West Virginia University has launched an online Bachelor of Arts in Esports Business and Entertainment through the College of Applied Human Sciences, expanding access to a career-focused program in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global entertainment industry.
The fully online program is housed in the School of Sport Sciences and covers event management, governance, marketing, communications, and business development, with coursework that also reflects broader shifts in the digital sports landscape, including sports gambling and fantasy sports. Courses are designed to keep pace with an industry that evolves rapidly, incorporating current events and emerging trends alongside foundational skills.
Students can customize their degree by pairing the program with a minor of their choosing and will have access to experiential learning opportunities that provide applied, industry-level experience.
The online degree program builds on WVU's growing reputation in esports, rooted in the creation of its on-campus program in 2021 and a varsity program that has won four national championships since its 2022 debut. Additionally, WVU served as the site for the West Virginia Scholastic Esports League fall finals, a statewide competition that drew more than 140 middle and high school participants to campus.
“The online format is a natural fit for students who are drawn to this industry and serious about building careers in esports and the broader digital sports and entertainment industry,” said Dana Voelker, professor and director of the School of Sport Sciences. “The curriculum is built on an industry-grounded foundation where students also develop transferable skills in digital communication, data-informed decision-making, event production, and team coordination that prepare them for careers across industries.”
The global esports market is valued at approximately $5.3 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow at roughly 20 percent annually through the end of the decade. The industry draws an estimated 640 million viewers worldwide, generating revenue through sponsorships, media rights, live events, and digital content, each representing a career pathway for graduates with specialized training.
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2026 semester. View complete program information here.