Graceland Announces Creation of Two Exciting Majors

Digital Content Creation and Marketing Majors Launch to Meet Student and Employment Demands

by Shane Adams

Lamoni, IA (01/17/2023) — Graceland University is excited to announce the launch of two new majors, Digital Content Creation and Marketing, beginning in the fall of 2023.

Digital Content Creation is a unique interdisciplinary program that combines communication, creative arts, and writing to provide students with a well-rounded education in the in-demand field of content creation. Overall employment in media and communications occupations is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade, and the median annual wage for positions in this area is $62,340, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This unique program will feature hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and a capstone course to give students the skills and experience they need to succeed in their careers.

"Digital Content Creation is such an exciting new major for Graceland," said Mark Gardner, Assistant Professor of Communication. "I am thrilled to offer it to our students. There are so many opportunities in the job market for multi-tool content creators and this program gives students not only the technical capabilities but also the theory and critical thinking needed to succeed."

Graceland's Marketing major is the newest offering from the C.H. Sandage School of Business (SSOB) and caters to students interested in careers in strategic marketing, sales, and other similar occupations. Marketing is an in-demand degree, and this program builds on the popular programs that already exist in the SSOB, leveraging the talents of the new faculty members like Assistant Professor of Business Ioseb Gabelala, DBA, who brings knowledge of international business marketing to the department. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and make an impact.

Jeff McElroy, Chair of the SSOB said, "We are thrilled to honor the legacy of the C.H. Sandage School of Business with the launching of our Marketing degree. Sandage was an innovative educator in the world of advertising and marketing, so launching this degree is, in many ways, a nod to his influence that continues to this day. Marketers are in high demand, and we believe this program will provide students with the educational foundation needed for successful careers."

These new majors were developed by faculty with an eye toward relevance and growth, and they are made even more valuable with Graceland's Transformational Leadership major, a second major that all students receive as part of their undergraduate education. Transformational Leadership combines general education, leadership, and strategic skills courses; this bonus major provides Graceland students with a well-rounded education that is rooted in the liberal arts and readies them for the next step in their lives, regardless of their chosen career path.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer these two new majors to our students," said Dr. Joel Shrock, Graceland Vice President for Academic Affairs. "We are committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares our students for success in their careers. These new majors will give our students the opportunity to explore their passions and pursue their dreams in two highly sought-after career fields."

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