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School of Sport Sciences

Esports Business and Entertainment, BA

Turn your passion for gaming into a career. Our Esports Business and Entertainment program gives you a direct path into one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. You’ll start taking courses in the major on day one, gaining practical, skills-based experience across all four years.

From creating content and improving viewership to managing live-streamed events and running full-scale competitions, you’ll learn how the business of esports really works. Coursework and projects will cover marketing, communications, governance, event planning, and more, all designed to prepare you for real roles in the industry.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and experience to stand out.

Your Degree Plan The 91ÌÒÉ« Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Frequently Asked Questions Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

91ÌÒÉ« Esports team poses with Red Bull Campus Clutch trophy.

In a fast-changing industry with growing career opportunities, the Esports Business and Entertainment program helps you build a well-rounded skill set and understand the role of esports in today’s world.

  • Esports majors gain hands-on experience through direct engagement with 91ÌÒɫ’s varsity esports teams and campus-hosted tournaments. Courses are designed to integrate that real-world involvement, so you’re practicing industry skills as you learn them.
  • You can focus your studies through one of two areas of emphasis: Esports Business Development or Esports Marketing. Each path lets you build expertise in the parts of the industry that interest you most.
  • By the end of the program, you’ll complete an internship that provides valuable industry experience. You’ll also graduate with a polished resumé and robust portfolio to help you stand out in the job market.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • SM 310:
    Esports Business

    Students will learn about the esports market as a sub-set of the larger gaming industry. The course will explore the different roles of the developer, publisher, esports organizations, and the esports teams, what kinds of investments are relevant to each of those stakeholders, and what their financial concerns are.

  • SM 321:
    Esports Governance

    This course provides an in-depth look at the governance and structure of esports. Students will examine esports leagues, teams, gaming publishers, and current events happening in esports with a focus on the law and ethical adherence to rules governing these competitions.

  • SM 322:
    Esports Marketing

    Students in this course will be given an overview of the esports industry and its connections to the broader entertainment and communication industries. The course will explore the relationship between individual talent (from players to influencers) to professional organizations and the esports companies and how promotions, sponsorship, and marketing strategies can be developed to the benefit of all the stakeholders.

  • ESPT 201:
    Esports in Contemporary Society

    Examination of the current events and societal issues that impact the esports industry. Additionally, students will explore past examples of controversy within esports to determine the outcomes. Participants will utilize past, and current ethical, moral, and philosophical issues to learn how to problem-solve and engage in civil discourse.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Esports Business Development

    The area of emphasis in Esports Business Development will provide expertise to students in the Esports Business and Entertainment major to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners and/or operators.

  • Esports Marketing

    The area of emphasis in Esports Marketing will provide expertise to students in the Esports Business and Entertainment major to increase their ability to market their personal brand, events, reach different target markets and utilize different media platforms.

  • Health and Peak Performance in Gaming

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the 91ÌÒÉ« Honors College. Two programs are offered: and .

The 91ÌÒÉ« Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Delivers transferable skills so you can enter a career in esports or have the skill sets to enter other industries/disciplines.
  • Faculty have extensive industry knowledge and academic experience.
  • Best-in-class competition and coursework.
  • Provides a comprehensive esports experience (competition, curriculum, and community).
Scholarships

93% of 91ÌÒÉ« freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2023-24).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Global leaders in esports, business and interactive entertainment companies offer prospective opportunities in marketing, tournament operations, event management, policy creation and implementation, and business operations and development.

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Esports Business and Entertainment major will give you the following skills:

Hard Skills

  • Management
  • Business administration
  • Event and facility management
  • How to leverage digital media
  • Marketing
  • Project management

Soft and Social Skills

  • How to build and maintain interpersonal relationships
  • Effective communication
  • Leadership
  • Professional networking
  • Managing success and coping with failure
  • Critical thinking

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Entertainment and Recreation Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $77,180

Possible job titles include: .

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Project Management Specialists

Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $100,750

Possible job titles include: .

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Sales Representatives of Services

Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,260

Possible job titles include: .

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General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $102,950

Possible job titles include: General Manager (GM), Operations Director, Operations Manager, Store Manager.

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Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $103,960

Possible job titles include: Academic Affairs Vice President (Academic Affairs VP), Academic Dean, Dean, Registrar.

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Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $78,240

Possible job titles include: Child Welfare Services Director, Social Services Director, Transitional Care Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator.

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Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $96,310

Possible job titles include: Agent, Booking Agent, Talent Agent, Theatrical Agent.

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Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $59,440

Possible job titles include: Conference Planning Manager, Conference Services Manager, Convention Services Manager (CSM), Events Manager.

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Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $83,480

Possible job titles include: News Director, Program Director (PD), Program Manager, Programming Director.

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Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $45,920

Possible job titles include: Basketball Coach, Coach, Football Coach, Track and Field Coach.

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Customer Service Representatives

Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $42,830

Possible job titles include: Account Representative, Customer Service Representative (CSR), Customer Service Specialist, Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep).

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Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

Median Salary: $74,260

Possible job titles include: Administrative Assistant, Administrative Secretary, Executive Assistant, Executive Secretary.

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Real Skills for Your Career

Core courses address esports as an industry, its history, ethical and legal issues, and career exploration and orientation. They also cover the business of esports, its marketing and governance, and event marketing specific to esports events, as well as a senior capstone and internship.

Courses outside the core broadly cover entrepreneurship and business planning, personnel and brand management, media promotion and marketing, and primary business skills (accounting, economics, finance and marketing).

The program focuses on learning that prepares you for esports specific business, management and marketing occupations, as well as how to plan entertainment events and manage those kinds of venues.

Further Your Education

FAQs

Common questions and answers about Esports Business and Entertainment.

  1. Esports is organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.

  2. Esports is part of a fast-growing, financially powerful industry. Global esports revenue is expected to top $2.3 billion in the next few years. It also sits within the broader gaming industry, which brings in more annual revenue than the music and film industries combined. As the field grows, so does the need for professionals with a strong foundation in both esports and business.

  3. Students gain hands-on experience from internships, class projects, working with the 91ÌÒÉ« competitive esports teams and setting up and hosting tournaments. Esports is expected to keep growing in revenue, players, and global reach. This program is built to prepare you for that future, with the skills and knowledge to take on real roles in a rapidly evolving industry.

  4. Graduates are prepared for careers in esports management, business operations, event coordination, and digital media. The skills gained in this program also translate to roles in sports, entertainment, marketing, and other major industries.

  5. Esports is growing fast, and that growth is creating new career pathways across the industry. As more schools and colleges invest in esports programs, opportunities are expanding in education, event management, content creation, and digital operations.

    At the K–12 and collegiate levels, esports is driving student engagement and opening the door for careers in coaching, program coordination, and technology support. There are now hundreds of job openings in collegiate esports, and many K–12 schools are exploring new roles to support their teams and events. As the field evolves, even more career options are expected to emerge.

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

91ÌÒÉ« Esports Arena

Under Construction

The 91ÌÒÉ« Esports facility at University Place is home to our varsity Madden, Rocket League, Valorant and Call of Duty teams and is where they compete in leagues and tournaments throughout the year.


  • It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the 91ÌÒÉ« Morgantown Campus.

  • You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience 91ÌÒÉ« in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 91ÌÒÉ«'s Esports Business and Entertainment major, first-time freshmen must meet 91ÌÒÉ«'s . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Esports Business and Entertainment at 91ÌÒÉ« cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 91ÌÒÉ« Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 91ÌÒÉ« System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 91ÌÒÉ« in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Esports Business and Entertainment major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 91ÌÒÉ«.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 91ÌÒÉ« family.

Want to know more about Esports Business and Entertainment at 91ÌÒÉ«? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit 91ÌÒÉ«

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.