Falk College Department of Sport Management student Braeden Cheverie-Leonard ’26 (left), a member of the Syracuse University esports team, celebrates in the esports gaming room at the Barnes Center at The Arch.
Falk College Department of Sport Management student Braeden Cheverie-Leonard ’26 (left), a member of the Syracuse University esports team, celebrates in the esports gaming room at the Barnes Center at The Arch.
Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak
Opportunities Abound
Collegiate esports are growing in terms of number of programs and the size of programs at each school. A record 82% of colleges or universities with esports programs reported an increase in the size of their program in 2022, according to a study by Esports Foundry. As these programs grow and new programs start at institutions around North America, student engagement opportunities and job openings should expand, too.
Establishing a Foothold
More than half of all college programs have been around three years or more, a sign that the scholastic esports ecosystem is rapidly maturing and becoming more sustainable, according to Esports Foundry. This shows recognition by administrators and educators who are investing in esports programs as destinations for students interested in career opportunities.
Gawrysiak arrived from Shenandoah University, where he developed one of the first esports degrees in the country, to establish the new program at Syracuse. Falk boasts thriving sport management and sport analytics programs, along with scholarship in public health, social justice and equity.
Newhouse has been a leader in the space as one of the first schools in the country to offer courses in esports and communications.
“I’m looking forward to what’s in store at Syracuse and having the chance to work with students thinking about a career in esports,” Gawrysiak said. “We’re going to create a dynamic, inclusive environment and strong sense of community in our program.”