10 Best Esports Degrees Online in 2025

If you're thinking about pursuing a career in the esports industry, then earning a bachelor's degree in the field can help you stand out from the crowd. If you'd like to know more about schools offering esports degree programs, you've come to the right place.

Keep reading as we take a look at some of the best online esports degrees available at U.S. schools. We'll also define what an esports degree is and answer some questions you may have.

What Is an Esports Degree?

An esports degree is a degree in professional video gaming. Those who major in esports can pursue various careers � creating, managing, or participating in esports teams, or becoming professional gamers.

The esports industry is growing, with more and more people forming competitive gaming teams to compete in multiplayer tournaments in front of an audience. Many schools have begun creating esports degrees, usually at the bachelor's degree level, as a response to the industry's rise in popularity.

Coursework in an Esports Degree Program

Not all esports degrees have the same focus; there are programs designed to teach management, marketing, coaching, and more. The coursework you can expect to take may vary depending on the type of program you enroll in.

That said, there may be some coursework that overlaps between the different types of programs. Common topics of study include:

• game design
• event management
• international business
• media production
• broadcasting

Some esports students pursue Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees, which provide additional classes on business fundamentals that students can apply to the esports arena.

Specializations in Esports Programs

As noted, there are different types of esports degree programs focusing on different facets of the industry. Some common specializations include:

• Esports management: This type of esports education program prepares students to manage esports teams.
• Esports game development: Students in this type of program learn to design and create esports games.
• Esports marketing: This type of program helps learners develop strategies to advertise, promote, and market esports competitions, clubs, and more.
• Esports event management: Esports students in these programs learn to manage specific events within the industry, such as tournaments and competitions.
• Esports business: These are more generalized degree programs that help students learn the fundamental business essentials that apply to competitive esports.
• Esports coaching: Esports coaching programs teach students to lead esports teams and teach new players the rules of the game.

Best Online Esports Degrees

If you're ready to get started in the gaming industry, an online esports degree can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Keep reading as we explore some top programs to consider.

1. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public school located in Madison, SD. Students at this school can pursue several tech-related degrees online and in-person, including a BBA in esports management.

This program consists of 120 credit hours and offers three yearly start dates. Students gain essential skills in business operations and management as applied to esports.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,956.50 per semester
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public school in Grand Forks, ND. It offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs, including a Bachelor of Science in esports.

The program offers specializations in esports communication, esports graphic design, and more to help students tailor their program to their specific career interests. Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,951 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private school in Harrisburg, PA. Learners at this school can earn an online Bachelor of Science in esports management, production, and performance.

This hands-on program provides students with real-world experience, as they have opportunities to work with varsity esports teams as well as professional clubs and organizations. The program is interdisciplinary, drawing from business administration and technology departments to produce a unique degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $24,400 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Culver-Stockton College

Culver-Stockton College is a private liberal arts school in Canton, MO. It offers a bachelor's degree in esports and gaming administration for online learners.

The program is 100% online and features flexible eight-week course sessions. With five start dates each year, students can begin working toward their gaming careers whenever it's convenient for them.

• Estimated tuition cost:$400 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Northwood University

Northwood University is a private school in Midland, MI. It offers a flexible online bachelor's degree in esports management designed for busy working adults.

Students in this program can receive credit for prior learning experiences, including life and work experience. All courses are online and flexible enough to fit around work and other life commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $34,400 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Walsh University

Walsh University is a Catholic school located in North Canton, OH. Learners at this school can pursue a BBA in esports and gaming management.

This degree program can be completed in as little as one to two years, especially if you have previous college experience or relevant work experience. Students benefit from flexible online courses and three yearly start dates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $18,000
• Accreditation: HLC

7. American Public University System

The American Public University System is a private, for-profit online school system consisting of American Public University and American Military University. Both schools offer online bachelor's degrees in esports.

The school system features a generous transfer policy and flexible eight- and 16-week course sessions. The 120-credit programs provide generous military discounts for qualifying students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,400 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Post University

Post University is a private, for-profit school in Waterbury, CT. Students at this school can earn an online or on-campus Bachelor of Science in gaming and esports management.

Students in this program learn the many facets of esports, from game design and ethics to sales and psychology of video gaming. Students are prepared to pursue numerous careers in esports and business management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,327 per year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

9. Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a public school located in Big Rapids, MI. It provides a bachelor's degree in esports production that students can complete online or on campus.

The program helps students master the elements of game production, design, livestreaming, and user interface. Students can use these skills to pursue various careers in the booming esports industry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,778 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Fisher College

Fisher College is a private school located in Boston, MA. It features a Bachelor of Science in management with a concentration in esports management.

Students can complete this program on campus or entirely online. The online program consists of eight-week course sessions; full-time students can complete the program in just over three years of full-time study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $35,689 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose the programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to choose the programs featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
• Program length: All of the programs lead to bachelor's degrees and can be completed in four years of full-time study or less.
• Program reputation: Each of the schools is known for providing high-quality online and on-campus education programs.

Top Career Paths for Esports Graduates

Those who earn esports degrees can pursue various exciting career opportunities. They might find paying work as esports athletes, coaches, managers, broadcasters, or marketers.

Esports graduates can also work in more specialized areas of the industry, such as IT, translation, or social media management. They may even explore entrepreneurship opportunities, starting and managing their own esports clubs or tournaments.

FAQs About Bachelor's Degrees in Esports

If you still have questions about earning an esports degree online, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions you may be asking.

Is Esports a Good Degree?

Esports is a relatively new degree. Though there has been some debate about whether it is worth the time and money, many students who are truly interested in perfecting their gaming skills and turning them into a long-term career can benefit greatly from the skills and advanced credentials they earn in a college degree program.

What Can You Do With an Esports Degree?

There are many specific job titles you could pursue with a degree in esports. Some of the options include:

• video game developer
• esports broadcaster
• esports project manager
• professional gamer
• esports data analyst

Can an Esports Degree Program Be Completed 100% Online?

Yes, there are quite a few schools that offer esports degree programs entirely online, with no in-person components. Several of these schools and their esports programs are outlined in this article.

What Is the Highest-Paid Esports Degree?

Specific data is not available to determine which types of esports degrees lead to the highest-paying careers. That said, those in esports management, broadcasting, and marketing are often considered to have the greatest potential to forge lucrative careers in the field or in other business or tech disciplines.

Explore Esports Degree Programs

If you're ready to launch your esports career with a high-quality degree program, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to learn more about their available programs and to choose the best option for you.