Center for the Creator Economy

Building real-world skills in media, entrepreneurship and digital strategy through a first-of-its kind academic initiative.

The First University in the Nation to Build a Center Dedicated to the Creator Economy

Syracuse University is creating something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in higher education.

The Center for the Creator Economy is the first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus. Led jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, the center reinforces Syracuse University’s commitment to bold, forward-looking academic leadership.

By aligning strengths in entrepreneurship, media, communications, athletics and digital infrastructure, the University is charting how higher education can prepare students for the 21st-century economy.

What is the Center for the Creator Economy?

Powered by a new class of content creators, from podcasters and streamers to influencers and digital artists, the creator economy is reshaping how ideas, products and services are marketed and monetized. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Substack and Twitch now serve as engines of commerce and influence.

The Center will serve as a dynamic platform for:

  • Teaching and learning: Undergraduate and graduate courses in creative content, audience engagement and digital strategy.
  • Workshops and executive education: Experiential opportunities for students and professionals, from personal branding to influencer law.
  • Speaker series and showcases: A stage for creators, social media executives and digital entrepreneurs.
  • On-campus incubators and makerspaces: Mentorship and funding for student ventures.
  • Research and thought leadership: Sponsoring and publishing research on creator economy trends.
  • College athletics: Partnering with Syracuse University Athletics and the Falk College of Sport to help student-athletes and the University compete in the changing athletics landscape.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Why This Matters Now

Media Meets Innovation banner is seen in the background as an audience listens to remarks

The creator economy is a fast-growing sector where individuals build careers by producing and monetizing content across digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Substack and Twitch. It is reshaping how media is made, shared and consumed.

According to Goldman Sachs Research:

  • 67 million people globally work as full- or part-time creators.
  • The creator economy could be worth nearly $500 billion by 2027.

Preparing students to lead in this space is core to Syracuse University’s mission to make sure students are well-equipped with the dynamic skills needed to move seamlessly into workplaces constantly evolving because of technology, or to build their own businesses as a successful entrepreneur.

Why Syracuse University

Here’s why Syracuse University is uniquely positioned to lead in this emerging field:

Whitman School of Management surrounded by blooming flowers and trees on a Summer afternoon.

Content Creators are Entrepreneurs

Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management’s ranked entrepreneurship program provides a foundation in digital business management, monetization strategy, consumer behavior and data analytics.

Exterior of S.I. Newhouse, School of Public Communications

Content Creators are Communicators

Syracuse University’s Newhouse School offers expertise in media, content production, digital storytelling and audience development—critical in today’s digital-first environment.

Professor Erika Schneider teaches Digital and Social Media Innovation for Public Relations at Newhouse.

Content Creators Compete Digitally

Syracuse University is the nation’s most digitally connected campus, with a campuswide 5G private network powered by JMA Wireless and early adoption of campuswide AI access through Anthropic’s Claude for Education.

Startup Garage at the Newhouse School with students sitting in the room listening to the professor.

Tailored Experiences

Engage in incubators and makerspaces that provide mentorship and funding, while also exploring undergraduate and graduate courses in content creation, audience strategy and digital innovation.

For more information, contact the Center at creatoreconomy@syr.edu.