青年涩导航launches M.S. in Sports Analytics
Data-driven strategies and business models are now the hallmarks of every industry, and sports is no exception.
From analyzing stats on player performance to understanding fan behavior, today's sports industry relies on the interpretation, evaluation, and effective use of the vast amount of data generated by technology systems. Managers, directors, and other executives are expected to understand the fundamentals of sports analytics, and all industry professionals require grounding in this area in order to reach positions of authority.
In response to this heightened demand, the Woods College of Advancing Studies is introducing an M.S. in Sports Analytics degree program, which will offer a comprehensive focus on all aspects of athletics data analysis. Graduates of the program will be able to apply their skills across a sports organization, from assessing drivers of performance to providing sales forecasts.
The program, set to launch this fall, will build on the success of the school's existing master's programs in sports administration and applied analytics, allowing students to benefit from a proven educational approach that includes exposure to real-world experience from working professionals, as well as strong industry connections in Boston, a city known for its sports culture.
Both full- and part-time students will be able to complete the hybrid program fully online, fully on-campus, or in any mix of the two.
鈥淥ur new M.S. in Sports Analytics program clearly responds to market needs,鈥� said Woods College Dean David Goodman. 鈥淥ur research reveals a demand for strong data analytics skills within the sports industry. Given our robust graduate programs in both sports administration and applied analytics, Woods College is particularly qualified to meet that need.鈥�
Patty Raube Keller will direct the new M.S. in Sports Analytics degree program. (Lee Pellegrini)
"Analytics are vital to the evaluation, design, and implementation of sports programs across the industry," said M.S. in Sports Administration program director Patricia Raube Keller, who will direct the new program. "Data is front and center in daily operations, marketing, revenue generation, customer interaction, staff management, budget decisions鈥攅ven player recruitment and play strategies. Sports organizations want to be able to use data effectively. They want to employ professionals who can translate data into actionable strategies."
Students, however, typically don't learn these skills at the undergraduate level, and many industry workers do not learn them on the job, she said. The M.S. in Sports Analytics program will fill that gap, equipping students to use AI algorithms, machine learning, and data assessment to enhance player performance and recruitment, create winning game strategies, increase fan engagement, forecast sales and revenues, evaluate marketing efforts, support athlete health and wellness, and assist in regulation compliance.
鈥淎nd, importantly," Raube Keller added, "our program will also educate students to use data in making informed, ethical decisions."
鈥淲e have built a very successful聽and rigorous set of programs in our M.S. in Applied Economics and M.S. in Applied Analytics,鈥� said Aleksandar Tomic, associate dean for strategy, innovation, and technology at the Woods College, who directs both. 鈥淚鈥檓 really聽excited about bringing these to a new realm, and collaborating with Dr. Keller and this new program to develop graduates who can not only contribute to and improve their sports organizations, but also push the envelope on the tools used in that industry.鈥�
As with all Woods College graduate programs, the M.S. in Sports Analytics curriculum will be strengthened by contributions from industry leaders, who will provide expertise and experience serving as advisory board members, participating in course development, and acting as teaching faculty in their respective areas. Students also will have access to academic and career support, and grounding in communication and other non-technical skills needed to succeed outside of the classroom.
The new program is an ideal choice for students with a bachelor鈥檚 degree who have a strong interest in sports management and data science or working professionals who see a master鈥檚 degree as a way to advance or change their careers within the sports industry, Raube Keller said.
For both, she said, "this program is a strong step toward that dream job in sports."
For enrollment and other program details, visit the M.S. in Sports Administration website.