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Esports Performance, Management, & Leadership, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Esports: The Next Playing Field
  • 1st

    Program of Its Kind in North Carolina

  • $2 B

    Industry

  • 35%

    Annual Job Growth Expected

What are Esports?

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Esports are competitive games played electronically by professionals and amateurs who compete in high stakes events.

Esports Jobs

Students in this program may explore a variety of career fields in Esports including:

  • Esports broadcaster
  • Streaming
  • Multimedia designer
  • Multimedia developer
  • Event manager
  • Team manager
  • Esports coach
  • Data Analytics

Offers

Program that is the first of its kind in North Carolina and among the first in the nation

Courses taught by faculty with expertise in gaming, game design and coordination

Program offered fully online to accommodate working professionals

“ To have these players say, ‘Wait, I can go to a university and pursue Esports?’ is a really good start. ”
Patrick '22 Esports Certificate
Patrick '22 , Esports Certificate
Esports Performance, Management and Leadership Program Overview

FIRST OF ITS KIND PROGRAM

Introduced in 2020, UNCW’s post-baccalaureate Esports certificate program is the first of its kind in North Carolina and among the first in the nation. The program is designed for professionals interested in a career in the rapidly growing field of Esports, K-12 educators looking to start an Esports program in their school or district, and individuals who are interested in gaming, streaming and the Esports industry. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field are eligible to apply.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates will complete 18 credit hours of graduate-level courses and applied learning experiences. Course content connects four sectors of Esports: strategists, organizers, content creators and entrepreneurs. The curriculum is based on the model developed by the North American Scholastic Esports Federation, gaming professionals and industry leaders to meet the needs of a growing Esports workforce.

Through coursework and applied learning opportunities, participants will grow knowledge and skills needed to lead Esports teams, create Esports and gaming content and media, incorporate Esports and gaming into education, and design and manage Esports programs and events.

View Student Learning Outcomes

Vibrant Student Organization

UNCW introduced the Esports Club in 2019 with the goal of bringing together a community to learn, play and teach electronic sports. In just two years, the Seahawk Esports Club has grown from four students to more than 500!

Students playing a video game on a projector screen

Esports Events

The Seahawk Esports Club fields teams that compete nationally at the club level, hosts campus and community events and works to establish connections with the local and statewide Esports community including other clubs, companies and schools.

Want to Join?
Dr. Pastore taking a selfie with students in the background

Esports Certificate Program

UNCW introduced an Esports certificate program in fall 2020 for individuals interested in gaming, streaming and exploring Esports career options, and K-12 educators looking to start an Esports program in their school or district. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Students playing a video game on a projector screen

Sample Courses

Sample Courses
MIT 570 Esports Fundamentals
MIT 572 Streaming for Esports & Gaming
MIT 573 Media Design & Development for Esports
MIT 575 Esports and Gaming Performance, Management Internship
MIT 576 Esports and Gaming Performance, Management, and Leadership Capstone
See The Full Curriculum

View More

Esports Program Details

How Do I Apply?

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university are eligible to apply. This program does not require the GRE. To be considered, please submit:

  • An application for graduate admission.
  • Official copies of transcripts from each U.S. post-secondary institution you have attended.
  • Three recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Education Statement of Interest Essay

Program Coordinator

Dr. Ray Pastore
pastorer@uncw.edu
910.962.2912

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Esports Performance, Management, and Leadership - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Distance Education - Online - Asynchronous (instructional materials made available on the Internet and available 24 hours a day every day-not time-dependent slots).

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025:
    • November 1, 2024
  • Summer I 2025:
    • May 1, 2025
  • Summer II 2025:
    • June 1, 2025
  • Fall 2025:
    • July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • None Required

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  2. Essay: Education Statement of Interest Essay
    Essay
  3. Financial Aid:  Non-federal loans are available for this program.  Admitted students may apply through the UNCW Scholarship Application to be considered for additional scholarships.  Please consult your Financial Aid Counselor for further details.
  4. Visa Sponsorship:  This program does not qualify for visa sponsorship

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