Esports Business Management

Press start on your career in esports management

Program Fast Facts

  • Start date: October 11, 2023
  • Live online classes meet Wednesdays,
    7:30 - 8:30 p.m. CDT
    +3 hours/week of self-paced study
  • Online
  • 6 months
  • $1,249 Standard Tuition

Esports Business Management Certificate

Why Study Esports Business Management at SMU?

Distinguished faculty and highly experienced practitioners

Learn from Leaders

Courses are taught by esports business leaders with experience in tournament development, community engagement, business relations and more.

Meet your instructors

Convenient online classes

Connect from Anywhere

Attend class and complete coursework online, from any location.

See program requirements

SMU Esports Business Management Certificate badge image

Highlight Your Accomplishment

Complete your certificate and earn a digital badge to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Learn more

Prepared to impress, earn respect and succeed

Expand Your Network

Build relationships with your expert instructors and classmates.

Learn how to get started

Make your next career move with help from SMU

The esports industry is taking off around the world, and this rapidly growing industry offers enormous potential for individuals with the right skills. The SMU Esports Business Management Certificate program gives you a comprehensive understanding of the esports industry, and you will learn the nuances of revenue streams, sponsorships and fan engagement. Build the skills to initiate, plan, and execute live esports events.

With curriculum in sports management and business topics, coursework is academically rigorous and industry-driven. You will learn from professionals working at the forefront of the business of competitive multiplayer gaming; through SMU’s regional and international industry partnerships, you will access some of the best and brightest leaders in every aspect of esports.

In just six months, gain critical insight into:

  • Esports ecosystem and business models
  • Business development and revenue strategies
  • Content and community engagement
  • Fan engagement and sponsorship activation
  • Tournament design and management
  • Esports team organization, management, and recruitment

In the SMU Esports Business Management Certificate program, you’ll join live online class sessions for interactive discussions with your instructors and fellow students. Between class meetings, you’ll have reading, videos, activities and quizzes to complete. 

Tap into SMU's strengths:

  • Gaming - SMU Guildhall is a top ranked, industry recognized program
  • Business - SMU has a strong business-aligned reputation
  • Sports pedigree - SMU is a Division 1 school with connection to professional sports like football, basketball and golf

Upcoming Start Dates

October 11

Wednesdays

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. CDT

+3 hours/week of self-paced study

6 months

Live Online

Military Friendly Badges

GI BillĀ® Approved

Active military, spouses, and veterans receive a special 10% tuition discount on all SMU CAPE programs and courses. You may also be able to use eligible VA education benefits – making your education accessible and affordable.

Instructor Spotlight David Chen 

"This program is a great way to learn from top notch individuals that are coming in to teach because of their love of the industry."

David Chen is the President and Founder of GTIF Capital and the North American Collegiate League (NACL), and is partnered with several major businesses in the Esports and Technology sectors. As President of the NACL, David created a strategic partnership with Fosun to bring Wolves Esports into the NACL. David has worked with Planters Peanuts on their recent Super Bowl commercial with Kai Green. He has also worked with FaZe Clan members Apex and Adapt, Charlie Sheen and Aaron Rodriguez. David sits on several boards including Mediabundance as the Head of Esports and FaZe Clan.

Read more and meet your other instructors

Did you know?

#2

esports has more viewers in the U.S. than every other professional sports league except the NFL. 


Source

50%

of adults under age 30 play or watch online video games.


Source

$1 billion

worldwide esports annual revenues.
Source