University of Charleston

University of Charleston

male soccer player blocking opposing team from kicking soccer ball on soccer field

Sport Analytics

  • duration

    4 Years

  • format

    In-Seat

  • location

    Charleston

Program Overview

The sports analytics degree at UC offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in the dynamic field of sports analysis. The program goes beyond data collection and interpretation, providing a well-rounded education that combines diverse courses to develop expertise in various areas of the sports industry.

Sport analysts gather, organize and interpret data from athletic performance in games and practice. This program blends many diverse courses into a curriculum designed to prepare you for a position in intercollegiate and interscholastic athletic programs, professional sports organizations, coaching and entrepreneurship development.

The program also emphasizes the growing importance of analytics in professional and collegiate sports, equipping students with the tools and techniques to analyze athletic performance, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. Graduates are well-positioned to contribute to player development, game strategy, scouting, sports marketing, and other areas where data-driven insights are vital.

Courses within the major provide practicum opportunities, service-learning and internship experiences that allow you to work and gain experience in the growing field of professional and collegiate sports. By combining theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and a focus on the evolving sports industry, the sports analytics degree at UC prepares students to thrive in the exciting and competitive world of sports analysis.

Note: Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in Sport Analytics.

UC football players on the football field during a game

Freshman applicants with a 2.50 or higher high school GPA and transfer students with a 2.0 or higher cumulative college GPA are eligible for general admission to UC, and will gain direct entry into this program. Students may apply online or download the admissions application.

Program Highlights

  • You will gain knowledge through applied learning experiences and skills focused on technology, data analytics, and sport/human performance.

  • Sport industry professionals teach your classes.

  • The program works with the UC Athletics Department, offering students experiential education throughout the program.

  • Small class sizes allow personal attention from faculty.

Program Outcomes

  • Career Opportunities

    Career opportunities include:

    • Coaching
    • Sport Statistician
    • Sport Data Analyst
    • Sport Sales Analyst
    • Market Research Analyst
  • Transferable Skills

    You will learn techniques for collecting data, categorizing it based on need, and utilizing the information to improve athletic performance. These skills are transferable to any career field and highly sought by employers.

Additional Information

What Are Some Common Classes to Expect While Completing My Sport Analytics Degree?

While completing a bachelor’s degree in sports analytics, you can expect to take courses such as data analysis in sports, sports performance analytics, sports marketing and branding, sports economics, statistical modeling in sports, sports research methods, sports psychology, and sports ethics. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of data-driven decision-making, performance analysis, marketing strategies, economic principles, and ethical considerations in the context of the sports industry.

What Career Paths Can Be Available with a Degree in Sport Analytics?

A degree in sports analytics can provide a range of career opportunities in the sports industry. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Sports Data Analyst: Analyzing and interpreting data to provide insights on player performance, team strategies, and game outcomes.
  • Player Personnel Analyst: Assessing player statistics and performance data to aid in scouting, recruitment, and talent evaluation.
  • Sports Performance Analyst: Utilizing data to optimize training regimens, injury prevention strategies, and performance enhancement for athletes.
  • Sports Marketing Analyst: Analyzing fan behavior, market trends, and sponsorship data to develop effective marketing strategies for sports organizations.
  • Sports Business Analyst: Examining financial data, revenue streams, and market dynamics to drive business decisions within sports organizations.
  • Sports Researcher: Conducting research studies, surveys, and statistical analysis to contribute to academic or industry-specific sports research.
  • Sports Consultant: Providing data-driven insights and recommendations to sports teams, leagues, or agencies to improve performance and decision-making.
  • Sports Entrepreneur: Using data analysis to identify business opportunities in the sports industry, such as developing sports analytics software or launching a sports analytics consultancy.

Meet the Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Jessicca Baker
Jessicca Baker, MS

Sport Business Program Director
Assistant Professor