During a recent episode of CheckpointXP On Campus, we discussed an esports minor degree at Northern Illinois University. Interest in gaming is growing with game streaming/esports growing and no sports for a couple major conferences in the fall. So NIU resolved to create a program that not only focused on coaching and strategy but also marketing and game design. This creates a more holistic view of the esports industry and what goes into it.

Jacob Brothers got a chance to catch up with Dr. Steve Howell, the director of the sports program at Northern Illinois University. And We got a glimpse into what sort of education you could be looking at when declaring esports as your minor at NIU.