Bachelor’s in Esports Communications and Management

Why Major in Esports?

Esports is already a $1 billion industry that is expected to quadruple in size by 2030. Even board games such as chess have surged in popularity thanks to online competition.

Gaming is big business. It’s more than just a pastime—it can be a smart career choice.

Find more statistics at Statista

The esports major is a partnership between the Newhouse School of Communications and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. The Newhouse School is known for its excellence in media production and sports communications, while Falk is at the forefront of sport management education—it had the first undergraduate degree in sport analytics and one of the earliest programs in sport management.

You will develop skills in content creation, storytelling, virtual production and management that can be used in the gaming world as well as the broader entertainment industry. Not only will you get a background in esports and the psychology of sports management, but you will develop the business skill set and acumen needed to help you succeed in this growing industry.

Diversity and Inclusion in Esports

Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility is a cornerstone of the student experience at Newhouse. The curriculum for the esports major was designed to foster psychologically safe spaces for our students as well as to concentrate on broadening viewpoints with a wide range of perspectives and ideas.

Research consistently indicates that gaming spaces are not inclusive for all individuals. The esports communication and management program at Syracuse University strives to create a welcoming and inclusive culture. Diversity can create innovation and growth across the industry as well as within the individual. Because of this, every esports student is required to take courses in ethics, diversity, gender and law.

Fostering a Culture of Inclusion

Coursework and research in this program focus on uncovering the barriers and obstacles that exist for traditionally underrepresented groups in gaming and esports, as well as advancing solutions to foster a culture of inclusion and welcomeness in gaming and esports spaces. The required course, Race, Gender, and Diversity in Sport Organizations, takes a theory-to-practice approach that educates students about current social issues that exist in these environments. The course also places an emphasis on developing intentional solutions and preparing students to be meaningful contributors and future leaders across a wide range of gaming and esports organizations throughout the lifespan of their careers. 

Though this program and the esports opportunities across campus, students will engage with diverse populations in the community, region, country and around the world. They will interact with professionals in esports and across industries related to esports in order to develop a well-rounded education in healthy gaming habits and ethical approaches to working in the industry.  

Choose from Three Tracks of Study

The esports program formally launches in fall 2024.

Esports Business and Management

In the esports and business management track, you’ll learn sports promotion, sport venue management and finance for emerging enterprises. You will learn about sponsorship contracts, business and sports analytics, the financial and managerial aspects of working with players, organizations, teams and companies. You will have an understanding of the resources required to produce and manage everything from an event or product to a successful team.

Esports Communications

In the esports communications track, you’ll learn about public relations and social media tactics in the esports world. You will learn the ins and outs of content creation and strategy, as well as how to stream a competition for the public. Event production, directing, shoutcasting and promotion are all part of the program.

Esports Media and Design

In esports media and design, you will learn how to produce a game with enticing visuals and how to develop skins and other attributes which impact the gamer experience. You will have classes in 3D animation, game experience design and virtual production. In this innovative program, you’ll learn how to create visually dynamic and creative games, influenced by psychology, statistics, broadcasting and marketing.

What Opportunities Will I Have in the Esports Program?

You will learn in state-of-the-art production and gaming facilities, where the esports program hosts events for the campus community as well as events with other colleges and organizations. You will have the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals. You will have opportunities to explore the esports industry around the world, too, including potential experiential learning trips to cities such as London, Seoul and Amsterdam.

Esports Club Team

The esports program works closely with the Syracuse University Esports Team (ESSU). Working with this club team gives you the opportunity to be involved with event production and management for esports competitions. Whether it’s shoutcasting and player interviews, or event advertising and social media promotion, you will learn all aspects of producing an esports broadcast.

ESSU competitive teams will give esports students a place to practice their craft. Teams have staff roles such as social media managers and casters that can be filled by students in the program. Students acting as esports analysts will work with the ESSU teams.

“It’s refreshing and inspiring to see Syracuse University invest in esports. There is a lot of effort going in to doing this [program] right.  We want to lead the way for universities to form esports programs athletically, socially, and academically. … We have so much already, and we are just at the tip of this virtual iceberg.”

–Braeden Cheverie-Leonard ’26, President of ESSU

Working with the Newhouse Sports Media Center

The esports program is affiliated with the Newhouse Sports Media Center. You will broadcast esports events from the same studios used to produce live broadcasts on the ACC Network. The studio, sets, green screen and other equipment are industry standard, allowing for live interviews and replays.  

In 2018, the Newhouse School collaborated with social video service Twitch to launch the Esports and Media course, the first such class of its kind. Offered through the Sports Media Center, the course invites industry partners to serve as case studies for students, enabling them to develop skills to enhance a company’s social media strategy, content and brand management. Some recent partners include ESL, Microsoft and Super League.

The Sports Media Center brings in industry speakers throughout the year from major organizations such as Blizzard, Twitch and ESL. The Sports Media Center helps to connect students with alumni in the field as well as with internships in their areas of interest.

Working in Falk’s Milton Conrad Technology Lab

Falk College’s Milton Conrad Technology Lab serves as a cutting-edge classroom and computer lab, dedicated to immersing students in the realm of sports analytics and event operations. It offers hands-on experience with live, game day production using equipment akin to those found at major sports venues, including signature products from South Dakota-based electronic display company Daktronics. Falk College collaborated with Daktronics to create an innovative on-campus classroom using the company’s products. Another technology lab equips students with vital software for excelling in sports analytics.