WMU becomes second in the state to offer esport minor amidst growing interest in the field

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University becomes the second university in the state of Michigan to offer an esport minor amidst the growing interest in the industry. This new interdisciplinary program will prepare students to enter the field of esport with hands-on knowledge of the values, ethics, arts and business of video gaming. 

Although housed in the College of Education and Human Development, the esport minor is a collaborative effort, embracing the strategic plan, mission and values of the Colleges of Education and Human Development, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business and Arts and Sciences. For the required electives, students can choose from one of two emphasis areas: values, ethics and art as well as the business of gaming. Elective courses span across the four colleges. 

“Esport is a growing industry, its growing rapidly and globally. There is a lot of opportunity in the future for our students here and we really wanted to be at the forefront of that,” says Dr. Colin Cork, assistant professor of human performance and health education. 

In fact there has been phenomenal growth in the esport industry, and it is estimated that the worldwide market for esport will be worth approximately $2.8 billion dollars by 2025. The industry needs people who are trained, not only in technology, but with the business, management, creating and scheduling tournaments, and often the culture of the sport.

“The investment and support that the University provides to esport has aided us on this initiative. Part of that initiative is the partnership cultivated with the WMU Esport Arena and club teams,” says Cork. 

Learn more about the esports minor

ABOUT THE ESPORT ARENA

The Esport Arena, unveiled in 2018, was a $500,000 investment funded by President Edward Montgomery’s Transformational Initiatives Fund. The venue is one of very few esport arenas in Michigan that provide space for practice, tournament play and professional production in one location. The state-of-the-art facility offers 36 gaming machines, of which 12 are competition computers, set in front of a 190-seat auditorium.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.