Esports Management Extension Certificate
Turn a passion for gaming into a career with our Esports Management Extension Certificate, offered in partnership with the Continuing Education Division of the University of California Irvine. As business opportunities flourish, the $1-billion-plus esports industry is creating global demand for professionals with the right mix of training, passion and knowledge.
This certificate positions you to play a role in this exciting, developing industry. You’ll gain practical communications and project management skills tailored to planning and executing an esport event. Explore the structures of an esports organization to gain an understanding of the industry and operations.
In addition to those new to the industry, these courses benefit game developers, finance professionals, community managers, marketers and project managers.
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Benefits
- Gain an understanding of the history and community of esports
- Explore the key roles and responsibilities within an esports operation
- Develop effective communications geared towards fans and decision makers within the esports industry
- Create social media content that entices esports fan interaction
- Apply project management skills and tools to initiate, plan, execute, and close an esports live event
Program details
Format: Online
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.
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.
Subject (for registration) : Esports Management
| Subject code: XESM 10001 | 30 Hours. Fee: $899 |
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Online | May 10 - Jun. 20 |
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.
Subject (for registration): Esports Management
| Subject code: XESM 10002 | 30 Hours. Fee: $899 |
| CRN 50182 | Online | May 25 - July 5 |
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.
| Subject code: XESM 10003 | 30 Hours. Fee: $899 | |
| CRN 50183 | Online | May 10 - June 20 |
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.
| Subject code: XESM 10004 | 30 Hours. Fee: $899 | |
| CRN 50184 | Online | May 25 - July 5 |
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. |
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- 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 . The store is closed to in-person sales and service until further notice. All course materials can be ordered online and staff are available to provide assistance.
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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.
Please meet the 2020-2021 Esports Instructional Team.
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.
VICTOR LY, P.Eng
Esports Project Management: Live Events
Victor is the Co-Founder of the Alberta Esports Association, Fundraiser for Extra Life Edmonton, and the previous Gaming Lead for Animethon, Canada's longest running anime and gaming convention. Victor has nearly 15 years of experience within esports, including: event management,mtournament organization, community leadership and engagement, and direct participation as a competing esports athlete.
Victor is also a Professional Civil Engineer with over 5 years of experience in engineering design, project management, and construction administration. Victor has previously worked in public education with the University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering and the TELUS World of Science.
Education: University of Alberta - BSc in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering & Construction Management
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.