Esports Media & Communication (BS)

Shenandoah offers the most robust esports program in the country, featuring not only varsity competitive teams and club teams, but also undergraduate majors/minors/certificates in esports, a graduate-level concentration/certificate, and an online Coaching Certificate.

Esports Programs :

• 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

All School of Business programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and all School of Business programs (except for esports-related programs), are accredited by AACSB International.

Through international experiences like collaborations with esports employees and players from around the world and trips abroad, internships with major esport and video game companies, and hands-on experiences with industry executives as well as the varsity esports team at Shenandoah, they will be ready for careers like esports event producers, broadcasters, and streamers.

The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.

Career & Professional Development at Shenandoah

The Esports Media and Communication Track of the Bachelor of Science in Esports prepares students for a career in the broadcast and production side of esports such as esports event producers, broadcasters, and streamers.

Learn more about some possible esports career paths by checking out Indeed.com’s “21 Jobs in the Esports Industry Other Than Gaming.”

Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.

Career & Professional Development at Shenandoah

We focus on combining classroom learning with experiential learning through travel opportunities, partnerships with professional organizations, and our esports arena on the main campus.

Students will be able to take courses online, in person, or both through our new ShenFlex model.

Esports Major with Media and Communication Track

• Shen Ed- 30 credits
• Esports Major- 45 credits
• Media and Communication Track- 21 credits
• Open electives- 24 credits

All esports majors take these core esports courses:

• Introduction to Esports
• Contemporary Issues in Esports
• Esports Performance; Esports Ergogenic Aids
• Esports Physical Training
• Injuries & Rehabilitation
• Esports Consumerism
• Esports Structure and Governance
• Esports Event Management
• Experiential Learning

Media and Communication Track

• Understanding Mass Communication
• Understanding Visual Communication
• Mass Media Theory and Research
• Media Writing
• Media Law
• Introduction to Public Relations
• Public Relations Planning and Management

Esports Electives | Choose 5 courses

• Introduction to Neuroscience
• Neuroscience of Motor Systems
• The Performing Athlete
• Research Methods in Exercise Science
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Sports Nutrition for Health and Performance
• Adapted Physical Education
• Introduction to Computer Programming I
• Introduction to Computer Programming II
• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Machine Learning
• Introduction to Computer Architecture and Electronics
• Introduction to Sport Management
• Contemporary Issues in Sport Management
• Legal Environment of Business
• Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior
• Introduction to Marketing

Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.

Learning Support Services at Shenandoah

Shenandoah’s esports team competes through the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), with over 55+ team members playing seven esports titles against players at colleges and universities across the U.S., including Division I institutions. The team’s on-campus home is in the Esports Arena. Shenandoah has one of the first esports arenas on the East coast and the first collegiate, spectator esports arena in Virginia!

The competitive team and students in the degree program will work hand-in-hand, allowing both groups to have the best esports experience possible, which will help them in college and long after.

Esports Team Roster         SU Esports Twitch Stream

Shenandoah has one of the first esports arenas on the East coast and the first collegiate, spectator esports arena in Virginia!

The 1,571-square-foot arena accommodates the growing esports demand in the region. It serves as both a practice facility for Shenandoah’s 45-member varsity team and as a public esports venue where spectators can watch weekly matches.

The arena is mobile, so the equipment will be able to be packed up and taken on the road for matches and events off campus. This allows our esports students the chance to plan events for regional gamers and develop their management and communications skills.

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.

Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.

Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit.  These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.

The 11th Esports World Championships were held in Seoul, South Korea, and Shenandoah’s Esports students were there! Students have also traveled to Belgium and helped with the setup of a top esports event, Gameforce, and to Ireland to work Dublin GamerFest, visit Riot Games’ Remote Broadcast Center in Dublin, and learn more about esports on both international and regional levels.

GEL Courses Currently Offered

Study Abroad

Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.

Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world.  These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU.  All partner universities offer courses taught in English.

The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.

Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.

Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.