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Esports Certificate (Undergraduate)

Certificate Program in Esports

Discover the business behind the exploding world of esports with the Certificate Program in Esports in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Temple University. In the 12-credit, online undergraduate certificate program, you’ll explore the growing esports industry and how organizations, participants and spectators coordinate communities and events, consume content, and interact with entertainment products and the environment. 

The Esports Certificate Program gives students the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required to understand the structure of the esports ecosystem, as well as study concepts, principles and theories related to esports management, including 

  • athlete well-being, 

  • endorsements and sponsorships, 

  • governance, 

  • human resources, 

  • legal issues, 

  • marketing and merchandise, 

  • social media, and 

  • technology. 

Courses in the Esports program are taught by industry professionals and faculty with knowledge of esports including Nerd Street Gamers, Spectra Esports Partnership, and Temple University—making Temple one of the few universities offering training for esports employment opportunities. Not only will you learn critical communication and leadership skills needed to navigate esports business situations in this program, but you’ll also gain expertise in technology used across the gaming industry. 

students engaging in esports.

Photo by Photo credit: Joseph V. Labolito

Classes & Curriculum

In this program, students take two required courses and select two elective courses. Each of the four courses involves synchronous and asynchronous learning delivered in a seven-week online intensive format. Courses in the curriculum include the following.

  • Esports Legal and Ethical Challenges
  • Esports Management and Industry Trends
  • Esports Revenue Production
  • Esports Social Media Management and Fan Engagement
  • Special Topics in Sport and Recreation Management

Learn more about courses for the Certificate Program in Esports.

Related Graduate Degrees

Career Opportunities

The esports industry has become exponentially popular in today’s world, with a projected $3 billion in revenue during 2022 and viewership ratings second only to the NFL. Between 2020 and 2021, esports job opportunities grew more than 5%—providing those who earn the certificate with a variety of chances to enter the field. 

Upon completion of the Esports program, students have the skills and competencies to embark on a career in the esports industry in various spaces, such as journalism, media and communication, public relations, sports management and more. Possible career paths for graduates of the certificate program include the following.

  • Coaching
  • Event planning
  • Marketing 
  • Player recruitment
  • Player representation (sports agent) 
  • Project management
  • Sales management
  • Social media
  • Team management
  • Tournament operations

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for this Certificate Program is based on school or college of your major, program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website. You can also view the 2025–2026 tuition rates.

Our Academic Advisors

Advisors can help with scheduling courses and more. Contact the following faculty for questions regarding your School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management degree program.

Jarvis Bailey is the director of Student Services and an undergraduate academic advisor. He advises

  • all fourth- and fifth-year seniors majoring in Sport and Recreation Management,
  • all fourth- and fifth-year seniors majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and
  • all 4+1 students.

Phone: 215-204-1754
Email:

Giavanna Garsey is an associate academic advisor for undergraduate students. She advises

  • all Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management honors students,
  • all international students,
  • all pre-business students,
  • all student-athletes and
  • all veteran students.

Phone: 215-204-8161
Email:

Alyssa Huat is an associate academic advisor for undergraduate students. She advises

  • all freshmen, sophomore and junior Sport and Recreation Management majors,
  • students interested in the Certificate in Sport Management,
  • students interested in the Certificate in Sport Marketing and
  • students interested in the Minor in Sport Management.

Phone: 215-204-8738
Email:

Lauren McCulligan is an associate academic advisor for undergraduate students. She advises

  • all freshmen, sophomore and junior Tourism and Hospitality Management majors,
  • students interested in the Certificate in Event Leadership,
  • students interested in the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and
  • students interested in the Minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Phone: 215-204-8759
Email:

Program Contact

Heather Blackburn is the assistant dean of the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Phone: 215-204-4503
Email:  

Jarvis Bailey is the director of Student Services. 
Phone: 215-204-1754
Email:

Student Clubs & Organizations

If you have time in your academic schedule, student clubs and organizations can be a great way to meet like-minded students, connect with businesses and build the necessary skills for your professional career.

Undergraduate Student Professional Organizations

  • The American Hotel and Lodging Association helps students develop strong careers in the hospitality industry through organizing educational and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
  • Destinations International aims to help students who are interested in professional destination marketing careers within the hospitality and tourism industry.
  • The Event Planning Association plans and engages all student professional organizations to ensure that students are networking throughout the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management to help advance their future careers.
  • Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International gives Temple students interested in sales and marketing roles within the hospitality and tourism industries opportunities to network professionally. 
  • Meeting Professionals International combines education and networking to assist students in succeeding academically and professionally through fundraising, networking and various other opportunities.
  • The Professional Convention Management Association strives to offer its members career exploration and networking opportunities with industry professionals, as well as participation with the local and national organization. 
  • Society of Minorities in Sport brings together undergraduate students who are underrepresented in the area of leisure, recreation management and sport. Members are encouraged to proactively advocate and encourage diverse experiences and opportunities across the world of sport.
  • National Society of Minorities in Hospitality exposes students to opportunities in the industry nationwide and offers events and programs that bring together college-level students with advisors, company sponsors, industry representatives, mentors and hospitality organizations.
  • The Sport and Governance Association in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management exposes students to the governance and policy aspects of the sport industry through field experience, relevant guest speakers and interactive panels.
  • The Sports Marketing Association provides sport management students with networking and volunteer opportunities so they gain knowledge on the aspects of sport marketing industry careers.
  • Sport and Recreation Professional Association is designed specifically for Sport and Recreation Management majors. The group provides networking opportunities with students within the major and industry professionals through conferences, scheduled events and semester meetings.

Honors Societies

  • Eta Sigma Delta is an international honors society that recognizes exceptional academic achievement among hospitality and tourism students. The society is administered by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, the leading international association devoted to hospitality and tourism education. To earn membership, students must hold at least a 3.0 GPA and be in the top 20% of their class.
  • Rho Phi Lambda Professional Honorary Fraternity is a National Honorary Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Fraternity. The organization strives to recognize Sport and Recreation Management majors who have exemplified academic excellence in leadership, scholarship and service. Members develop professionally through campus and community service initiatives, networking opportunities, résumé building and scholarship eligibility.

Learn more about student organizations and honors societies in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Study Away

Sport, hospitality and tourism are global industries, and Temple students have the opportunity to explore these areas not only in Philadelphia but in destinations around the world.

The School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management offers several undergraduate study away program options. These are intended to broaden students’ perspectives, giving them an inside look at how these industries operate around the world. Study away programs also provide valuable, unique experiences students can take with them as they enter the workforce.

Students who decide to participate in a study away program can do so at the following schools.

  • Amsterdam University of Applied Science (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, PRC)
  • Kyung Hee University (Seoul, South Korea)
  • Leed’s Beckett University (Leeds, United Kingdom)
  • Modul University (Vienna, Austria)
  • Shenzhen Tourism College of Jinan University (Shenzhen, PRC)
  • University of Alicante (Alicante, Spain)
  • University of Bayreuth (Bayreuth, Germany)

Learn more about study away programs.

Additional Program Information