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Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media with a concentration in Integrated Social Media from the University of Memphis prepares you for communication and digital media careers that combine social media strategy, content creation, audience engagement, branding, and data-driven decision-making. Designed for students interested in both creative communication and strategic planning, this program prepares graduates for roles such as social media manager, digital content strategist, public relations specialist, brand coordinator, content creator, and communications specialist in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.
Offered through the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, the program blends communication theory, strategic messaging, marketing principles, and applied digital media skills to help students understand how organizations use social media and digital platforms to build audiences, manage brands, run campaigns, and achieve communication goals.
Quick Facts
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media (Integrated Social Media concentration)
Format: Primarily on-campus with flexible course options depending on term availability
Credit Hours: 120 credit hours required for graduation
Focus Areas: Social media strategy, digital content creation, audience analytics, branding, campaign
planning, public relations, multimedia storytelling, and strategic communication
Ideal For: Students seeking careers that combine creativity, communication, and digital strategy
in social media and marketing environments
Career Paths: Social media management, digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, brand
communications, community management, and media coordination
The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media with a concentration in Integrated Social Media at the University of Memphis combines coursework in communication, social media strategy, digital content creation, marketing, analytics, and public relations. Students learn how organizations use social media platforms and digital communication channels to engage audiences, build brands, develop campaigns, analyze performance, and support organizational goals across corporate, nonprofit, government, and agency settings.
The Integrated Social Media concentration develops skills in social media writing, audience research, campaign planning, content strategy, branding, digital analytics, and multimedia storytelling while providing a strong foundation in strategic communication, marketing, media law, and professional development.
University General Education Requirements (41 credit hours)
Students must complete the University General Education Program.
College & B.A. Requirements (6–9 credit hours)
Students must complete all College of Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Arts degree requirements in addition to University General Education requirements.
Journalism and Strategic Media Core (16 credit hours)
The Journalism and Strategic Media core provides students with foundational knowledge in media, writing, communication law, and professional preparation. Coursework develops skills in information gathering, media literacy, professional communication, and ethical media practice while preparing students for advanced study in strategic media and digital communication.
Required Courses:
- JRSM 1700 – Intro to Media
- JRSM 1750 – Media Writing I
- JRSM 2121 – Media Writing II
- JRSM 4700 – Media Law
- JRSM 4950 – Professional Development
Students must also complete one of the following experiential learning requirements:
- JRSM 4930 – Media Internship
OR
- JRSM 4940 – Student Media Practicum
Strategic Media Major Core (21 credit hours)
The Strategic Media core develops skills in strategic communication, audience research, campaign planning, content development, digital analytics, and brand management. Students learn how communication strategies are developed, implemented, and evaluated across a variety of media platforms while gaining experience in strategic writing, visual communication, and campaign execution.
Required Courses:
- STRM 3200 – Intro to Strategic Media
- STRM 3210 – Intro to Strategic Writing
- STRM 3250 – Audience & Analytics
- STRM 4290 – Campaign Research & Planning
- STRM 4295 – Campaigns Implementation & Evaluation
- JRSM 3905 – Graphics for Strategic Media
- JRSM 4710 – Social Media & Society
Marketing Requirements (9 credit hours)
Marketing coursework provides students with an understanding of marketing principles, integrated marketing communications, social media marketing, and audience engagement strategies. These courses strengthen students' ability to connect communication objectives with organizational and business goals.
Select Three of the Following:
- MKTG 3010 – Principles of Marketing
- MKTG 3140 – Integrated Marketing Communications
- MKTG 3340 – Principles of Social Media Marketing
- MKTG 4630 – Social Media Strategies and Analytics
Students should note that permits are required for all MKTG courses offered through the Fogelman College of Business and Economics.
Integrated Social Media Concentration Requirements (15 credit hours)
The Integrated Social Media concentration focuses on the strategic use of social media in organizational communication. Students develop skills in social media writing, content strategy, platform management, audience engagement, branding, digital storytelling, and campaign execution while examining the ethical and societal impacts of social media communication.
Required Courses:
- STRM 3213 – Social Media Writing
- STRM 4210 – Social Media Planning & Management
- STRM 4706 – PR Ethics & Advocacy
Students must also complete an additional six credit hours by selecting two of the following courses:
- STRM 4220 – Branding & Strategic Media
- STRM 4221 – Ad Creative Strategy
- CRMM 4600 – Creative Social Video
- CRMM 4920 – Information Design
- JOUR 3526 – Multimedia Storytelling
- JOUR 4540 – Podcasting
Degree Requirements Summary
Students complete coursework in strategic communication, social media management, digital content creation, audience analytics, campaign planning, branding, public relations, marketing, and multimedia storytelling. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical experience through internships or media practicum opportunities, preparing graduates to support communication, marketing, and social media initiatives across a variety of organizational settings.
Total Hours Required for Graduation
- Total Credit Hours: 120
For additional details regarding course requirements, academic policies, degree pathways, internship opportunities, and graduation requirements, students should consult the University of Memphis course catalog. Students interested in learning more about the Strategic Media program, the Integrated Social Media concentration, transfer pathways, career opportunities, or admissions requirements are encouraged to contact an academic advisor or admissions representative for additional information.
Program Structure and Requirements
What courses are required for the B.A. in Strategic Media with a concentration in Integrated Social Media?
The degree includes University General Education coursework, College of Arts and Sciences and B.A. requirements, Journalism and Strategic Media core courses, Strategic Media major core courses, marketing coursework, and Integrated Social Media concentration courses. Students build knowledge in social media strategy, digital communication, content creation, audience analytics, branding, campaign planning, and media ethics.
What are some of the core courses in the Strategic Media program?
Core Strategic Media and Journalism coursework includes:
- JRSM 1700 – Intro to Media
- JRSM 1750 – Media Writing I
- JRSM 2121 – Media Writing II
- JRSM 4700 – Media Law
- JRSM 4950 – Professional Development
Strategic Media major coursework includes:
- STRM 3200 – Intro to Strategic Media
- STRM 3210 – Intro to Strategic Writing
- STRM 3250 – Audience & Analytics
- STRM 4290 – Campaign Research & Planning
- STRM 4295 – Campaigns Implementation & Evaluation
- JRSM 3905 – Graphics for Strategic Media
- JRSM 4710 – Social Media & Society
How many total credit hours are needed to complete the degree?
The program requires 120 total credit hours for graduation.
Does the program include hands-on or applied learning opportunities?
Yes. Students complete applied coursework in campaign development, audience research, analytics, and digital content creation. The program also includes a required experiential learning component through either a media internship or student media practicum, providing real-world experience in communication, media production, or digital strategy environments.
Can I customize the program with electives?
Yes. Students customize their degree through marketing electives and concentration electives in areas such as:
- Social media marketing and analytics
- Integrated marketing communications
- Branding and strategic media
- Creative advertising strategy
- Multimedia storytelling
- Social video production
- Information design
- Podcasting
This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies toward interests in social media management, digital marketing, content creation, or strategic communication.
Can I transfer previously earned college credits into this program?
Eligible transfer credits may be applied toward degree requirements. Transfer students may be able to reduce the number of courses required for graduation depending on prior coursework and institutional policies.
Online Learning Experience
Is the Strategic Media degree offered online?
The University of Memphis offers a combination of in-person and flexible course options for Strategic Media students. Availability of fully online coursework may vary by term and course offerings.
Is the program designed for working students?
Yes. Many Strategic Media students balance coursework with work, internships, or other responsibilities. Flexible course scheduling and applied learning opportunities support students who are building professional experience while completing their degree.
Do online students earn the same degree as on-campus students?
Yes. Students who complete the program through eligible online or in-person coursework earn the same Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media degree from the University of Memphis.
Admissions and Enrollment
What are the admission requirements for the Strategic Media program?
Applicants must meet University of Memphis undergraduate admission requirements. Transfer students may also need to meet additional academic or transfer credit requirements depending on prior coursework.
What GPA requirements are associated with the program?
Students must maintain minimum GPA requirements for the University General Education program, the upper-division business core, and the Strategic Media major. Most courses require a grade of “C” or higher, with some upper-division requirements specifying higher minimums.
When can I start the program?
Students may begin the program during the fall, spring, or summer terms depending on admission and course availability. Click here to apply now.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
What careers can I pursue with a Strategic Media degree?
Graduates are prepared for careers such as:
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Brand Strategist
- Social Media Coordinator
- Communications Specialist
- Digital Content Manager
- Community Manager
- Media Strategist
Graduates work in corporate marketing departments, public relations agencies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, media companies, and consulting firms.
What skills will I develop in the program?
Students develop skills in:
- Social media strategy and management
- Content creation and digital storytelling
- Audience research and analytics
- Campaign planning and execution
- Branding and integrated communications
- Social media writing and messaging
- Multimedia production
- Digital marketing and engagement strategy
- Strategic communication and media ethics
How is Strategic Media different from journalism or marketing?
Strategic Media focuses on how organizations use communication and digital media strategically to engage audiences and achieve goals. It combines elements of journalism (writing and media production), marketing (audience engagement and branding), and communication strategy (campaign planning and analytics), with a strong emphasis on social media and digital platforms.
Will the program help me build leadership and communication skills?
Yes. The curriculum includes coursework in strategic communication, professional development, campaign planning, and media ethics, helping students build leadership, collaboration, and communication skills needed in digital media and marketing environments.
Does the program prepare students for careers outside the media industry?
Yes. Strategic Media graduates work across industries including corporate communications, healthcare, entertainment, nonprofit organizations, government, education, and technology because nearly every organization relies on digital communication and social media engagement.
Cost and Financial Aid
Is financial aid available for Strategic Media students?
Eligible students may qualify for financial aid including federal aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial assistance offered through the University of Memphis.
Are there cost-saving opportunities for transfer students?
Yes. Transfer students may be able to apply previously earned college credits toward degree requirements, which can reduce total credit hours needed and shorten time to graduation. For more details, click here.
Where can I learn more about tuition, financial aid, and program costs?
Follow this link to explore tuition information, financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, transfer credit policies, and other cost-related resources available through the University of Memphis.
Start or Advance Your Career
This Strategic Media program at the University of Memphis provides a strong foundation for careers in social media strategy, digital marketing, public relations, and strategic communication while also preparing students for a wide range of media and communication roles. Whether students are aiming for social media management, content strategy, brand communications, digital analytics, or integrated marketing roles, the curriculum is designed to support long-term career goals and help build in-demand skills in communication, content creation, audience engagement, branding, and data-informed decision-making.
See Full Outlook From The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment Outlook
Media and communication occupations are projected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, but about 104,800 openings are expected each year due largely to replacement needs. These careers include roles such as public relations specialists, journalists, editors, writers, technical writers, photographers, broadcast technicians, film and video editors, and interpreters and translators. Many positions require a bachelor’s degree, especially in writing, media, communication, and public relations fields, and focus on creating and sharing information across digital and traditional media platforms.
Earning Potential
Media and communication workers earned a median annual wage of $70,300 in May 2024, higher than the median for all occupations. Earnings vary widely by role and industry. For example, public relations specialists earned a median of $69,780, writers and authors $72,270, editors $75,260, technical writers $91,670, and reporters, correspondents, and journalists $60,280. More technical and production-related roles, such as broadcast technicians and photographers, earned median wages of $56,600 and $42,520, respectively. Most professionals in these fields work full time, with some roles requiring additional hours to meet deadlines or production schedules.
Roles related to this degree
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Brand Strategist
- Communications Specialist