University News

WIU Adds Social Media Minor to Academic Offerings

February 18, 2021

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MACOMB, IL – A new social media minor, offered by the Western Illinois University Department of Communication, has been approved, with new classes offered beginning in Fall 2021.

The minor was approved by the Faculty Senate at WIU earlier this week.

"Adding the social media minor exposes students to advances in theory, research and best practices in social media," said WIU Associate Professor of Communication Josh Averbeck. "Many students have an interest in social media, and this new minor will open doors for their careers. The landscape of social media is ever-evolving and students need the guidance of the experts in our department to keep up and remain competitive after graduation."

The new minor will include the addition of classes in social media and social media analytics. Students will be trained to create effective content, how to manage their online presence and how to create professional-looking graphics.

Students in the new courses can apply the classroom knowledge in WIU's Social Media Lab. This semester, the number of students working in the lab has more than tripled.

Those enrolled in the minor will have the opportunity to complete a variety of remote internships.

For more information on the new social media minor, contact Averbeck at JM-Averbeck@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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