Food Media Studies Certificate
- Certificate
- On Campus
- Hybrid
In different ways, food and media both play roles in shaping how we see the world. Great cuisine tells the story of a culture’s traditions and history, and digital media can communicate that story to a much larger audience.
Together, they’re a powerful tool for people who want to tell stories about their connection to food, the people who make it, and their thoughts on why we eat the way we do.
Maybe you’re a chef looking to promote your work with multimedia content; maybe you’re an aspiring restaurant critic; or maybe you’re looking to increase your social media presence as a blogger or food writer. Whatever your goals may be, a Certificate in Food Media Studies at Monroe’s School of Hospitality Management and the Culinary Arts will prepare you with the professional tools you need to achieve them.
Why a Certificate in Food Media Studies?
If you’ve ever looked at a mouth-watering photo of an exquisite meal or read an in-depth history of a traditional recipe, then you’ve seen what food media is (and the effect it can have on your appetite). Thanks in part to social media outlets, food and beverage marketing is more visible than ever: more that 90 percent of retail industry food brands use two or more social media channels to increase their digital presence.
It takes more than an Instagram or Pinterest account to make an impact, though. It takes people who know how to create an engaging experience. More than 75 percent of people surveyed say they expect companies to respond to comments on social media, and nearly the same number are more likely to recommend a company with which they’ve had positive social media interactions.
Food media professionals can work with ad agencies, marketing firms, and web and app developers to help clients reach new customers in both the physical and virtual worlds. They can also promote their own products and services through blog posts, images, and online videos. The future of food media is wide open — and with a Certificate in Food Media Studies, you’ll have the skills you need to create your own opportunities.
Curriculum
The Food Media Studies program focuses on culinary storytelling through both the written word and the visual image. Students will explore how media affects our food choices, and how social media influences food trends in particular.
With a special emphasis on entrepreneurship, your Food Media courses will approach branding and marketing from multiple angles, including:
- Food writing and research
- Content editing and management
- Social media management
- Food styling and photography
- Website development and e-commerce
You’ll focus on both digital and physical media; explore the social, political, and cultural aspects of food products and services; learn how to identify your target audience; and travel into the field to interview chefs, farmers, and artisans shaping the culinary world. The program culminates in a capstone course in which students apply the techniques they’ve learned to launch a food media project of their choosing.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Certificate in Food Media Studies?
The Food Media Studies Certificate is an 18-credit program designed to be completed in three (3) semesters — just one (1) year on Monroe’s three (3)-semester academic calendar.
We also offer a hybrid program that combines the flexibility of online learning with in-person practical experience.
Learn more about the requirements for a Certificate in Food Media Studies.
Food Product Styling and Photography
Roughly half of all Americans take pictures of their food and publish the images on social media. Food photography is about more than just a pretty picture, though. It’s about using visual imagery to tell a story. This course will take students through the skills needed to create images for the digital domain: food styling for maximum impact, scene composition and lighting, image processing, and publishing. The course is designed for students of all experience levels, even those who have never even picked up a camera. Students will share their work in the form of a photo journal or blog.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the certificate program in Food Media Studies, applicants must submit:
- A writing sample
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree with an official transcript
A bachelor’s degree is not a requirement in all cases. Applicants with a résumé and portfolio demonstrating prior learning experience in fields related to business and hospitality may be accepted without a degree.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Monroe College as one of the Best Value Schools among Regional Universities North. In addition to our affordable tuition and fees, our financial aid office works hard to help you find every grant, scholarship, and loan for which you might be eligible.
Your Future Food Media Career
With the skills you’ll learn in the Food Media Studies program, you’ll have the professional edge you’ll need to share your passion with the world. You’ll be ready to work in a number of food media jobs, including:
- Content editor
- Freelance food writer
- Copywriter
- Editorial staff writer
- Blogger
- Social media manager
- Cookbook editing
- Food stylist
- Food segment producer
- Food image and brand specialist
The skills you’ll learn will be useful for more than just food-related communications. They’ll serve you in other industries, too, including:
- Advertising and marketing communications agencies
- Newspapers and magazines
- Television and radio
Discover What You Can Achieve
Food and media help shape our culture — and so can you. With a Certificate in Food Media Studies, you’ll have the tools you need to turn your passion into a career.
Factsheet
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