Esports Certificate Program
Much like the evolution of traditional sports esports has shifted from a niche hobby or something available only to a select few into a global industry and fan obsession. Video games and competitive gaming are now a mainstream form of global entertainment and analysts predict the global games market to grow from $137.9 billion in 2018 to more than $180.1 billion in 2021. To assist in arming students with the deep understanding and unique skills to help mold this ever-changing industry a dedicated Esports certificate has been developed in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Sports Administration. The curriculum will provide students with a deep understanding of the esports landscape, the malleability to adapt to the continual shifts in that industry, and the skills to become leaders in this rapidly expanding sports business sector.
START MY APPLICATIONRequest InformationATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION
STACKABLE CERTIFICATE
Complete this four-course certificate and apply your credit to Northwestern’s MA in Sports Administration program.
About the Esports Certificate Program
- Graduate Certificate in Esports Learning Outcomes
- Esports Curriculum
- Esports Course Schedule
- Esports Faculty
- Admission for the Esports Certificate Program
- Esports Tuition
- Esports Registration Information
- Applying Credit to the MS in Sports Administration Program
- Find out more about Northwestern's Esports Certificate Program
Graduate Certificate in Esports Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the Esports certificate, students will be able to:
- Create effective business plans to set strategic direction for an esports entity or related business
- Evaluate revenue streams and risk mitigation in esports and related businesses
- Plan, organize, and execute esports events across multiple facets of business and venue management
- Understand and implement marketing strategies necessary in supporting the business of esports and esports events
Esports Curriculum
Students are required to complete the following four courses to earn the certificate:
- MSA 402: Sports Marketing
- MSA 421: The Business of Esports
- MSA 424: Event Management for Sports
- MSA 457: Front Office Operations
Review curriculum details while you consider applying to this program. Current students should refer to the curriculum requirements in place at time of entry into the program.
Esports Course Schedule
The Esports Course Schedule page provides you with detailed information on the program's offerings.
Esports Faculty
You can find a full listing of our instructors in this certificate program on the Esports Faculty page.
Admission for the Esports Certificate Program
A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the Graduate Certificate Admission page.
Esports Tuition
Tuition costs can vary for each of our programs. For the most up-to-date information on financial obligations, please visit our Esports Tuition page.
Esports Registration Information
Our Esports Registration Information page outlines important dates and deadlines as well as the process for adding and dropping courses.
Applying Credit to the MS in Sports Administration Program
Students that are interested in the option of applying their credit to the SPS MS in Sports Administration program must submit an online application and submit all required application materials.
Students that elect to apply to a master's program before completing a graduate certificate will be able to count completed courses toward the applicable master's degree, but there will be no certificate conferred.
If you are interested in exploring this option, please contact the SPS graduate advising team for information on how to pursue a master's degree at SPS.
Find out more about Northwestern's Esports Certificate Program
| Core Courses: | Course Detail |
|---|---|
| Sports Marketing <> MSA 402-DL | Students in this course explore marketing theory in a sports context. The course also covers marketing strategies as they relate to businesses, such as the sporting goods industry and broadcasting. To discern key marketing concepts and strategies, students will examine case studies. Students will be expected to participate in discussions about sports marketing and the use of strategies of companies and brands in sponsorship. View MSA 402-DL Sections |
| Elective Courses: | Course Detail |
|---|---|
| The Business of Esports MSA 421-DL | Beginning with an introduction to the history of competitive gaming, this course will take students through an exploration of the evolving professional and amateur esports industry. The esports industry has experienced a relatively recent meteoric rise in the world of sports business. Video games and competitive gaming are now a mainstream form of global entertainment and analysts predict the global games market is expected to grow from $137.9 billion in 2018 to more than $180.1 billion in 2021. In this course, students will become familiar with the various elements unique to the esports ecosystem including understanding different game genres, examination of the publisher’s role in esports, different competitive structures, and the organization of professional teams and players. This course will provide students with an understanding of esports competitive structures across the value chain and critically analyze the current esports environment and identify the potential it has for future growth, while also recognizing potential industry risks. Students will examine the unique differences between traditional sports and the esports industry related to revenue potential, as well as examine the functional classification of esports in culture and society. We will examine different aspects surrounding the culture of esports including streaming, media platforms, inclusivity, online toxicity and sportsmanship, and scholastic esports all which are contributing to a new industry which is changing the way many organizations approach sports business. View MSA 421-DL Sections |