News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) will introduce Alabama’s first bachelor’s degree in Esports Performance Management and Coaching this fall. This program aims to meet the growing demand for esports professionals, focusing on health, wellness, and essential skills for success in the industry. Students will be prepared for careers in coaching, performance management, and related fields while getting hands-on experience through UAB’s existing esports initiatives.
Birmingham, Alabama – The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is set to launch Alabama’s first bachelor’s degree in Esports Performance Management and Coaching in the upcoming fall semester, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational offerings. This new program responds to the growing demand for professionals in the rapidly evolving field of esports.
The initiative comes as UAB aims to prepare students for careers not only in esports but also in related areas by applying an academic approach that encompasses various aspects of the industry. The program will include a diverse range of coursework that integrates health and wellness, critical for the productivity and longevity of esports athletes.
UAB’s introduction of an introductory class in digital gaming has already sparked interest, as the course filled up instantly. This class will serve as one of the core components of the new degree program. In addition to this bachelor’s program, UAB also offers a graduate certificate in esports and plans to introduce an undergraduate certificate shortly.
Curriculum Overview
The newly developed curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive education in several facets of esports. It will focus on key areas such as stamina and nutrition necessary for extended gaming sessions, alongside maintaining alertness and hand-eye coordination—crucial skills for success in esports.
Students will gain knowledge about the implications of long periods of sitting and movement strategies, thanks to UAB’s existing expertise in kinesiology. This faculty’s background ensures that students receive well-rounded training essential for esports performance management and coaching.
The program includes courses in physical education, mass media management, and motor development, all of which provide students with practical coaching experience. Electives such as sports economics and marketing will further enhance their understanding of the business side of sports and esports. Students with aspirations to become esports commentators, also known as “shoutcasters,” will find relevant coursework in mass media communication specifically tailored for sports.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this innovative program will have various career paths available to them, including roles within esports coaching, performance management, or further studies in fields such as physical therapy, neuroscience, or artificial intelligence research related to gaming.
As esports continues to gain recognition, UAB is taking proactive steps to educate school counselors about the potential legitimate career options available in this field, aiming to support students in their career choices.
Extracurricular Engagement
UAB fosters an engaging environment for esports enthusiasts through its existing esports team and a student gaming organization called Good Games UAB. This built-in community provides students a platform for hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the esports industry.
Enrollment Information
Prospective undergraduate students interested in this new bachelor’s degree program can reach out to the recruitment director, Caran Kennedy, for more information. For graduate students seeking to explore the esports program further, inquiries can be directed to Mary Frances Lembke.
With the launch of Alabama’s first bachelor’s degree in Esports Performance Management and Coaching, UAB is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of esports education and careers in the region.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Alabama College Offers Esports Degree
- Wikipedia: Esports
- WBRC: Esports Program Growing at JSU
- Google Search: esports professionals
- AL.com: UAB Online Programs Ranking
- Google Scholar: esports education
- OTMJ: Vestavia Native Graduates at UAB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: esports
- AL.com: UAB Online Programs Ranking 2023
- Google News: UAB esports
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