Social Media Management Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Social Media Management program equips students with the skills to plan, execute, and analyze social media campaigns. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, students develop expertise in content creation, data analysis, and project management. Graduates are prepared for careers in various social media roles, including brand ambassador, community manager, and social media analyst.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the emerging field of social media management.

• Master social media content creation and management: Students will gain proficiency in creating and managing engaging social media content using images, video, and text to enhance brands and improve online engagement.
• Analyze social media data and interpret consumer needs: Students will learn to interpret social media analytics to determine consumer needs relating to goods and services in domestic and international markets.
• Lead and manage social media projects: Students will develop the skills to organize and lead individuals involved in a social media project team to create and execute complex, coordinated social media campaigns.
• Build and sustain customer relationships: Students will learn strategies to establish, build, and sustain relationships with customers using social media tools.
• Stay informed about social media trends and tools: Students will identify and critique social media trends and tools to align the specific needs of the organization and optimize the effectiveness of communication initiatives.
• Ensure ethical and legal compliance: Students will evaluate social media campaigns for adherence to ethical, legal, and privacy regulations and legislation.
• Develop research and investigation skills: Students will combine research and investigation techniques to create purposeful social media content able to inform, educate, and/or influence consumers using substantiated content.

Outline:

The program is delivered over two semesters, four days a week. It includes a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences, with a strong emphasis on hands-on application.

Term One (Fall):

• SOME9100 - Social Media Strategies (3 credits): This course covers the fundamentals of social media strategy, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
• SOME9110 - Writing for Social Media (3 credits): This course focuses on developing effective writing skills for social media platforms, including content creation, tone, and style.
• SOME9120 - Online Marketing and Public Relations (6 credits): This course explores the intersection of online marketing and public relations, covering topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and crisis communication.
• SOME9130 - Canadian Media Practices and Law (3 credits): This course provides an overview of Canadian media law and ethics, including copyright, defamation, and privacy.
• SOME9140 - Visual Communications (3 credits): This course introduces students to the principles of visual communication, including design, typography, and photography.
• SOME9150 - Videography (3 credits): This course covers the basics of videography, including camera operation, editing, and storytelling.

Term Two (Winter):

• SOME9200 - Applied Projects I (3 credits): This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world projects.
• SOME9260 - Paid Campaigns and Analytics (3 credits): This course explores the use of paid social media advertising, including campaign planning, targeting, and measurement.
• SOME9270 - Campaign Leadership and Management (3 credits): This course focuses on the leadership and management skills required to lead and execute successful social media campaigns.
• SOME9280 - Entrepreneurship and Career Development (3 credits): This course provides students with the tools and resources they need to develop their entrepreneurial skills and prepare for a career in social media.
• SOME9300 - Applied Projects II (6 credits): This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a capstone project, which involves planning and leading a social media campaign for a community client.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Students will complete a variety of assignments, such as case studies, research papers, presentations, and social media campaigns.
• Exams: Students will take exams to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Projects: Students will work on individual and group projects to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
• Portfolio: Students will develop a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in key concepts and theories.
• Discussions: Discussions encourage students to engage with the material and share their perspectives.
• Group work: Group work provides students with the opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other.
• Case studies: Case studies provide students with real-world examples of social media strategies and campaigns.
• Guest speakers: Guest speakers from the industry provide students with insights into current trends and best practices.

Careers:

Graduates of the Social Media Management program are prepared for a variety of careers in the social media industry, including:

• Brand ambassador
• Community manager
• Content strategist
• Customer relations specialist
• Digital content, media, or marketing manager
• Marketing coordinator
• Social analytics manager
• Social media analyst, strategist, coordinator, or influencer

Other:

• The program provides students with the opportunity to network with industry professionals and access the freelance market.
• Students will gain business and marketing skills, learn creativity techniques, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Assessment: Specific assessment criteria for each module or assignment.
• Teaching: Details on specific teaching methods used in each module or course.