Learn with Esports at NIU

There are so many ways to learn with NIU Esports!

NIU’s mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning. To do this, the university champions creativity and innovation – including advances in technology for playing, learning and research.

Playing esports offers many social and intellectual benefits. It promotes problem solving, creativity, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Esports is also a quickly growing billion-dollar industry, with a wide range of fulfilling careers – from game design and programming, to marketing, coaching, event planning and shoutcasting.

Esports-Related Scholarships

• Varsity Scholarships: Thanks to the support of our generous donors, we’re able to offer scholarships to every NIU Esports varsity player.

• Fierce Gamer Scholarship: The annual NIU Fierce Gamer Scholarship is provided by Dr. Levi Harrison, the Gamers and Esports Doctor, to celebrate NIU students who embody an inclusive gaming community that embraces and supports people of all backgrounds, and a balanced, healthy approach to video gaming.

Learn more about our scholarships.

Minor in Esports Industry Professions

NIU’s minor in Esports Industry Professions, housed in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, will provide you with distinctive preparation for this growing career field. Our program is open to all majors, offers coursework choices from four NIU colleges, and complements majors such as communication studies, computer science, psychology, physical education, sport management, kinesiology, business administration and marketing.

Learn more about minoring in Esports.

Research In New Technologies For Gaming And Education

Our Esports Arena provides an exciting setting for faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students to do esports-related research in their fields of study. We offer the opportunity to teach courses or conduct research using the VR, broadcasting/shoutcasting, and gaming equipment in our facilities. Contact us at esports@niu.edu to learn more.

Career Lecture Series

The NIU Esports Career Lecture Series is your chance to meet professionals from different corners of the esports industry, learn about their career pathways and ask your questions.