Esports Health and Fitness Gra - Shenandoah Univ

The Esports Health and Fitness Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program that equips professionals with expertise in addressing the unique health and fitness needs of esports athletes. Through a combination of online and in-person learning, participants gain a strong foundation in injury prevention, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mind-body techniques optimized for esports performance. The program prepares graduates for careers as esports performance coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and researchers in the growing field of esports health and fitness.

Program Outline

Esports Health and Fitness Graduate Certificate:

Degree Overview:

Objective:

The Esports Health and Fitness Graduate Certificate equips educators, athletes, coaches, and fitness professionals with expertise in addressing the unique health and fitness needs of esports athletes.

Description:

This 15-credit hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, providing participants with a strong foundation in injury prevention, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mind-body techniques optimized for enhancing performance in esports. Students will apply evidence-based approaches to improve health and fitness, contribute to the growing knowledge base in this field, and develop skills to prevent injuries and optimize performance for esports athletes.

Outline:

Program Structure:

Total Credits: 15
Delivery Mode: Hybrid (online and in-person)
Duration: 2 semesters (1 year)

Course Schedule:

Summer I Year 1 (1 credit):

ESHF 700 - Musculoskeletal Terminology for Esports

Fall 1 (6 credits):

ESHF 703 - Nutrition for Esports (3 credits)
ESHF 702 - Kinesiology and Ergonomics for Esports (3 credits)

Spring 1 (3 credits):

ESHF 705 - Health and Fitness for Esports (3 credits)

Summer 2 (2 credits):

ESHF 706 - Esport Research Seminar (2 credits)

Fall 2 (3 credits):

ESHF 707 - Psychology and Neurocognitive Treatment for Esports (2 credits)
ESHF 709 - Capstone in Esports (1 credit)

Module Descriptions:

Musculoskeletal Terminology for Esports: Introduces the anatomical and physiological terminology specific to esports, focusing on musculoskeletal structures and their functions.
Nutrition for Esports: Explores the nutritional needs of esports athletes, covering topics like macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and dietary strategies for optimal performance and recovery.
Esport Research Seminar: Guides students in conducting research on a topic related to esports health and fitness, developing research skills and applying them to a specific area of interest.
Psychology and Neurocognitive Treatment for Esports: Investigates the mental and cognitive aspects of esports performance, including stress management, focus, and cognitive training techniques.
Capstone in Esports: Culminating project allowing students to integrate their knowledge and skills from the program to address a real-world issue in esports health and fitness.

Assessment Methods:

Coursework assignments
Exams
Research projects
Presentations
Capstone project

Assessment Criteria:

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of key concepts
Application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Effective communication and collaboration skills
Contribution to the field of esports health and fitness through research and application

Teaching Methods:

A combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, practical exercises, guest speakers, and online learning modules.
Utilizes an evidence-based approach, drawing on research and best practices in esports health and fitness.

Faculty:

Led by experienced professionals in the fields of exercise science, sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, and esports.
Faculty with expertise in research, teaching, and practical application.

Unique Approaches:

The program integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through guest speakers, case studies, and real-world projects.
Focuses on developing students' ability to translate research findings into actionable strategies for improving esports athletes' health, fitness, and performance.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Esports performance coach
Strength and conditioning coach for esports athletes
Nutritionist for esports teams
Ergonomics consultant for esports organizations
Researcher in esports health and fitness
Educator or program developer for esports health and fitness initiatives

Career Opportunities:

Esports teams and organizations
Fitness centers and training facilities
Universities and colleges with esports programs
Healthcare facilities specializing in esports medicine
Research institutions and consulting firms

Career Outcomes:

Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue various career paths within the growing field of esports health and fitness.
The program prepares individuals to make a significant contribution to the health, wellness, and performance of esports athletes and the overall development of the esports industry.

Facilities:

Students have access to Shenandoah University's state-of-the-art health professions facilities, including the Esports Arena, equipped with advanced technology and training equipment.

Related Programs:

This certificate can be combined with other Shenandoah graduate programs, such as the Esports Management (MBA), Esports Coaching Certificate, and Master of Science in Education, Individualized Focus.

Admission Requirements:

Bachelor's degree or near completion.
Required prerequisite courses in Anatomy I (4 credits) and Biomechanics, kinesiology, or exercise physiology (3 credits).
Alternative credentials considered: CPT, Licensed Massage Therapist, or NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).

Application Process:

Submit a completed application form.
Provide official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
International students must also submit verification of full-time employment for at least six months in the U.S. in their respective health profession.