Esports is no longer a fringe activity for students in college. Nowadays, academic institutions recognize electronic sports as an actual sporting activity. Some schools have even dedicated departments to provide a support system for gamers.
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Let’s go ahead and review the best academic institutions for esports in the United States.
University of California, Irvine
UC Irvine was the first institution to create an esports program — at least, in an official capacity. This college views esports as an extension of the young generation’s overall development.
UC Irvine’s esports program offers a fun-filled community for its gamers by providing several scholarship funds. The school also supports computer game science and hosts annual research initiatives.
Boise State University
Since its inception in 2017, the esports program at Boise State has featured a large swathe of gamers who represent the school full-time or part-time. The school also participates in the intercollegiate National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE).
At Boise State, prospective candidates can enroll for tryouts in different gaming communities, including League of Legends and Rocket League. The school also provides a state-of-the-art training center for gamers, as well as a scholarship program to support them.
University of Utah
Since 2007, the University of Utah has offered a game design degree, which paved the path for its current esports program. The school fields varsity esports teams in Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League.
From their lucrative sponsorship deals with Mountain Dew and Rockstar, the school’s esports team is ready to make massive strides in the future of esports nationwide.
Miami University
Miami University was the first institution to launch a D1 program for varsity esports. Since then, the school has won the following accolades:
- Best Overwatch Team, National Association of Collegiate Esports 2017
- Best Overwatch Team, National Collegiate Esports Tournament 2019
- Best League of Legends Team, National Collegiate Esports Tournament 2019
- Best Varsity Esports Program, 2020
- Best Hearthstone Team, 2021
- Best Overwatch Team, Esports College Championship 2021
The school also offers a game design program that features emerging technologies and simulation programs.
University of Akron
At the University of Akron, collegiate gamers can join teams for League of Legends, Rocket League, CS:GO, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and Valorant.
All members of the varsity esports team have a scholarship and compete at intercollegiate and recreational events.
The University of Akron also hosts a 2-week summer esports camp for kids. Admission prospects can also apply for the Game Design program to work with modern game engines.
University of Texas, Dallas
As a collegiate gaming pioneer, UT Dallas has produced over 70 esports content creators. The school has a broadcasting program for prospective commentators and journalists in this field.
At the moment, UT Dallas holds two titles for Super Smash Bros while holding top places in Overwatch and Rocket League. Apart from these games, UT Dallas also fields varsity gamers in Minecraft and Smash Ultimate.
Illinois State University
The Redbird Esports program at Illinois State University provides a platform for gaming teams to compete at the regional and national levels.
Illinois State offers esports scholarships, as well as a diverse, inclusive community for gamers, regardless of experience level.
The games played include:
- League of Legends
- Overwatch
- Rocket League
- NBA2K
- Call of Duty
- Super Smash Bros
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Fighting Games
- MTG Arena
- Hearthstone
- CS:GO
- Fortnite
- PUBG
- Apex Legends
Northeastern University
The esports at Northeastern University attracts students from all over the country because it has an inclusive community. Currently, the school has over three clubs and ten competitive teams. Some of the games they compete in include:
- Hearthstone
- Rocket League
- League of Legends
- Overwatch
- R6
- CS:GO
- Super Smash Bros
- Valorant
- Fortnite
- Magic: The Gathering
Northeastern also has a Center for Student Involvement where gamers capitalize on the support infrastructure to foster camaraderie.
Northwood University
Esports became a staple of student culture at Northwood University in 2021, following the COVID pandemic. The school placed second in the Spring 2021 Collegiate Overwatch league. Their esports team also won the Overwatch 2021 Cheez-It Grooves Invitational, as well as the NACE National Championships in both Overwatch and Clash Royale League.
The school’s recent success can be credited to its impressive esports complex that provides the necessary resources for proper player management.
Ohio State University
At OSU, gamers can blend research and esports as part of their studies. Supported by institutions like the Wexner Medical Center, this college is looking for the best ways to improve learning opportunities using gaming as the driving tool.
The Ohio State University fields teams in League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League. The DELL-sponsored arena also houses the team members, providing them with modern infrastructure for training and development. Students can also explore broadcasting opportunities as part of the esports program.
Conclusion
The rise of esports has provided a new avenue for students to combine gaming with academics. As schools start to embrace gaming as a varsity sport, college students will continue exploring opportunities to express their skills and represent their institutions at regional and national competitions.
So, if you are interested in pursuing a career in esports as a broadcaster, gamer, manager, or developer, check out the institutions mentioned in this article for more information.
