Strategic Digital & Social Media

The School of Journalism and Media Studies' Certificate in Strategic Digital & Social Media gives students applied knowledge for a digital-first world. Students will learn media fundamentals and apply them to digital fields to advance their current or future employment opportunities. The Certificate in Strategic Digital & Social Media is conducted mostly online, allowing students the flexibility to continue their current careers as they pursue an advanced degree. This delivery method affords individuals who are employed full time the opportunity to update their skillset, expand their network, and add value to their current employers. The certificate also benefits those entering the job market or searching for new opportunities in the digital sphere. It is designed to bolster in-demand skills, create valuable contacts, and expose students to a myriad of new opportunities.

People, businesses, and institutions around the world have increasingly moved their decision-making to the online sphere, rendering digital media expertise more valuable and in demand than ever. A Brookings Institute report found that jobs requiring a high level of digital skills have more than quadrupled in the twenty-first century, up from 5 to 23 percent of total employment. Another report found that 89 percent of businesses are adopting or plan to adopt a digital-first strategy. Organizations in both the public and private sector who cannot adapt their message to the digital world and connect with their customers and constituents will be outcompeted by those who do.

The Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies has already developed an undergraduate concentration in digital and social media, offering classes in social media strategies, marketing, and networking, the School also sponsors a social media agency, Rebel Media Group, which works with clients in and outside the university. Students with this background often want to continue to learn and develop their understanding and skills in this area, and the certificate opportunity provides them a way to grow. Media professionals also need to update their skills and understanding in this area, so we provide classes online for them, this Certificate offers participants a chance to enhance their skills while still working full time. In addition, the Certificate can benefit the community by offering mid-level managers a chance to increase their knowledge and skills to deal with digital media.

While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College maintains minimum standards for graduate admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

1. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an approved international equivalent.
2. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for your bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
3. Additional Requirements – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, writing samples or portfolios, and any other supporting documents your department/program may ask you to submit to complete your application.
4. International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency – The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English Proficiency.
5. Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. If the institution is outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation may be required. Please review our foreign credential evaluations page for additional guidelines, information, and requirements.
   Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

Credentials from China: Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of their Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted. 

Credentials from India: Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges, are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of their Provisional Certificate.

Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements established and monitored by the Graduate College. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition of admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive and holistic departmental review, which considers a combination of factors, including indicators of success based upon academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, relevant work experience, and the like.