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Looking for your next gaming opportunity? It might not be about playing the game at all. Behind every clutch play and highlight reel are the career-level experts: pros in tech, storytelling, and event coordination who keep the show running. As the esports industry continues to grow past $4 billion in the coming years, it needs people who can manage production, design games, coordinate events, and run the tech behind every tournament.  

51����’s esports certificate program helps you explore those roles, connecting your passion for gaming with professional, career-ready skills.

What is an esports certificate, and what will you learn? 

The esports certificate at 51���� is a 19-credit program that blends coursework in information technology, sports management, and game design. It is designed for students in any major who want to add an esports credential. 

“Students can dive into the game development side, the networking needs of esports, and the realities of hosting major esports events,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kuhn, Director of OHIO Esports. “The certificate provides enough depth and breadth to give students exposure to each of these facets of the industry.” 

The esports certificate program combines foundational knowledge with specialized study across three key areas: 

• Foundational Courses – Students start with Introduction to IT Systems and Introduction to Sport Management, gaining a broad understanding of how technology and event management work together in the esports world.
• Sports Management Track – Focuses on the business and organizational side of esports, including event planning, marketing, and team operations.
• Game Design Track – Explores the creative process behind developing games, from concept and storytelling to design and user experience.
• Information Technology Track – Builds technical skills in networking, software, and systems that support live events, streaming, and online play.

Each track gives students the flexibility to match their studies with their interests while developing a well-rounded understanding of the esports ecosystem.

How OHIO’s esports curriculum turns experience into expertise  

Gaming is a blast, but turning it into a career means understanding the serious side of how the industry works. OHIO’s esports curriculum gives students real opportunities to apply what they learn through coursework and projects that mirror professional settings. 

• Applied coursework: Classes like The Business of Esports and Sport Facility and Event Management teach how to plan events, manage sponsorships, and understand revenue models.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Students participate in an esports seminar co-taught by faculty from multiple fields, connecting classroom knowledge with industry practice.
• Capstone projects: The program culminates with hands-on experiences that allow students to plan events, design business strategies, or manage esports facilities—creating a portfolio of work that showcases their readiness for the field. 

“Our certificate program gets students involved in all aspects of esports production so they have that well-roundedness employers look for,” said Kuhn. “Something we have heard from industry contacts is the need for diverse skills, students with networking backgrounds who are also great on camera. We’ll often take students who work behind the scenes and have them appear on camera, and vice versa, just so they understand all aspects of the job.”

What OHIO esports facility and broadcasting equipment do students use? 

A great esports program is only as strong as the tech students get to use, and at OHIO, the classroom and the arena blur together. Students operate the same multi-camera setups, live overlays, and streaming tools used in professional tournaments, learning to make quick decisions when things inevitably go off-script. 

“The esports facility at OHIO is a showcase for how far streaming technology has come,” said Kuhn. “More and more, our students are learning that understanding how this equipment works is a career advantage. These systems are used across entertainment, sports, and even virtual production in film and television.” 

Students run live broadcasts for university tournaments, including major events like the Esports Ohio regional playoffs. Each broadcast is a chance to troubleshoot in real time, coordinate with a team, and deliver a seamless production under pressure. They work with professional-grade tools like Blackmagic switchers, vMix software, and Unreal Engine for virtual production, producing dozens of hours of content before graduation. 

“Our broadcasting is a point of pride for Ohio Esports because students run the show,” said Kuhn. “We have shows to put on, with sponsors and advertisers, that need to get to air each night, so our program isn’t just classroom practice. Students are tasked with delivering multiple shows a week, including those of external partners such as when we host the Esports Ohio regional playoffs. By the time students graduate, they will have produced dozens of hours of content.” 

By tackling real challenges and solving problems as they happen, students gain hands-on skills and confidence that mirror the demands of professional esports and digital media careers. For an aspiring esports career, there is no substitute for this kind of experience.

What careers can you pursue with an OHIO esports certificate? 

Graduates of the esports certificate program are prepared for a wide range of roles in the growing esports industry. The curriculum introduces students to both traditional and emerging areas, from event coordination and broadcasting to player wellness and data-driven game analysis. 

Potential career paths: 

• Event coordinator – Organize and manage esports tournaments from planning to execution. A major such as Sports Management would match well for this career track because it teaches students event planning, budgeting, sponsorship management, and team leadership, providing a foundation for running esports competitions.
• Broadcast producer – Oversee live-streamed events, handling both content and technical production. A Communication Studies major complements this role by teaching media production, storytelling, and audience engagement, skills that are essential for professional broadcasts.
• Content creator – Develop and share engaging content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. A Communication Studies major supports this career by building digital media skills, brand development, and social media strategy, helping students grow their audience.
• Technical director – Manage the technical setup and execution of live broadcasts, including equipment and software. Majors such as Information Technology or Computer Science provide the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to operate complex systems.
• Esports analyst – Analyze gameplay data to provide insights for teams and players. A major in Data Analytics or Computer Science equips students with statistical analysis, programming, and visualization skills to interpret and act on game data.
• Marketing specialist – Promote esports events and teams, handling branding, sponsorships, and fan engagement. Majors like Sports Management or Marketing give students expertise in promotion strategies, consumer behavior, and sponsorship management relevant to esports audiences.
• Community manager – Build and maintain relationships with fans and players to foster a positive online community. Communication Studies or Psychology majors help students understand online engagement, interpersonal dynamics, and community behavior.
• Player wellness coach – Support the mental and physical well-being of players, helping prevent burnout. Majors in Psychology or Sports Science provide knowledge of human behavior, mental health, and performance optimization, all applicable to esports wellness roles.
• Game designer – Create competitive games and design immersive experiences. A major in Game Design and Development teaches storytelling, level design, user experience, and coding, all essential for creating engaging esports titles. 

By combining interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on labs, and live-stream experience, 51����’s esports certificate equips students to explore these career paths and develop the practical skills that make them competitive in the field.

Explore your path in esports at OHIO 

Whether your interest lies in game development, live broadcasting, or the business of esports, 51����’s esports certificate program provides a pathway to explore those fields while developing valuable skills. Students leave the program with a blend of technical knowledge, creative experience, and professional readiness that sets them apart in a competitive and growing industry. 

To learn more about adding the esports certificate to your degree, visit the .