November 2, 2023
Galloway, N.J. — This fall, Stockton University was recognized as New Jersey’s first public establishment to introduce a Bachelor of Science degree in Esports Management.
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Esports Production offered by Camden County College is unique within the region.
The two educational institutions have teamed up to form the first-ever esports educational pathway in the state.
Stockton’s President Joe Bertolino expressed his optimism about the program during the articulation agreement signing event held at the university’s campus on Nov. 1. He emphasized the potential growth and impact of esports, highlighting the need for educated professionals to push further development.
The universities worked collaboratively to ensure that students could earn both an associate and a bachelor’s degree in eight semesters. According to Bob Heinrich, Stockton’s vice president for Enrollment Management, the university will accept courses from Camden as equivalent to its own undergraduate degree requirements.
President of Camden County College (CCC), Lovell Pugh-Bassett, expressed pride in the partnership, noting the role that technology and emerging career opportunities play in shaping the educational landscape.
According to Sarah Iepson, Dean of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at CCC, the program focuses not just on gaming, but also on cultivating critical thinkers with strong analytical skills and business acumen.
A comment from Stockton’s associate professor and Esports Management program chair, Noel Criscione-Naylor, emphasized the importance of esports production combined with a solid foundation in business, finance, marketing, and event management for cybersecurity.
Shane Costello, a student who joined CCC’s esports program during the pandemic, spoke about the social exposure and intercultural understanding esports provided him.
Costello is eager to use his knowledge in the execution of esports events, utilizing the high-tech Cougar Esports Arena available at CCC. He expressed an interest in furthering his studies at a four-year institution and admiration for Stockton’s Rocket League team.
Combining academic pursuits and gaming is a key aspect of the collaboration. Henrich revealed that students would also be inducted into the competitive esports team alongside their degree.
The partnership also hopes to create more opportunities for students, like gaming camps and tournaments, and cultivate other regional and national alliances, as mentioned by David Bruno, CCC’s associate dean of Educational Programming and External Relations.
“Our aim is to position South Jersey as a hub for collegiate esports activities in collaboration with our higher education partners, like Stockton University,” Bruno added.