Esports new Undergraduate Degree Option at Harrisburg University

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Dec. 16, 2019 - PRLog -- fter establishing a successful Esports varsity program in 2018 and winning the Collegiate Overwatch National Championship in early 2019, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology will introduce an Esports Bachelor of Science degree program that will prepare students for in-demand careers .

Beginning during the spring 2020 semester, students will be able to enroll in HU's Esports program, which will provide them with the skills needed to become a media content creator, event manager, specialized coach, organizational/team manager, Esports marketing manager, Esports analyst, and more. The program is not a training ground for players; it's a path to turning a passion into an exciting career in the rapidly expanding Esports industry.

"Harrisburg University develops undergraduate and graduate degree programs in response to market needs. And since launching our Esports collegiate team, we have watched an already booming Esports industry continue to grow," said Dr. Eric Darr, President of Harrisburg University. "Developing this program was a natural next step. The workforce to support an exploding Esports industry does not exist.  Given our experience and commitment to Esports, we are thrilled to help build a new industry.

Harrisburg University is one of only a handful of universities across the U.S. to offer an Esports undergraduate degree program. Students enrolled in the program will gain real-world hands-on experience by working with collegiate teams and professional Esports organizations in industry event venues.

"Students who graduate from this program will have the skills and know-how to succeed in a very promising industry," said Professor Charles Palmer, who leads both the Interactive Media and Esports undergraduate programs at HU. "Industry leaders are searching for highly skilled Esports professionals. This program will allow students to follow their passions and land a lucrative career in a $1 billion industry that continues to grow."

Philadelphia's Nerd Street Gamers, an Esports event production and facilities management group, will serve as a program partner and advisor. By producing skilled Esports professionals, HU's new program will only strengthen the Esports industry, says John Fazio, CEO at Nerd Street Gamers.

"With the announcement of an Esports undergraduate program, Harrisburg University continues to raise the bar for collegiate Esports across every aspect of the industry, including player development, event programming, and most importantly, education," Fazio said. "Building the infrastructure for Esports goes beyond finding talented players, it requires a foundation that increases accessibility for more individuals to participate in gaming and educational training programs that develop talent in early stages."