Ask teenagers what they want to be when they grow up, and many will say they want to be an influencer. Because digital media has shaped their entire lives, creating online content feels like a natural career, even if an unusual one. And now they can even earn a college degree in it.

In 2026, Arizona State University launched a bachelor's degree in content creation. The announcement drew quick criticism from people who doubt whether it is a real profession, or whether a degree helps launch a social media career. Several universities already offer such courses, and many are introducing new majors to attract students as their overall numbers shrink.

Brooke Erin Duffy, a communication professor, said schools are finally accepting the field as a serious career path. However, she warned that the work is hard and often pays little at first, despite its image as a dream job.

The creator economy is booming, though the rewards are not shared equally. Max Willens, an analyst who studies the industry, said social media creator revenue in the United States is expected to exceed $20 billion in 2026. Still, he explained, most of that money will not reach individual creators, whose largest earnings come from sponsored posts. A degree alone, he added, will not turn someone into a viral star.

Even so, creators see value in these programs. One said the courses could teach useful skills such as marketing and negotiating brand deals. However, he believed that personality would be the hardest thing to teach.