Online Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication – Social Media Management

Are you the first to learn about new social media platforms? Do you wonder what goes into the social media strategy for your favorite companies? If so, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in technical communication with a concentration in social media management may be an ideal fit. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills to manage social media strategy and implementation in organizations across industries.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Technical Communication – Social Media Management (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What does a social media manager do?

Social media managers work in fast-paced environments, managing their time between driving strategy and communicating updates to their audiences. These professionals are also responsible for delivering accurate information to the public that is mindful of the economic, social and cultural health of the communities they serve. Taught through a technical communication lens, this program prepares you to deliver specialized information about, for and through technology. You’ll build the skills and knowledge needed to create social media content suitable for a wide range of audiences and purposes.

Note that this is not a journalism degree that specializes in news production. This program equips you to deliver organizational information via social media management strategies such as technical information, crisis or reputation management, customer service and content development. If you want to pursue roles in social media, but the technical communication aspect doesn’t interest you, the Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and media studies is a better alternative.

What you’ll learn in a social media management degree concentration

In this project-oriented program, you’ll take courses that focus on writing, design, management and other techniques for producing a variety of content. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about podcasting, grant writing, data visualization, usability testing, accessibility, global partnerships and more. While the courses are writing intensive, you’ll explore technical communication through visual, video and audio mediums.

In your social media concentration courses, you’ll receive insight into the opportunities, concerns and demands associated with professional social media management. Topics range from reputation management and customer service to content development and strategic planning. Because social media is constantly evolving, the curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest concepts, approaches and platforms.

Gain the skills you need for a career in social media management

This social media management concentration teaches you how to communicate ethically and effectively online. During this program, you’ll gain knowledge about the history, theory and techniques of professional social media production. Practical skills you’ll develop include:

  • Advanced technological skills for social media production.
  • Collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Content development and management.
  • Managing design projects.
  • Writing clearly and effectively for specific audiences.

Upon graduating, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career in writing, editing, design, multimedia creation, research and more. You can use your skills in private businesses, civic or governmental organizations and nonprofits.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Featured social media management courses

Courses in this program provide you with practical experiences that involve completing community-engaged projects, using social media management tools and communicating through various mediums. Topics range from understanding digital ethics in internet governance and policy to using programs, such as Hootsuite, Buffer and Adobe Creative Cloud. Courses may include:


MCO 307: The Digital Audience


TWC 422: Social Media in the Workplace


TWC 451: Copyright and Intellectual Property in the Electronic Age


TWC 301: Fundamentals of Writing for Digital Media (L)


TWC 401: Fundamentals of Technical Communication (L)


TWC 411: Principles of Visual Communication (L)


TWC 421: Principles of Web Authoring (L)


TWC 431: Principles of Technical Editing


The social media management jobs you’ll be prepared for

As a graduate with a social media management degree concentration, you’ll stand out from others competing for roles in the field. Your ability to deliver complex technical information through online platforms allows you to serve employers and the public. You can pursue a variety of career paths, including social media specialist or manager, user experience designer, communication specialist and more. Additional career opportunities include, but aren’t limited to:

Communications Specialist


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $73,150

Document Management Specialist


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $98,740

IT Project Manager


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $98,740

Instructional Specialist


Growth: 2.5 %
Salary: $66,490

Market Research Analyst


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Public Relations Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $67,440

SEO Specialist


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Technical Writer


Growth: 6.9 %
Salary: $79,960

Web Designer


Growth: 15.2 %
Salary: $83,240

Learn from leading experts social media management

Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are deeply committed to exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.

  • American Educational Research Association fellows.
  • American Psychological Association fellows.
  • Fulbright scholars.
  • Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.

Learn from leading experts social media management

Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are deeply committed to exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.

  • American Educational Research Association fellows.
  • American Psychological Association fellows.
  • Fulbright scholars.
  • Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at a globally recognized university

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 10%


best global universities.

80%


of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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