eSports degrees are finally being taken seriously. Here’s why…

In 2022, the US eSports industry was valued at $1.39 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.7% to potentially reach $5.48 billion by 2029. As eSports gain more traction, colleges and universities are stepping up to train the next generation for the future of gaming. Leading this initiative are a variety of eSports degrees, ranging from player-focused programs to courses in eSports business and psychology.

For those who aspire to a top position in the eSports industry getting a degree could offer a competitive edge. However, it’s worth noting that the sector still largely values experience and transferable skills with many professionals transitioning from more traditional career backgrounds. 

This raises several questions then: Do these academic institutions offer esports degrees as a strategy to stay current with today’s emerging markets and youth culture? Or do these programs provide real value, substance and above all, relevance? Let’s take a look.

Your future title

Full eSports degrees are now available at leading universities around the world including countries as diverse as Malta, Norway, Spain and South Korea. In the United States alone, there are at least 170 NACE member colleges and universities with growing programs. These include the University of California at Irvine, the University of Texas at Arlington, Ohio State University, Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey and more. 

Programs can vary from one institution to another but many include a mix of business, marketing and computer science courses, all geared towards the unique needs of the eSports sector. 

For instance, Falmouth University in England offers an eSports BA(Hons) degree which includes live streaming media production, brand management and organizational leadership. In the United States programs are more business-focused, as in the BS Esports and Gaming degree at the University of New Haven which includes business analytics, financial accounting and sports marketing.

While many of these degrees are wide-ranging, they become essential for jobs in the eSports field that go beyond competitive gaming. As the industry evolves there will be a growing need for roles in products and events management as well as community engagement. This also extends to:

  • Esports Coaching (fitness, nutrition, psychology)
  • PR/Marketing
  • Business Management
  • Journalism

If you’ve got your sights set on one of these alternative and non-traditional career paths, then a degree in eSports becomes invaluable. 

The game is growing

Degrees in business, finance, psychology or management can add value but they’re not prerequisites for every role in the eSports industry. For those eyeing roles as competitors or content creators a hands-on approach – learning on the fly – may be more beneficial. However, as interest in eSports careers increases specialized eSports degrees might become popular. The eSports industry is highly competitive and the job-to-applicant ratio is becoming increasingly narrow. 

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