Be empowered! Choose your path and forge your future in the exciting esports industry.
This degree program includes experiential learning opportunities with the George Mason Esports program and other providers of work experiences. The practical setting for skills application is complemented by a rigorous curriculum, which engages students with a broad, general education on aspects of the esports industry. The combination of coursework and real-world experience provides students with a strong foundation from which to launch their careers.
Esports is exceedingly interdisciplinary, with many possible paths for exploring and channeling one’s passion for competitive gaming. In recognition of its diverse applications, the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management and Computer Game Design Program have partnered to deliver a comprehensive, balanced, and customizable esports education pathway. Students in this program will develop an understanding of the variety of careers in the multi-billion-dollar esports industry.
Graduates will qualify and be prepared for career opportunities in the following areas:
- Broadcast
- Event Organization
- Administration
- Business
- Marketing
- Media & Entertainment
- and more!
- The global esports market size grew from $1.64 billion in 2022 to $1.98 billion in 2023, with projections to grow to $10.91 billion by 2032.1
- Data indicates that the largest peak viewership of an esports event was the 2023 League of Legends World Championship, with 6.4 million peak viewers; the 2022 World Championship garnered over 174.83 million hours watched on only 143 hours and 45 minutes of airtime!2
- The largest prize pool ever for an esports event is the 2024 Esports World Cup, organized and hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at $60 million across 20 tournaments for 19 gaming titles.3
- There are several esports organizations with valuations from $200m to over $450m, including 100 Thieves, Team Liquid, FaZe Clan, Cloud9, G2 Esports, Fnatic, Gen. G, NRG, and T1.4
Sources:
1Statista – eSports Market Size Worldwide in 2022 and 2023, With a Forecast to 2032
2Esports Insider – The Most Viewed Esports Events of 2023
3Esports World Cup website
4Forbes – The Most Valuable Esports Companies 2022
Select four courses from the following: (12 Credits)
Note: Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students should complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Total: 18 credits
Face to face format primarily on the Fairfax campus. Students also can take courses via distance learning.
Current Mason undergraduate students should contact their advisor about adding a minor. Students may need to fill out the Minor Declaration form from the Registrar's Office website.
Current Mason undergraduate students should contact their advisor about adding a minor. Students may need to fill out the Minor Declaration form from the Registrar's Office website.
TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
Virginia Resident |
$592.50 (includes MSF*) |
Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,612.00 (includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee
($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$617.50 - $849.50 |
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,637.00 - $1,869.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Academic Advisor
Dr. Michelle Séki
Email: mgnoleba@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5200
Fairfax Campus: Krug Hall, Suite 213
To schedule an appointment: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/6Kh5DLqsxM
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.