APUS Esports Program: A New Benchmark in Education

In the rapidly evolving world of esports, American Public University System (APUS) has just made a significant leap forward. The university's Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Master of Science in Sports Management degree programs have earned specialized accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). This distinction places APUS among an elite group of only 35 universities worldwide, setting a new benchmark for esports education.

The accreditation is a testament to the quality and excellence of APUS's programs, affirming that the university is well-prepared to make an immediate impact in the sport industry. As Dr. Brittany Jacobs, Chair of the Sports Management & Esports Department at APUS, stated, "We are proud to affirm the quality and excellence of our programs following an extensive analysis by COSMA. Both for the student and the possible future employer, this is a signal that the student will be well prepared to make an immediate impact in the sport industry" (APUS, 2023).

The strategic advantages of this accreditation are manifold. Firstly, it positions APUS as a leader in esports education and innovation. The esports market size was valued at USD 1.72 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 9.29 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.7% during the forecast period (2024-2032) (Statista, 2023). This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing popularity of video games, the rise of live streaming, and the growing trend of esports as a professional career choice among youngsters. APUS's accreditation aligns with this trend, making it a desirable institution for students interested in pursuing careers in esports.

Secondly, the accreditation enhances APUS's reputation and credibility in the field of esports. As the only organization that offers discipline-specific sport management accreditation, COSMA's recognition of APUS's programs validates the institution's commitment to excellence and innovation in esports education. This accreditation also opens up opportunities for APUS to collaborate with other accredited institutions and industry leaders, further enhancing its position as a leader in esports education.

Lastly, the accreditation provides APUS with a competitive edge in attracting students and faculty. With the growing demand for esports education, students are increasingly looking for institutions that offer accredited programs. APUS's accreditation makes it an attractive option for students seeking to pursue careers in esports, as well as for faculty members who are interested in teaching at an institution recognized for its excellence in esports education. This competitive edge can help APUS attract top talent and further solidify its position as a leader in esports education and innovation.



The accreditation of APUS's Esports program by COSMA can lead to significant enhancements in the curriculum and pedagogical approaches, better preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving esports sector. These changes will ensure that the program remains relevant, innovative, and aligned with industry best practices. The curriculum may include more courses on the business aspects of esports, such as marketing, revenue generation, and sponsorships, as well as event and facility management, player performance and development, and esports media and production. This is supported by the program's description, which states that it "examines the business of esports, including marketing, revenue generation, and sponsorships, as well as event and facility management, player performance and development, and esports media and production."

The accreditation may also drive pedagogical innovations, such as the integration of more hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. For example, APUS could offer more volunteer opportunities at large-scale sports events, including the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, as mentioned in the materials. This would allow students to gain practical experience and apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. The accreditation ensures that the program remains relevant to the rapidly evolving esports sector. This means that the curriculum will be regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in the industry, such as the rise of new esports games and the increasing popularity of live streaming. For instance, the program could include courses on the latest esports games, such as Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and League of Legends: Wild Rift, as well as the growing trend of live streaming of games.

In conclusion, the accreditation of APUS's Esports program by COSMA is a significant milestone in the university's journey towards becoming a leader in esports education and innovation. The accreditation enhances the credibility and marketability of the program, positions APUS as a leader in esports education, and provides the university with a competitive edge in attracting students and faculty. The accreditation also leads to significant enhancements in the curriculum and pedagogical approaches, better preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving esports sector. As the esports industry continues to grow, APUS is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of esports education.