Are There Colleges with eSports Programs?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior who's really into gaming, and I'm curious about colleges that offer eSports programs. I've heard some schools have official eSports teams or even scholarships for gamers. Does anyone know which colleges have strong eSports programs, and what kind of opportunities they provide for students? I'd love to hear about people's experiences or any advice for someone considering this path. Thanks!

Absolutely, there are many colleges that recognize the growing significance of eSports and have integrated official programs, scholarships, and facilities to accommodate this interest.

These programs not only focus on competitive gaming but also provide comprehensive opportunities to study the technology, business, and culture of eSports.

1. Robert Morris University Illinois: Robert Morris University was the first institution to establish a varsity eSports program in 2014 and offer generous scholarships for players. In addition to competing, participants can learn about game design, sports marketing, and event management.

2. University of California, Irvine: UCI became the first public university to create an official esports program. They offer scholarships for their League of Legends team and have a specially built eSports Arena with state-of-the-art gaming PCs.

3. Maryville University: This university is known for its competitive eSports program and has won several collegiate championships. They offer generous scholarships for top gamers as well.

4. Boise State University: Boise State has a well-established varsity eSports team and offers five different games for students to compete in. Additionally, they offer production opportunities for students interested in the broadcasting side of eSports through their Esports Broadcast Lab.

5. University of Utah: The university boasts the first eSports program in the Power Five conferences. The program offers partial scholarships, with the plan to grow this into a more extensive program.

When considering an eSports path, it's essential to focus not only on your gaming skill but also on academics and potential career paths in the gaming industry. Courses and internships in areas like game design, sports management, software development, and marketing can provide significant opportunities for a future career.

Remember that like any other sport, balance is key - ensure your academic commitments aren't being sidelined. Good academic standing is just as critical for success.

Finally, research your chosen schools to consider their eSports teams' competitiveness, the commitment required, the community around eSports, coaching staff, and the overall culture of the school. Overall, the best advice is to consider not just your love for gaming, but the holistic educational experience you'll get from the institution.