New program draws from Cox and Simmons Schools, delivered through SMU Professional and Online
DALLAS (SMU) – SMU is proud of its history of developing courses that address student interest in emerging markets. In keeping with this tradition, The Cox School of Business and The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development have worked together to create a new certificate to teach the business management side of the growing esports industry.
The fully online Esports Business Management Certificate, delivered by SMU Professional and Online (SMU PRO), was developed with some of the most accomplished names in the world of esports, including Danny Martin, CEO/Founder of Esposure; John Davidson, Director of Business Development for Esports Trade Association; Daniel Herz, Chief Revenue Officer at Mission Control; and David Chen, board member of the esports North American Collegiate League and partner at Faze Clan. Students will learn from some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs and business owners around the country involved in just about every aspect of esports, including team building, the business of esports (management, finance and risks), fan engagement, streaming strategies, sponsorship and tournament design.
The Cox School of Business is partnering with the Simmons School of Education and Human Development sport management program to offer this pioneering program. “It is only appropriate that we launch this program in Dallas, the birthplace of esports,” said faculty co-director Simon Mak, executive director of SMU Cox’s Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship and professor of practice. “The industry has developed into a multi-faceted multi-billion-dollar global movement, requiring a new cadre of business people and strategies.”
The certificate program expands upon the existing partnership between the Cox and Simmons schools to deliver the MS degree in Sport Management. SMU is also home to The Guildhall, the premier graduate-level video game development education program in the United States. Mak said the new certificate represents another step forward in SMU’s path to becoming the leading provider of video game development and esports education in the world.
The Esports Business Management Certificate consists of six courses, each lasting six class hours, and combines a mix of self-paced work with weekly live, online meetings with instructors. SMU PRO is currently accepting students for the program starting in Spring 2021 and prospective students can register here. Classes include Esports Ecosystem and Business Models, Fan Engagement and Sponsorship Activation, and Business Development and Revenue Strategies. The certificate can potentially be completed from anywhere in the world in as few as six months.
“The certificate program Esports Business Management provides an opportunity for individuals to be leaders in this nascent global industry. This program demonstrates SMU’s commitment to evolve with the dynamics of the sport industry and provide cutting-edge education,” said faculty co-director Sarah M. Brown, clinical assistant professor of sport management in the Simmons School.
###
About SMU
SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.
About Cox School
In 2020, the SMU Cox School of Business celebrates 100 years of business education. The Cox School of Business is committed to influencing the way the world conducts business via prolific research that provokes innovation, change and global thought leadership. SMU Cox offers a full-range of business education programs including BBA, Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA (part-time), Online MBA (OMBA), Executive MBA, MBA Direct, and Master’s degree programs, as well as Executive Education. Consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools, SMU Cox maintains an active global alumni network. SMU Cox is accredited by AACSB.
About Simmons School
The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU reflects the University’s vision of serving the most important educational needs of our city, region, and nation, graduating students for successful careers in a variety of fields and providing educational opportunities beyond traditional degree programs. Recognized as a unique and transformative leader in education research, practice and policy, the School is committed to rigorous, research-driven programs that promote evidence-based, effective practices in education and human development.
About SMU PRO
SMU Professional and Online (SMU PRO) offers a wide variety of certificate programs in high-growth professions to accelerate career advancement. Expanded knowledge, up-to-date skills, stronger resumes—the results can drive your success in a competitive job market. Backed by SMU’s world-class reputation, SMU PRO instructors are experienced practitioners in their fields, teaching the essential skills employers seek today.