Camden County College and Stockton University have formed a unique partnership to create the first esports degree pathway program in the State. Through this new agreement, Camden County College students who receive their Associate in Applied Science in Esports Production degree will be able to seamlessly transfer into Stockton’s B.S. Esports Management program.
“This partnership highlights both Camden County College’s and Stockton’s initiative to be at the forefront of new technology and to prepare students for new and emerging career opportunities — some of which didn’t even exist just a short time ago,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College during the articulation agreement signing on November 1 at Stockton’s Galloway campus. “We are proud to offer this opportunity to students who have found their passion in the fast-growing esports industry.”
“This program is a testament to our shared vision of providing high quality education and opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals,” said Stockton President, Dr. Joe Bertolino. “We recognize the potential of esports as a growing global phenomenon and the need for qualified professionals to drive its continued success.”
This is not a program “that just produces kids who play video games,” said Dr. Sarah Iepson, CCC’s Dean of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.
“This is a program that produces critical thinkers and students who have really powerful skills of analysis and thought, as well as these great skills in the world of business and marketing,” Iepson said. “It’s just a really phenomenal opportunity for our students.”
One of those potential students is Shane Costello who enrolled in CCC’s esports degree program after taking a break from school during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said playing esports at home allowed him to meet new people and push himself out of his comfort zone.
“When the world shut down, esports opened a new world to me,” the Somerdale resident said. “I started to play games and get involved in the community while playing at home. I’ve made friends all over the world and learned so much about their cultures and how they are different from my own.”
Costello said he’s primarily interested in using his associate degree to produce esports events, which is the focus of CCC’s program, along with their state-of-the-art Cougar Esports Arena — a dedicated competition space in Cherry Hill with broadcast facilities built directly into the facility.
Costello said he wants to transfer to a four-year institution, and he’s aware of the success of Stockton’s Rocket League team, which happens to be his favorite game. The Ospreys finished second in the College Rocket League World Championship Tournament in 2022 and returned this spring to compete.
“I chose esports as a career path because of how it brings together so many people of different cultures and backgrounds,” Costello said. “I’ve watched Stockton play the last two years.”
Both institutions are hopeful that this agreement will create more esports-related experiences for students, including camps and tournaments, and explore more regional and national partnerships, said David Bruno, CCC’s Associate Dean of Educational Programming and External Relations. “We look forward to working with Stockton University, one of our higher education pathways partners, to make South Jersey a regional and national hub for esports collegiate activities.”
