Esports Academic Programs
UNCG is stepping into the future with its new esports academic offerings, blending innovation and education in one of the fastest-growing industries. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore careers in esports management, game design, broadcasting, and more. By integrating cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences, UNCG equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive world of esports and gaming.
esports Management concentration
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management may select the Esports Management concentration, designed for those interested in the rapidly expanding esports and entertainment landscape. This pathway provides a strong foundation in hospitality and tourism operations while introducing students to sports management principles, marketing and promotional strategies, event operations, and the business of competitive gaming. Through applied coursework, students gain the skills needed to support, manage, and grow esports experiences within the broader hospitality industry.
Overall Requirements:
- Program offered online or on campus
- 120 credit hours, including at least 36 credits at the 300 level or above
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Videogaming and Esports Studies Concentration
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies may choose the Video Gaming & Esports Studies concentration, ideal for those interested in the creative, cultural, and technical dimensions of gaming. As an Epic Games Unreal Academic Partner — one of only 36 in the nation — UNCG provides access to cutting-edge tools, interdisciplinary collaboration, and our state-of-the-art Esports Arena. Students explore game design and development, interactive storytelling, media production, music for games, and critical analysis of gaming’s impact on society, while also gaining hands-on insights into the production and execution of esports competition.
Elective offerings include game design, video sports production, video game music composition, and more.
Overall Requirements:
- 120 credit hours, including 33 credit hours for the concentration with at least 12 at the 300 level or above
- Minimum grade of C- or better in all concentration courses
Videogaming and Esports Studies Undergraduate Minor
This interdisciplinary minor prepares students to engage in the gaming and esports industries by providing a broad understanding of videogames and esports. This robust suite of courses highlights the diverse expertise UNCG provides students looking to level-up their education and training. With skills gained from both critical reflection and hands on experience, the minor places students at the forefront of the rapidly changing world of gaming.
Electives are offered in a diverse range of departments, including Art, Classical Studies, Communication Studies, Community and Therapeutic Recreation, English, Information and Analytics, Media Studies, Music, and Religious Studies.
Overall Requirements:
- 5 courses (15 credit hours) comprised of 1 required core course and 4 electives; courses may be taken in any order
- Available on campus only
UnReal fellows
The UNCG Unreal Fellows were selected by their unit heads to lead the integration
of Unreal Engine technologies in their research and teaching. With the shared goal
of improving the student experience, increasing student exposure to cutting edge
industry standards, and raising the bar for interactive media at UNCG, these Unreal
fellows are fully supported by Innovate UNCG in collaboration with the Network for
the Cultural Study of Videogaming.
UNCG offers a number of classes incorporating Unreal Engine including:
- ART 445 Advanced Modeling Class
- ART 400x 01 – Game Production Unreal Engine
- ART 491 & 492MST 271 Introduction to Media Production
- MST 483 Advanced Media Production: Virtual Production
- MST 497 Advanced Media Production Practicum: Virtual Production: LED WallMUP 346 Video Game Music Composition and Production
