Texas Tech University launches new esports minor
Originally published by: College of Media & Communication, Texas Tech UniversityOriginal author: Andrea CastroOriginally published on: March 17, 2026Texas Tech University’s College of Media and Communication announced a new esports minor during the inaugural Battle for 806 esports tournament against Lubbock Christian University on March 7, 2026.
Texas Tech University’s College of Media and Communication announced a new esports minor during the inaugural Battle for 806 esports tournament against Lubbock Christian University on March 7, 2026.
The event brought together Texas Tech and Lubbock Christian University for a day of competition, industry discussion, and community engagement while also raising funds for UMC Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Bey-Ling Sha, dean of the College of Media & Communication, announced the new esports minor during the event and emphasized the collaborative effort behind the program.
“I’m so proud the College of Media & Communication is leading this multidisciplinary, multidepartment effort that is drawing on colleges across our entire campus,” Sha said.
The esports minor is open to students of any major and is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing esports industry. The program combines foundational coursework with hands-on experience in areas such as media production, event management, and strategic communication.
Students pursuing the minor will complete fundamental coursework along with an esports practicum and internship. The program also offers electives such as sports advertising, gaming culture, social media, and sports journalism, allowing students to explore multiple aspects of the esports industry while gaining practical experience.
University leaders say the minor reflects the growing demand for professionals who understand the business, communication, and cultural impact of esports. The program aims to prepare students for careers ranging from team management and event coordination to broadcasting, marketing, and other industry roles.
The announcement also highlighted the continued growth of esports at Texas Tech. The university’s esports program was revived in 2017, and the Esports Competition and Streaming Lab opened in the College of Media & Communication in January 2023, expanding opportunities for students interested in gaming and digital media.
Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec attended the event in support of the program and students presented him with a commemorative Texas Tech esports jersey featuring the gamer tag “Schovey,” which is a fond nickname used by students and alum alike.
He also expressed enthusiasm about the future of esports at the university.
“Tech is going to be a big player in esports,” Schovanec said.
In addition to the announcement, the Battle for 806 event featured a panel discussion on collegiate esports and gaming research. Guest speakers included Hunter Cooke, esports journalist and Texas Tech alumnus; Michael Aguilar, program director at the University of Oklahoma; Dr. Chas Monge, assistant professor in the College of Media & Communication; and Dr. Doug Darby, executive director of esports at Lubbock Christian University.
The panel discussed the growth of esports programs across Texas and Oklahoma and provided students with insights into emerging career opportunities within the industry.
The day concluded with competitive matches in the games Valorant, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros., with Lubbock Christian University ultimately winning the Battle for 806 competition and taking home the traveling trophy.
For additional insights and exclusive quotes from the event, check out coverage from The Daily Toreador. https://www.dailytoreador.com/article/tech-announces-new-esports-minor-20260308