GALLOWAY, NJ — Are you familiar with esports? This video game-based form of competition has been rapidly rising in popularity over the past several years. And now, you’ll be able to study it at Stockton University.
Starting in fall of 2023, the South Jersey college will offer a Bachelor of Science in Esports Management through its School of Business, Stockton announced in a news release.
It’ll be the first such degree at a public institution in New Jersey and one of just a few across the country.
“As Stockton University has grown, so have its offerings related to hospitality, tourism, event management and business studies,” said Warren Kleinsmith, the dean of the School of Business. “As a school, we strive to provide programming that is relevant and timely. This is one example of existing talent in our Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management programming seeing synergies between industries and building the necessary networks and curriculum to offer a highly competitive and academically rigorous degree.”
The degree is more than just playing video games. It consists of esports-specific courses such as “Esports and Events Industry” and “Esports Event Production” to prepare students for a variety of esports-related careers, including event production, digital media and event marketing, and project management. Kleinsmith said students who graduate from this program will have 300-plus hours of experience.
Stockton is not just already familiar with the world of esports. It’s been making a name for itself in the industry – the school’s Rocket League team finished second in the Collegiate World Championship last year and will compete again this year on June 2-4.
“But at Stockton, we do more than play games,” said Noel Criscione-Naylor, the interim esports program chair. “Our Bachelor of Science in Esports Management builds the transferable skills necessary to fill the esports ecosystem talent pipeline.”
Criscione-Naylor added that the esports team is part of a robust community at Stockton that will support students in the program.
“Students enrolled in this program gain hands-on experience within the university’s esports student community, local professional esports organizations, and business partners including the Atlantic City Esports Innovation Center located in Stockton’s residential complex,” she said.
It’s also integrated with the university’s existing Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program.
“Esports can revolutionize the local tourism industry and stimulate local economies by attracting businesses,” Criscione-Naylor said. “Esports has a direct connection to traditional hospitality centers, such as hotel, food and beverage, events and tourism. Although esports exists within the digital space, there is a demonstrated desire from institutions and gamers themselves to root these practices within a physical space.”
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Esports Management degree go to stockton.edu/business/esports-management.html or contact Criscione-Naylor at noel.criscione@stockton.edu. Applications are still being accepted for the fall semester.
