital habits will help you succeed in a global setting.

If you want to relocate for work, a social media degree can help you stand out when applying for visas or work permits, especially in marketing hubs like London, Sydney, Toronto, or Singapore.

Many graduates also start by building an online portfolio and networking with international brands through freelance projects. This not only develops global experience but also makes it easier to transition into a full-time role abroad.

How do you advance your career after getting a social media degree?

Earning a social media degree is just the starting point for building a long-term career in the digital marketing industry. To grow professionally, you need to keep developing your skills, expanding your network, and seeking opportunities that challenge you. The more you stay ahead of trends and technology, the more valuable you become to employers and clients.

Much like researching cheap graphic design schools to get a cost-effective start in design, finding affordable ways to upskill in marketing can help you advance without taking on excessive debt.

Here are some effective ways to advance your career after graduation:

• Gain certifications in areas like Google Analytics, Meta Blueprint, or social media advertising.
• Build a strong portfolio showcasing your best campaigns, analytics results, and creative work.
• Network actively by attending industry events, joining marketing associations, and connecting with professionals online.
• Pursue advanced education such as a master’s degree in digital marketing or communications.
• Specialize in a niche like influencer marketing, social media strategy, or brand storytelling to stand out.
• Stay updated on trends by following industry news, taking online courses, and experimenting with new platforms.
• Seek leadership roles to gain experience managing teams, budgets, and long-term marketing strategies.

Additionally, branching into user experience (UX) design can complement social media expertise, and exploring UX design jobs allows graduates to merge marketing, research, and interface design skills—opening doors to roles in app development, website optimization, and digital product strategy.  

The following chart gives you an idea of the most common social media manager degrees that candidates take.

What types of companies are hiring social media graduates?

Social media graduates are in demand across nearly every industry because businesses of all sizes rely on online engagement to reach customers. From startups to global corporations, organizations need skilled professionals to manage their digital presence, run campaigns, and analyze results. 

The flexibility of social media skills means graduates can choose to work in industries that match their personal interests and career goals. Data from PR Newswire shows that 70% of small businesses use social media advertising as their top marketing channel, far surpassing print (34%) or PPC/search engine ads (31%), underscoring just how critical these skills are in the job market.

Startups and small businesses

Startups often hire social media graduates to help build their brand from the ground up. In smaller companies, you may wear many hats—creating content, running ads, and engaging with followers—making it a great environment to learn quickly and gain diverse experience.

Large corporations and brands

Big companies, especially in tech, retail, and entertainment, maintain full social media teams. These roles often focus on strategy, specialized campaigns, and data-driven marketing to reach large audiences.

Nonprofits and community organizations

Nonprofits use social media to spread awareness, attract donations, and mobilize supporters. Working in this sector can be rewarding for graduates interested in mission-driven work.

Government agencies and public institutions

Government bodies and public institutions hire social media specialists to share information, engage with communities, and promote public initiatives in a clear, accessible way.

How important is a portfolio for a social media career?

A portfolio is one of the most important tools for landing a social media job. Unlike a resume, which lists your skills and experience, a portfolio shows real examples of your work—campaigns you’ve run, content you’ve created, and results you’ve achieved.

Employers and clients want to see proof that you can produce engaging content, manage platforms effectively, and drive measurable results. A strong portfolio can make you stand out, even if you’re competing against candidates with more years of experience.

Just as students considering fast-track educational counseling master's programs online look for ways to demonstrate their skills quickly, aspiring social media professionals can use a portfolio to showcase abilities and results early in their careers.

For entry-level professionals, a portfolio is also a way to showcase potential when you don’t yet have a long work history. You can include projects from internships, freelance work, personal branding efforts, or even class assignments that demonstrate creativity and strategic thinking. Adding analytics—such as engagement rates, follower growth, or conversion data—helps show that your work delivers impact, not just aesthetics.

In 2025’s competitive job market, a portfolio is often just as essential as your formal education. Social media is a results-driven field, and employers value candidates who can show—not just tell—what they can do. Whether you’re applying for a full-time role, freelance project, or remote position, your portfolio serves as your personal brand in action.

Can a social media degree lead to self-employment?

Yes, a social media degree can be a strong foundation for building a self-employed career. The skills you gain—such as content creation, advertising strategy, analytics, and audience engagement—are exactly what businesses need but often outsource to freelancers or consultants. With these skills, you can offer services like social media management, ad campaign creation, influencer outreach, or content production to a variety of clients.

Many graduates choose freelancing because it offers flexibility in working hours, location, and client selection. You can start small by managing accounts for local businesses or nonprofits, then scale up by building a portfolio, networking, and specializing in a niche like e-commerce marketing or video content. This approach allows you to set your own rates and potentially earn more than in a traditional salaried role.

Self-employment also opens opportunities for creating your own brand, whether as a content creator, influencer, or digital agency owner. However, success requires more than creative skills—you’ll need to handle client communication, contracts, invoicing, and marketing your own services. With the right mix of business management and social media expertise, a degree can be your launchpad to running a profitable independent career.

Is a social media degree worth it in 2025?

A social media degree can be a strategic investment for those aiming to enter a rapidly expanding digital marketing industry. Businesses continue to increase digital ad spend, with social media now ranked as the top advertising channel for 70% of small businesses. The degree equips graduates with in-demand skills such as content creation, brand strategy, analytics, and audience engagement—competencies directly tied to high-growth marketing roles.

However, cost is a major factor. Graduates in communication, journalism, and other related programs carry an average student loan debt of $25,925 (Education Data Initiative, 2024). To justify that investment, it’s important to consider earning potential. Median salaries for communication-related careers vary widely—from $69,780 for public relations specialists to $91,670 for technical writers—making it possible to recover educational costs in just a few years for those in higher-paying roles.

While some social media professionals succeed through self-taught skills and portfolios, a degree can accelerate career entry, increase credibility with employers, and provide access to internships, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In a competitive job market, pairing a formal education with continuous trend monitoring and practical experience maximizes the degree’s return on investment.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Social Media Degrees

Other Things You Should Know About Social Media Degrees

What degree is good for social media?

A good degree for social media is typically in fields like social media marketing, digital marketing, communications, or public relations. These programs teach skills in content creation, analytics, branding, and advertising—essential for managing online campaigns. Some schools also offer specialized degrees focused solely on social media strategy. Choosing a program with hands-on projects and internships can give you practical experience, which is just as important as classroom learning in building a successful career in this fast-changing industry.

What is a degree in social media called?

A degree in social media is often called a Bachelor’s in Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing, or Social Media Management. Some universities also offer concentrations in social media within broader majors like communications or marketing. Program names vary by school, but all focus on teaching platform strategies, content creation, and analytics. The curriculum blends creative and technical skills to prepare graduates for roles in brand promotion, audience engagement, and data-driven campaign planning.

What is the highest paid social media job?

The highest paid social media jobs are typically in leadership and strategy roles, such as social media directors, digital marketing managers, or head of social media strategy. These positions can pay well over $100,000 annually in the U.S., especially in industries like tech, e-commerce, and entertainment. Salaries increase with experience, advanced skills in analytics and advertising, and the ability to lead large teams and oversee complex, multi-platform campaigns for high-profile brands.

Can you go to college for social media?

Yes, you can go to college for social media. Many universities now offer degree programs specifically in social media marketing or include it as a specialization within marketing, communications, or public relations majors. These programs teach students how to create content, manage brand accounts, run paid campaigns, and analyze performance data. Going to college for social media can provide structured training, networking opportunities, and credentials that help in securing competitive jobs in the digital marketing field.