Esports Management Extension Certificate
Esports management is the business surrounding the competitive video gaming industry, from project management to financing, event planning to building a brand.
Create a career focused on the esports industry with our Esports Management Extension Certificate, offered in partnership with the Continuing Education Division of the University of California Irvine.
Gain skills in project management, event planning and digital marketing that you can put to work in this global, $1-billion-plus industry with many in-demand business opportunities. The Esports Management Extension Certificate program gives you the knowledge and training to become part of this exciting, developing industry.
Esports is a growing field. Companies such as Nike, Puma and Adidas have esports sponsorship deals and major telecom companies are acquiring gamer-centric programming providers. Innovations in video streaming capabilities have arrived just in time for gaming platforms and titles to capitalize on the value of their media rights.
As you explore the esports industry, including operations and organizational structure, you’ll gain practical communications and project management skills tailored to planning and executing esports events.
Our experienced instructors are involved in every aspect of esports and share their real-world learning with you. These four online courses also benefit game developers, finance professionals, community managers, marketers and project managers.
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Benefits
- Earn a recognized credential (extension certificate) to enhance your career prospects
- Prepare for a career as an esport event planner or gain additional skills for volunteer roles
- Develop your professional skills
- Learn from industry experts
- Complete through online delivery, open to anyone, anywhere
Live, online class requirements: Courses may include live online classes using Google Meet. All live online classes will be recorded and posted in Blackboard for those unable to participate.
Duration: Complete the 4 required courses (120 hours) within 3 years.
Online learningWe offer a variety of online learning options. Visit our learning formats page for more information. |
Overview of Esports
This course introduces you to the roles and influences that game developers have in this growing global industry. Gain vantage points from developers, athletes, fans, sponsors and media. Understand the structure of an esports organization and how it builds a brand. Learn about esports jobs and how to get involved in the industry.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration) : Esports Management
Subject code: XESM 10001 | 30 Hours. Fee: $599 |
Effective Communication in Esports
Learn how to present effectively so you can make the next big esports move for your organization or yourself. In this hands-on course, students practice and hone all major types of communications. Learn how to apply effective strategies and presentation tactics to specific esports scenarios, taking into account different levels of knowledge and sophistication in this relatively new industry.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Esports Management
Subject code: XESM 10002 | 30 Hours. Fee: $599 | ||
CRN 70181 | Online | June 20 - August 2 |
Esports Project Management: Live Events
This course provides insights into what it takes to be a project manager in the emerging esports field. Learn essential components in the building, managing and closing of esports events and projects. Understand the techniques used to analyze and categorize risks that come with planning a project or event. Gain skills in managing stakeholders and learn how to distinguish expectations in relations to scheduled tasks and budgets. Network with your peers as you chart your career in the esports industry.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject code: XESM 10003 | 30 Hours. Fee: $599 |
Esports Operations
Prepare to work and grow within an esports organization through a comprehensive understanding of organizational structure and common roles. Learn how departments work together to accomplish shared goals, and understand how to develop and execute promotions. Determine how to capitalize on funding opportunities, and track global esports issues and trends.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject code: XESM 10004 | 30 Hours. Fee: $599 | |
CRN 70182 | Online | June 20 - August 2 |
Tentative course schedule |
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Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan.- April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
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Overview of Esports | • | • | • |
Effective Communication in Esports | • | • | • |
Esports Project Management: Live Events | • | • | • |
Esports Operations | • | • | • |
The schedule above is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration available in June. Winter schedule and registration available in November. Spring/Summer schedule and registration available in March. |
- Textbooks: Required for the Esports Project Management: Live Events course: Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) - Sixth Edition and Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2009). Strengths based leadership: Great leaders, teams, and why people follow. Gallup Press available at the Cougars Campus Store.
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Students will be required to submit assignments electronically through Blackboard. To successfully complete courses in the program, students must have access to a computer and the Internet.
BRAD JONES
Overview of Esports
Brad is an Esports Event Coordinator with over 10 years of experience organizing events. Brad is an active member of the local Esports community where he serves as a co-founder of Alberta Esports Association, and acts as an advisor for many Calgary and Lethbridge based communities. Brad is also the Lead Event Coordinator for the Esports event Salt Flats, the largest independent Esports event in Alberta.
In his spare time Brad has traveled to some of the largest Esports events around the world and networked with other Esports events such as Get On My Level, Evolution Championship Series, and the Pokken Tournament World Championships. Before transitioning to a role as an organizer, Brad started competing in 2004.
ANDREW SIMON
Effective Communication in Esports

Andrew Simon is an expert in online communications with 10 years of experience in content creation and curation within the gaming space. A practicing Information Designer, Andrew approaches his understanding of the online space through ethnographic practice in defining the cultural experience of esports and gaming spaces. This includes the understanding of memetic impact or virality, effective communications, partner and sponsor relations, and other collaborative efforts. He currently serves the Alberta Esports Association (AESA) as an executive taking the lead on various projects: broadcasting, branding, social media management and production.
Other titles Andrew has held within the esports and gaming space are: Community Manager, Social Media Coordinator, Production and Broadcast Lead, Brand Management and Media Strategy. In the past he has worked with some of the largest YouTube Gaming networks, Twitch.tv brands, creators and other gaming oriented platforms or personalities.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Communications in Information Design. Having graduated from Mount Royal University, he seeks to give back to the community through his own experience, knowledge and expertise by being part of the newly formed Esports Management program.
VIC LY, P.Eng
Esports Project Management: Live Events

A leader in Alberta's Esports industry, Vic is the President & Co-Founder of the Alberta Esports Association and Instructor for Esports Management at Mount Royal University, Alberta's first accredited esports academic program. Vic is a sitting Board Member with the Canada Esports Association and Interactive Arts Alberta, as well as a sitting member of the Industry Advisory Council for the Edmonton Screen Industries Office, the Community Initiatives Committee for the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (Alberta Innovates), and the Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts.
Vic is also Professional Engineer and the Manager for Student Community & Engagement for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta.
GEORGE CORK
Esports Operations

George has been working in the esports industry for 7 years working with companies both in North America as well as Europe. He has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of esports, through his experience in the industry. Ultimately, George hopes that he can share his passion for esports and use esports as a vehicle to facilitate learning the key skills needed to be successful in the diverse industries within the ever expanding esports ecosystem. George has been recognized for his work and expertise within the collegiate sector providing lectures at various universities across the UK and further afield. Most recently he has been invited to contribute, as an expert speaker for the collegiate market, at the CEC (Casino Esports Conference) international esports event. In May 2019 he was invited to attend Collision 2019, Toronto as an Alpha Startup to showcase his company EsportsAcademics.
Contact us
For information about this program:
cehealth@mtroyal.ca
403.440.6867 or 1.888.392.3655
Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary AB T3E 6K6
Customize this program for your organization through our Corporate Training unit.