American Public University System's Esports Program Earns Specialized Accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)

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American Public University System (APUS) has achieved a significant milestone as its Bachelor of Science in Esports Program becomes the first of its kind in the United States to receive specialized accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). The accreditation, valid through February 2030, also extends to APUS's Bachelor and Master of Science in Sports Management programs.

The Esports program, launched in March 2022, offers comprehensive education in both business and coaching aspects, including event management, player development, media production, and marketing. COSMA recently expanded its scope to include Esports Management programs, making APUS the first to meet their accreditation standards.

Positive

• First U.S. Esports program to receive COSMA specialized accreditation
• Accreditation validates program quality and innovation
• Three APUS sports management programs now hold COSMA accreditation

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• None.

The University's Esports Program is the First of its Kind in the United States to Receive this Specialized Accreditation

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) has awarded specialized accreditation to American Public University System's Bachelor of Science in Esports Program. With this latest designation, APUS now has three sport management degree programs that have earned specialty accreditation from COSMA.

The accreditation status is valid through February 2030 for this newly accredited program, as well as the University's other two related programs, the Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, and the Master of Science in Sports Management.

"We are proud to be the first Esports program in the United States to gain COSMA specialty accreditation," said Dr. Brittany Jacobs, Chair of the Sports Management & Esports Department at APUS. "This designation affirms the innovation and excellence of our program. It also marks an important milestone that shows our ongoing commitment to the University's learners and the Esports industry."

APUS' Esports program, which has been offered since March 2022, provides students with knowledge about esports from both a business and coaching perspective. This includes event and facility management, player performance and development, media and production, plus sales, marketing, and sponsorships.

"COSMA recently adjusted its scope of accreditation to include Esports Management programs, and we are excited that APUS is the first program to organize itself in compliance with our accreditation principles," said Heather Alderman, Executive Director, COSMA. "The University has given its program a great start toward excellence in sport management education."

COSMA, the only organization that offers discipline-specific sport management accreditation, is a specialized accrediting body that recognizes and promotes excellence in sport management education. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

"This accreditation demonstrates the maturation and high quality of our Esports program," said Dr. Brian Freeland, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at APUS. "We are truly grateful for all our faculty and staff members who help our Esports program stand out. I congratulate them all."

Visit here for more information on the Esports program.

For more info on the University's Sports Management programs, visit: https://www.apu.apus.edu/online-bachelor-degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-sports-management/ and https://www.apu.apus.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-sports-management/.   

About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 33-year history and vibrant community of over 153,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning¹.

APUS is in the top 11% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)².

APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu. 

¹ APUS has been honored with the Online Learning Consortium's Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium's Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/. 

² Ranking based on 20-year net present value (NPV) https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.  

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military. 

CONTACT
Frank Tutalo                                                   
AVP, Public Relations, APUS                       
ftutalo@apus.edu

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SOURCE American Public University System

FAQ

When did APUS launch its Bachelor of Science in Esports Program?

APUS launched its Esports program in March 2022.

How long is the COSMA accreditation valid for APUS's Esports program?

The accreditation is valid through February 2030.

What areas of study does APUS's Esports program cover?

The program covers event and facility management, player performance and development, media and production, sales, marketing, and sponsorships.

Which other APUS programs received COSMA accreditation alongside the Esports program?

The Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Master of Science in Sports Management programs also received COSMA accreditation.