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An inside look at what makes club esports one of the University's most important teams
Minor in Esports
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With a minor in esports, you’ll become a leader in the field by exploring emerging technologies integral to the dynamic esports industry.
Why Earn a Minor in Esports at Sacred Heart?
Sacred Heart University is one of the only schools of its caliber to offer an esports program. An interdisciplinary, cross-college initiative, the esports minor is spearheaded by the sport management program and the School of Communication, Media & the Arts (SCMA).
The coursework will prepare students for competitive jobs in the fast-growing esports industry, including event management and production, business development, league management, communications, broadcast production, sponsorship and social media. Students leverage strengths in communication and business as they complete their course of study, which concludes with a capstone practicum experience fulfilled in a full-scale on-campus esports event or an off-campus esports internship.
Those who seek additional involvement in Sacred Heart’s esports offerings may also join a club esports team.
Connecticut Esports Showcase
The annual esports collegiate tournament brings together the top teams in Connecticut for three days. The event is produced by SHU students with support from SHU faculty and alumni. In addition to competing in the event, SHU students are involved in the entire process from planning to marketing, on-air broadcasting, video production and graphics. This experiential learning opportunity provides students with the hands-on experience that is integral to the esports program.
Required Courses | 18 credits
Designed to provide training with tools necessary for editing digital audio and video. Course examines the construction of stories and messages in the digital media that surrounds us. Students will become more effective creators and consumers of media culture.
Prerequisite: TAKE CM-101
3.0 Credit(s)
Focuses on the fundamentals needed to implement a program in sports information, publicity, and promotions. Preparing of news releases; writing local and hometown features; publishing programs and brochures; compiling statistical breakdowns; dealing with the local, regional, and national press; and promoting specific events, teams, and individuals are included.
3.0 Credit(s)
Introduces the foundations of esports management. Teaches students the various functions of the esports as a business. Discusses the contemporary issues including the rapid expansion of the sport. Provides a basic understanding the structure and governance of the esports industry. Topics include: esports sponsorship, athlete management, intellectual property, media rights, esports and culture, and the intersections of law, business and communications as they relate to the management and regulation of esports.
3.0 Credit(s)
Course will synthesize and apply knowledge gained from various perspectives in business and media from prior courses. Students will complete a semester-long individual project in an area of industry interest & may work collectively to produce and promote an on-campus esports tournament.
3.0 Credit(s)
Analyzes how marketing, promotion, and public relations principles apply to the sport industry. Explores issues in marketing of the sport enterprise, sport-related events and venues, and products and services. Focus is on the marketing of sport as a product and on the marketing of non-sport products and services using sport as a promotional tool. Addresses unique challenges and limitations as well as new trends in sport marketing.
Prerequisite: Take MK-201
3.0 Credit(s)
Examines principles and fundamentals of managing and financing sport and entertainment venues. Focuses on developing knowledge and skills necessary to develop, design, and manage sports, recreation, and health/fitness facilities. Emphasizes design analysis, operations, and event management. Includes site visits.
3.0 Credit(s)
Who Can Minor in Esports?
The minor is open to any student regardless of major. There are no prerequisites; however, the courses often align well with the curriculum for students in the Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT), School of Communication, Media & the Arts and School of Computer Science & Engineering (SCSE). This minor may also be an attractive option for club esports team members and those majoring in Game Design & Development.
Learning Outcomes
Students in the esports program learn to lead as they explore the field from both business and communications perspectives, analyzing emerging technologies and how they are utilized in the dynamic esports industry. Additionally, they learn to create, manage and produce live esports events while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and impact of media influencers.
Career Outlook
As emerging leaders in this increasingly popular and financially viable industry, graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in esports such as team management, broadcasting, production management, communications strategy, project management, marketing, social media management, agentship and league and tournament sponsorship.
Club Esports
Club Esports at Sacred Heart is a vibrant and growing community for students interested in competitive gaming. Whether experienced or just starting out, club members have opportunities to compete, connect with students and improve their skills. Similar to any other organized athletic team, Club Esports practices by holding scrimmages to work on technique, communication and teamwork, in preparation for competition, big or small. Club Esports have teams that compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Collegiate Fighting Games Conference (CFGC).
SHU Club Esports currently competes in:
- CS:GO
- Dota 2
- Fortnite
- Guilty Gear
- Hearthstone
- League of Legends
- Madden
- NBA 2K
- Overwatch
- PUBG
- Rainbow 6: Siege
- Rocket League
- Super Smash Bros.
- Teamfight Tactics
- Valorant
If there are enough students passionate about a title not listed above, there are opportunities to start new teams.
Declare Your Minor
Ready to declare your minor in esports? Fill out the "Change/Add/Delete Minor" form on our Forms & Requests page.
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