Social media websites, like Twitter, Facebook, Bebo, MySpace, and other things the average person doesn’t even know about yet, are becoming serious business.  MySpace was bought by Fox Interactive Media for $580 million dollars.  Facebook’s value is in the $15 billion dollar range, if you believe that Microsoft’s 1.6 percent stake in the company is worth the $240 million they paid for it.  These social media websites are so prevalent that Birmingham City University in England is offering a £4,400 MA in Social Media.  That’s right, you can get a Masters Degree in spamming Twitter.

Is this course anything new to college-aged kids?  Of course not.  One of the students at the university, Jamie Waterman, described the course thusly:  “Virtually all of the content of this course is so basic it can be self taught.  In fact most people know all this stuff already.  I think it’s a complete waste of university resources.”

Honestly?  Pretty much every college class can be self taught if you’re smart enough.  At least all the introductory courses.  That’s one of the reasons why college students can get away with all the partying.  That said, for someone inexperienced in the ways of the Internet or someone wanting to learn how to become one of the many social media marketers out there (I was one myself for about four months until I decided it wasn’t for me) would definitely get something out of the class.

For the budding journalist or the wily veteran reporter, Twitter use is one of the many important tools needed to keep ahead of the news industry curve.  Likewise, being active on social media and networking sites is crucial to making and maintaining connections with important figures in the industry, contacts, and general schmoozing (through friends is how I’ve gotten most of the paying work I’ve done online).

If you’re a member of the Twitterati, feel free to follow PopFi’s Twitter feed so you can get all the best in unusual news sent right to your friend feed!

Tags: college courses, unusual college classes, twitter, facebook, social media, bebo, marketing, Birmingham City University, England, higher education

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