This post has been updated – 2/18/2013.

APPLE VALLEY, MINN. – Feb. 12, 2013 – Argosy University and the National Institute for Social Media (NISM) have signed an agreement to incorporate social media certification into undergraduate programs at Argosy University.

Through the agreement, students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts, business, psychology or criminal justice through the College of Undergraduate Studies at Argosy University can now choose to take NISM’s Certification Preparation Course (on-ground or online) as an upper-division undergraduate elective class. Upon passing the course, the student can apply to receive three credits toward their graduation requirements and will be prepared to sit for the NISM Social Media Strategist certification exam.

Beginning on Feb. 22, 2013, NISM’s “Social Media Strategist” certification course will be held on campus at Argosy University, Twin Cities, located at 1515 Central Parkway in Eagan, MN 55121. The course will meet each Friday, through Mar. 22, 2013. Upon passing the course and achieving certification, the student can apply to receive three credits toward their graduation requirements.

“Establishing a business presence in social media channels can be as simple as a few mouse clicks, but we’ve learned that leveraging those tools for maximum business or organizational impact requires a deep and thorough knowledge of applicable strategies and tactics,” said Eric Mills, president of NISM. “This premise led us to launch NISM earlier this year, and to develop and offer the first and only certification program in the industry. Argosy University’s partnership with us underscores the need in the market today for truly seasoned talent who can use social media to drive real and measureable business value.”

“Though social media is a relatively new phenomenon, it has had an enormous impact on businesses and society. We look forward to providing our students with the opportunity to bring certification in this field to their roles in their chosen professions,” says Argosy University, Twin Cities Campus President Scott Tjaden.

The NISM Social Media Strategist certification program validates the foundational skills required of professionals using social media. To achieve certification as a Social Media Strategist, participants complete the coursework and are required pass a certification exam covering the six primary content domains of general practitioners in social media: strategic planning; compliance and governance; project management; social media marketing; community management; and research and analysis. Certified professionals have demonstrated at least minimum levels of comprehension and mastery of essential social media best practices, and are able to apply them on the job with a marginal level of supervision.

About Argosy University
Argosy University (www.argosy.edu), with 28 campus locations in 13 states and its online program, is a private academic institution dedicated to providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students in a supportive learning environment where academic knowledge is enriched by the acquisition of interpersonal skills vital to success. Argosy University has seven colleges: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, The Art Institutes and Western State College of Law. With one of the largest communities of graduate students in the nation, Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in Psychology, Business, Counseling and Education. The institution also offers bachelor’s degree programs in Psychology, Business, Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice and, through The Art Institutes, serves as an important source of education for design, media arts, fashion and culinary students and professionals. Degree level and programs offered vary by location. Full and part-time law programs are offered through Western State College of Law. Argosy University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California, 94501,http://www.wascsenior.org). Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2610. See auprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

About the National Institute for Social Media
The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) is dedicated to social media education and certification for professional social media practitioners. The organization’s mission is to provide premier, vendor-neutral public education and resources related to social media. In addition, its Industry Advisory Committee defines and supports certification and continuing education standards for social media professionals in a manner that upholds industry standards for competent practice.

For more information on this story please contact:

Jennifer Radke, Vice President of Business Development
National Institute for Social Media
763-200-6199
Send an Email