Boise State University announced the launch of a new social media creator certificate, beginning in fall 2023. This new certificate is designed for anyone wanting to define, develop and engage their brand with an online audience. The certificate and individual courses were approved by Boise State’s Deans and the Idaho State Board of Education at its most recent meeting.

“Our thanks to Boise State Online and Dr. Roger Munger for moving this program forward,” said Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey. “This online certificate program provides the flexibility of digital learning for our student-athletes but is also open to anyone seeking skills to navigate today’s constantly-changing social media landscape.”

The certificate includes three courses offered fully online. Each course can be taken independently with no prerequisites. Two courses will be offered each fall and spring, and two summer courses will likely be offered starting in summer 2025. Students can start classes at the beginning of any session and complete their certificate within two semesters.

Dr. Roger Munger, a professor in the Boise State Department of Writing Studies and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, said the opportunity for students and student-athletes to capitalize on the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) in the new certificate program will be unparalleled, thanks in part to the athletic department’s progress in that field. Boise State was named the nation’s Best Institutional NIL Program at the inaugural NIL Awards in June 2022.

“This certificate provides students a quick start in understanding NIL opportunities and creating a content strategy that aligns with their values,” Munger said. “At its core, this three-course undergraduate certificate helps students create content that engages people, inspires action and makes a difference in their communities.”

The university-sponsored courses and certificate program are the latest addition to the most student-athlete friendly NIL program in the country. Boise State’s infrastructure streamlines NIL opportunities, brings value to every eligible student-athlete no matter their individual approach to NIL and creates win-win-win scenarios for Bronco student-athletes, local businesses and Boise State Athletics.

Under the leadership of Mike Walsh, Boise State continues to stay on the cutting edge of the NIL landscape with innovative concepts and programming. The program positions itself as the A.C.E. up the sleeve of Boise State student-athletes by providing Advocacy, Content and Education.

“One of the greatest points of pride for our NIL program is that the educational components are supported at the highest levels of the university,” said Walsh, Boise State’s associate athletic director for strategic communications and business development. “The development and implementation of the social media creator certificate is the most poignant example yet. We are incredibly appreciative of Dr. Munger and his fellow university leaders for believing in the value of these courses and the opportunities that will come to students who take advantage.”

Students earning this certificate will leave with practical knowledge, skills and tools they can apply immediately. The social media creator certificate curriculum provides students with marketable workplace skills related to developing social media engagement and brand strategy, which can help improve their career readiness regardless of their career path.

The social media creator certificate is composed of the following three online courses.

Name, Image, Likeness
This course introduces students to key social media concepts, skills and tools for creating and delivering content that engages and persuades an audience. Students will also focus on developing strategies to identify opportunities for using name, image and likeness that are consistent with the brand and values.

Creating Digital Value
This class investigates leveraging digital technologies and services such as user analytics and search engine algorithms in the development of digital value. Students will practice implementing digital information strategies to create useful, relevant and engaging social media content.

Social Storytelling and Leadership
This course covers the ethical and effective use of storytelling on social media platforms for the benefit of a community. Students will practice identifying and using narrative elements to responsibly promote content that engages and inspires audiences. Topics will include characterization, thematic significance, identity development, types of content, shared purpose and brand voice.

The new social media creator certificate from Boise State provides all students with the opportunity to learn the theory and applied skills of online social engagement.