BEYOND GAMING
The mission of the Shenandoah University Esports program is to go beyond gaming and provide students with an opportunity to develop academically, competitively, and professionally in order to become innovators and leaders in the esports ecosystem.
Our vision is to set the standard for professionalism in the esports ecosystem.
- Esports Management (MBA)
- Esports Management (BBA)
- Esports Management (BS)
- Esports Media and Communication (BS)
- Esports Coaching Certificate
- Esports Management Undergraduate Certificate
- Esports Management Graduate Certificate
- Esports Management Minor
- Esports Health and Fitness Graduate Certificate
- Esports Medicine Graduate Certificate
WHY ESPORTS?
It’s a field exploding with opportunity.
The worldwide esports audience is massive, at 532 million, and there are more than 8 million active streamers on Twitch. Discord, also popular among gamers, Discord has over 150 million active monthly users and 390 million registered accounts and is valued at $15 billion.
While the esports industry as a whole is already a billion-dollar business, it is expected to continue to grow, with an anticipated 2024 value of $1.6 billion, according to Statista.com.
According to Indeed.com, a gaming manager for Blizzard Entertainment, a division of esports juggernaut Activision Blizzard, can earn up to $155,000, while a freelance esports and video game writer can earn an average salary of $60,985, according to ZipRecruiter.
Also, major esports competitions are multifaceted endeavors with worldwide audiences and multimillion-dollar prize pools.
Shenandoah’s Esports Team
Shenandoah University Esports
Many college students grew up playing esports, and now, they can merged their love of esports with their degree.
Shenandoah University now has a varsity esports program, and plays teams from around the country as a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports. Find out what games Shenandoah's teams are playing, who they're playing, and how esports is making inroads within academia.
A Growing Esports Workforce
The esports field is perfect for anyone interested in event management, communications, gameplay, coaching, exercise science, or being part of a field that promises to grow more prominent and engaging with every passing year. For example, from 2018 to 2019, paid esports positions increased by over 110%.
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As noted on CNBC by Peter Guber, a co-owner of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Dodgers and the professional esports organization Team Liquid, being able to fill a particular place isn’t necessary for esports.
You'll see that it's everywhere, and it isn't bound by geography. You don't use a stick or a bat to play, and you can play alone or with a whole group of people, play against the best."
Peter Guber | Co-owner of Team Liquid
A new world has arrived, right at your fingertips.
We’re ready to pick up the controller and play.
Are You?
Esports News
Esports Hosts Virginia High School League Esports Championship, Dec. 16
The Shenandoah University Esports program hosted the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Fall 2023 Esports Championship on Dec. 16 at the Esports Arena on the main campus. Twenty teams from high ... Continue Reading Esports Hosts Virginia High School…
The Esports Isle
A dozen members of Shenandoah University’s esports program explored the sport’s global reach during an October Global Experiential Learning trip to Ireland. Shenandoah is home to one of the first ... Continue Reading The Esports Isle
SU Esports and GLYTCH Energy Form Partnership
Shenandoah University Esports is excited to share its newest partnership with GLYTCH Energy, a clean energy and hydration producer and health advocate. This relationship aims to improve the quality ... Continue Reading SU Esports and GLYTCH Energy…
INSTRUCTOR OF ESPORTS
Zander Merle-Smith
Zander Merle-Smith received his Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Tech and MBA with a focus in Esports Management from Shenandoah University. He has plans to continue his education with an EdD in the future.
His previous experience as broadcast production lead, esports commentator, and event operations has given him the background knowledge to prepare the next generation for the esports industry.
Merle-Smith has performed as on-camera talent for high school, collegiate, and professional esports events
INTERIM ESPORTS DIRECTOR
Alyssa Duran
COORDINATOR OF ESPORTS PRODUCTION
Fernando Preciado-Leal
STUDENT COORDINATOR OF ESPORTS PRODUCTION
Ian Burnett
Current student in the esports program studying Esports Management as well as Esports Media and Communications, graduating May 2024. Competed for Shenandoah’s Rocket League, Call of Duty, Valorant, and Counter Strike: Global Offensive teams between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Currently one of the coaches of the Rocket League team. Served as an SEP under the esports program since 2022 focusing on Broadcast Production and Content Creation initiatives. Accepted the role of Student Esports Production Coordinator in January 2024.