Southwestern Oklahoma State University has been continuing progress on its new esports team. Along with the team, there will be more academic involvement toward esports in the computer science program.
Students who choose computer science as a major have the option to choose an area of specialization which includes introduction to esports management.
“Esports will not be a part of our academic program, but it will be included in one of our degree programs, which is the video game design program. We have two faculty members who are very involved in video game design and Dean of Students Joshua Engle. Those three will teach courses in the video game design options,” Associate Dean of Students Patsy Parker said.
With the new program provided, students will be receiving hands-on experience for job positions in the esports industry.
“Students will be learning while getting hands on experience and learning more about the career and what some options are after students graduate. Some of those career options are coordinator positions — the coordinator is the individual who’s on the ground scheduling the events. There’s also coaching positions available. Other positions include directors or financial management. There are so many different options for students in the esports business after they graduate. What I like most about the video game design option is not only does this bring in jobs in esports, but esports students also can learn about computer software and how to build a video game,” Engle said.
In a video last month, Engle talked about the structure of the esports arena. The esports arena currently still is under construction inside the SWOSU Wellness Center.
“We’ll actually have one team on top of the other on the second floor, we’ll also have some seating on the second floor arena and some standing room,” Engle said.