So, you’re interested in studying esports in college? Or, maybe you’re just beginning to explore what a degree in esports and gaming administration looks like.
Here’s what to expect.
A degree in esports and gaming administration will propel you into the rapidly growing esports industry where skilled gamers compete at the highest levels. The esports world—which had an impressive revenue of just under $1.1 billion in 2021—is made up of tournament-style video gaming, mass spectatorship and significant sponsors.
Because of the sheer attention the esports industry is rendering, major companies like Coca-Cola and Nike are investing millions of dollars into esports sponsorships.
Sounds like an exciting industry to us! And, in case you (or your parents) need more convincing….
Here are five reasons to major in esports and gaming administration in college:
1. Enter a growing industry.
Get in on the ground floor of a newer industry that is on the rise. According to recent reports from industry insider Newzoo, the global esports audience grew to 474 million in 2021. That’s more fans than American football and rugby combined!
The total competitive gaming audience will continue to grow to 577.2 million in 2024. Some even predict esports may be added as an official Olympic sport in 2028.
All that explosive growth in esports—and the resulting growth within the games industry it has fueled—has created a demand for business professionals with a solid understanding of the nuances of the industry.
Sounds like the perfect environment to enter as a new graduate.
2. Find your niche within the gaming industry.
The global gaming industry—like we’ve already said—is huge. And, with a big industry comes many different types of jobs. That’s great news for you! Depending on your strengths and interests, you’ll have no problem finding your niche.
Find your dream job doing one of the following:
- Esports team/individual player
- Console development
- Esports marketing
- Video game design
- Esports sales
- Competition event management
- …and more!
The best way to explore where you might fit in? Internships. Studying esports in college is the perfect time to get more experience under your belt. Internships also breed the opportunity to make valuable connections—something you will definitely want in the gaming industry.
Internship opportunities could include being a social media intern of an esports organization, a game design intern for a top-tier game developer, or even a sponsorship sales intern for a sports management group. The possibilities are endless.
3. Work anywhere in the world.
With such a large industry comes thousands of job opportunities—and not just in the U.S.! There are jobs all over the world. To give you an idea, Game Industry Career Guide names the top 10 countries for game development:
- US
- England
- Canada
- Japan
- Germany
- Poland
- Sweden
- France
- Spain
- Australia
Whether you want to stay near home or use your gaming career as your passport to the world, you will have plenty of options!
4. Take courses specifically tailored to your future career.
Curious what studying esports in college actually means? Think of it as similar to a degree in Business Administration. You’ll take classes and complete coursework in finance, accounting, marketing, and economics—but it will all be tailored toward your specialization in the gaming industry.
Your degree will not only give you the tech and business knowledge necessary for your future career in gaming, but it will also provide you a solid understanding of gaming culture.
5. Turn your hobby into a career.
Who doesn’t want to find a job they love? Studying esports in college opens doors for you to enter a dynamic career in something you’re passionate about. As they say… “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life!”
Study Esports at Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Pursue a degree in esports and gaming administration at MACU—one of the few programs in the country that prepares students for roles in esports. Informed by professionals at Capcom, Riot, and other esports-adjacent companies, MACU’s esports curriculum offers unique training in the following:
- The process of games development
- Go-to market strategies of the industry
- Elements of a successful esports event or league
But that’s not all. You’ll be able to put that training to good use, even before graduating. Our students regularly intern at game development studios and corporations in business roles, and work hands-on with esports companies—a great way to make connections and gain valuable resume-building experience.
Ready to enter the world of esports?
Learn more about how MACU’s esports and gaming administration degree may be a good fit for you.